I would like to know why the words ENOUGH and THOUGH end with the same 4 letters, yet they sound completely different and their endings seem to have a very different etymology.
What exactly is the deal with these two words!
dhi84 on
March 22nd, 2008 12:45 am
ive got a word or so much a word more like a last name (Heben) that i want to know the origin of….if its not to much to ask
sunshinecoaster on
March 22nd, 2008 12:03 am
Let’s see if you get this correct? To ‘beg the question’ Sunshinecoaster
zkgraff on
March 21st, 2008 11:22 pm
I always heard the General’s women refered to as “Hooker’s Brigade” not just hookers…
Concerning aptonyms, thought not entirely related, I thought about cognates. Any lessons planned for those?
Best wishes for a Hoppy Easter!!
t3wilk on
March 21st, 2008 11:21 pm
Marina, can you do the word PENIS. I have one and stuff so i need to know the origin of its name.
The word “snipe” comes from Middle English and is of Scandinavian origin. I would continue back through Old Norse and beyond, but I have a feeling that I may have inadvertently scrambled the letters of the actual word you were requesting. Or maybe I’m just hard on people who request words like this?
kyle123 on
March 21st, 2008 10:06 pm
hello
i would like to know the origin of the word SASQUATCH
cloneme on
March 21st, 2008 9:58 pm
Where Did Easter Come from??? Thanks for your videos, I think I’m The smartest student you have
cuba_libre on
March 21st, 2008 9:32 pm
Hi Marina!
I would like to request the word Bangkok
marcus wayne replied on March 21st, 2008 11:43 pm:
Hi, i’m Gadhafy from Lima-Peru. I watch yur show everytime you have a new one, And i find it very interesting. So i would like to request a word.
If u are guessing, your guess is correct. My request is my own user name, which happens to be my real name, Is unique, but i know it comes from somewhere/something/someone.
My request is the word: GADHAFY.
I will be eternally thankfull i you could help me with the origyn of my name. Thanks Bye.
freakykid14 on
March 21st, 2008 9:01 pm
can u please describe the word bashfull
bonzer on
March 21st, 2008 8:28 pm
Please investigate the word “horny”
tyro on
March 21st, 2008 7:54 pm
Hello hotforwords -
How about the origins of Hyperborean, teetotaler, and intelligentsia??
mizpiz on
March 21st, 2008 7:18 pm
Where does the word masturbate come from.
goodirishboy39 on
March 21st, 2008 6:20 pm
Dear Marina,
Where did the word Wrestling come from? Was the word used in the same way we use it today?
Your Devoted Student,
Goodirishboy39
P.S I love your video’s, now i actually learn stuff from Youtube. keep up the good work.
goodirishboy39 on
March 21st, 2008 6:08 pm
Dear Marina,
I was hoping you could find the origin of the word Human.
I’ll tackle Gazebo, and let some of my compatriots tackle the others. Gazebo perhaps comes from “gaze” + the Latin -ebo (as in “videbo,” which means “I shall see”). I say “perhaps” because that’s why my dictionary actually says! As for “gaze,” it is from Middle English and apparently first appeared in the 14th Century.
Yes, it sort of sounds an animal. Perhaps you were thinking of a gazelle?
Using both my French and English dictionaries, the English word derives from the French “fétiche” (1669) which evolved from “fétisso” (1605), which comes from the Portuguese “feitiço” (artificial, false) and can be traced back to the Latin “facticius” (factitious). My English dictionary gives a first use date of 1613, so the word was obviously being popularized in the early 17th Century.
Oh, and before I run away, Scott, I love Marina’s accent, too!
runawayscott on
March 21st, 2008 3:43 pm
Marina, I would like to request the word fetish. As in, “I have a fetich for girls with Russian accents.”
I couldn’t resist
sweetkellymay on
March 21st, 2008 3:42 pm
I know that (QWERTY) Is not an actual word ,but I’d be interested in it’s origin.
We all use it everyday ,so I was wondering how it came to be……
Look at the row of letters in the upper left region of your computer keyboard. QWERTY distinguishes your keyboard from, say, an AZERTY keyboard commonly used in French speaking countries.
I don’t know the history of the term, but I do know that back in the 19th Century, manufacturers struggled to find the best arrangement of letters on a typewriter, and QWERTY was coined to refer to the keyboard arrangement many of us use today.
Also, it is commonly known that the Dvorak keyboard is better suited for typing. It never caught on, though.
Not to be confused with quartz, which is a crystal.
buzzword replied on March 21st, 2008 6:21 pm:
I recall that the order of the keys were laid out to slow typist down because they would otherwise jam the hammers together as they came together to hit the ribbon. Gawd, we get older faster now don’t we. Anyone want to explain why we say, “dialing a telephone” or “rewind that” to the young people.
someoneuno10 on
March 21st, 2008 3:12 pm
i need to know the origin of the word kalash that is used sometimes to describe carraige
runawayscott replied on March 21st, 2008 3:41 pm:
I thought kalash was just a short name for an AK-47, I didn’t know it was an actual word.
The word “calèche” appears in my English dictionary, and can be spelled without the grave accent. The word is borrowed directly from the French. A separate dictionary entry is provided for “calash.” However, it derives from “calèche.” Anyway, the French word comes from the German word “Kalesche,” which in turn comes from the Czech word “kolesa,” which means “wheels” or “carriage.” This word is akin to “kyklos,” the Greek word for circle or wheel.
There you go. Anothe mystery solved by someone OTHER THAN our lovely and ever trusty HotForWords!!!
turkeyplatter on
March 21st, 2008 1:40 pm
Hey Marina, I’ve got a friggin’ sweet word for you.
“Onomatopoeia”
It means a word that describes a sound; and it’s pronunciation sounds like the sound it describes.
How did a word like that get into the English language??? lol.
Onomatopoeia - Hey, man, that’s Greek to me!
Actually, it does comes from Greek (by way of Late Latin). The Greek word onomatopoiia stems from onomat-, onoma (name) + poiein (to make).
Not coincidentally, the words “poem” and “poet” can also be traced back to poiein (to make).
I agree, turkeyplatter. This word is as sweet as cranberry sauce.
turkeyplatter replied on March 21st, 2008 2:36 pm:
haha, that’s really neat to know! Thanks!
allster on
March 21st, 2008 1:06 pm
Hi Marina! I was just wondering… Where does the Phrase ‘Have a good one!’ come from? I don’t see how this phrase came to relate to a good bye or see ya.
I hope you can figure this out…
-Allster
I think “one” just replaces “day” or “vacation” or whatever is understood or implicit in the conversation. It is therefore a catch-all expression. “Have a good one” most commonly means “Have a good day.”
Pedro on
March 21st, 2008 12:54 pm
Hi Marina! First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on your show. I’ve been watching you since you posted one of your first videos where you used a white board. Since then, I haven’t missed a single video.
Now, the point of my comment is to request you the origin of the word “douchebag”. Hope you can solve it for me. Keep up the great work on your show. Your faithful student from Portugal, Pedro.
hello Marina, in addition to linguistics and etymology, I was wondering if you have gotten deeper into meanings of words, symbols, the symbolism of letters and so forth. Example:
symbol / cymbal > sun / bel / bell / ball / eyeball > eye / iris / pupil / student > alumnus / illumined / light / bright … etc.
…if you can see the connections. If you have gone deeper, or if not but you’re interested in doing so, I would enjoy engaging with you on such topics.
the letters we use are as encoded as the words we speak, so letters themselves have meanings we weren’t taught.
An example is the letter “i”. The dot on the lowercase “i” represents an “eye” meaning one has an eye to see, whereas capital “I” represents one who is ‘blind’, has no eye to see, meaning he’s ignorant.
the “i” is only one example and I barely scratched the surface of that letter.
Bussword asked for references and I replied to that. If you’re interested, read my reply to him or her stamped March 22nd, 2008 3:39 am.
I don’t recommend any drugs.
buzzword replied on March 22nd, 2008 6:55 pm:
Check this alan watt stuff out. This stuff just fascinates me. I think perhaps I should have been a conspiracy theorist or cult leader, even better both!
what I also noticed is that guys like him always got the crappiest websites, ignoring the most simple rules of web design.
buzzword replied on March 21st, 2008 7:23 pm:
uh… I thought I’d visit your site, get a better grasp of what your talking about. I’m more confused. Can you provide some links, recommended texts or something to explain more?
to get a grasp of what I’m talking about, I highly suggest you look up Alan Watt at cutting through the matrix dot com. http://www.cuttingthroughthematrix.com
He’s studied ancient histories, all religions, mysteries, etymology, and a host of other things for a good part of his life. Watch his first video “Reality Check”. Read his first book…it shows you how languages are encoded. He also references other notable people, authors and books so you can branch off from there.
If you are able to delve far enough, you’ll be able to elaborate on the deeper meaning of “Marina”.
so, why don’t you enlighten me and tell me the deeper meaning of “marina”?
I’ll try not to laugh. promise.
paf6 on
March 21st, 2008 10:07 am
Hey Marina, I would like to request the word Animal, I’ve thought about its origin for a long time myself, but i can’t figure it out. If you can investigate it, it’d be great!
ian akori on
March 21st, 2008 9:55 am
Dear Marina:
Could you please discuss the origin of the word “brassiere”. It sounds like it is French in origin, but I am not sure.
The word comes from the French “brassière” as you suspect. This French word does NOT signify a bra, however. (In French, a bra is a “soutien-gorge”–so this comes under the heading of “faux amis” or false cognates.) Anyway, “brassière” means “bodice,” and was first used in the 13th Century. It comes from the Old French “braciere” (arm protector), which comes from “bras” (arm). The word “bras” is still the current French word for arm.
Now you are abreast of the etymological situation.
drunken taz on
March 21st, 2008 9:38 am
Dear Marina, would you please find out the origin of the slang term Spick Iknow thatit is now used as insult to Spanish people.but many years ago i read somewhere that it use to referr to Italians.
(it came about because when they said I no speak English, there accent sounded like there were saying Spick
We should keep all requests clean. May I suggest Spick n’ Span?
agarcia1314 on
March 21st, 2008 9:19 am
Priviet Marina!!!
I’d like to know the origin and meaning of the word “MISTRESS”
Why is that if your having an affair, the other woman is your mistress;
why can you just call her my secret girlfriend.
Thank you!!!
runawayscott replied on March 21st, 2008 3:37 pm:
Check the video entitled Mr. and Mrs.
that actually explains your question
Dirty ? on
March 21st, 2008 9:08 am
I’d like to know the origin and meaning of the word “terror” (and “terrorist”) because today a lot of people is abusing the word by using it in phrases like “war on terror”, and as far as I know, terror is a state of mind… So that would be the same as “war on christmas joy”.
So I think you need to investigate this further… And where did it actually come from?
Hello Marina, congratulations for your website. Now I wish definitely learn English! Well Marina I have a word to request. What’s the origin of “Tanga”
Thanks a lot!
angelluvsyou on
March 21st, 2008 2:31 am
hi marina!
i’m sorry i know you probably have a MILLLION things to do right now but i was wondering, i know it seems wierd to request a word like this, but could you maybe do a video defining “SLUT”.
thankyou very much if you can,
Soph xoxo (i love your videos they’re really good!!!) gd luk with your teaching
Well Marina, you can prove your knowledge to all those would be bloggers (all two of them, http://www.wordorigins.org) trying to discredit you, and raise your weekly viewers way past 1,500,002, by answering this tough question. What is the oldest word??? Hmm, shall we say the oldest written word: as in Egyptian hieroglyphics, Babylonian cuneiform, ect; or: old fashioned caveman paintings of a nice deer/fish/snake/bird/sun, or something else (not including the only 80 year old Scientology). This one may not be to hard, it will take you back way past the root word/Latin/Greek/English Oxford Dictionary. If you answer this question Marina, I will send you ……more subscribers, by word of mouth, through the grapevine, and by smoke signals to top it off. Thanks! P.S. Your English is great, your native Russian must be great, and to all those who have never been to a foreign country and attempted to speak the native tongue, try to do just that. The American Indian said it this way about those who don’t speak the truth, “man speaks with forked tongue.” Marina is hot!
No, I am not the TA. It’s Spring Break, and I have too much time on my hands. (And with all this typing, callouses on my fingertips, too!)
Anyway, I am not the TA here, but I am a Teacher in an elementary school. Needless to say, I do not teach my First Graders etymology.
I have an M.A. in French Literature, and I love to write fiction in which I create hundreds of words and names, often basing them on etymology or foreign words. So, HotForWords is right down my alley, so to speak.
Now that I think of it, I would enjoy being the HotForWords teacher’s pet. For now, greenbush, TA-TA!
buzzword replied on March 21st, 2008 8:06 am:
lividemerald, just because your on spring break does not mean you should stop taking your ritalin.
I don’t take Ritalin. That stuff is processed. I prefer fresh methylphenidate.
runawayscott replied on March 21st, 2008 3:36 pm:
Hey greenbush, i’m not sure of the exact first word, but I’m willing to bet that the earliest set of words were business records in babylonian cuneiform.
buzzword replied on March 21st, 2008 6:09 pm:
Nobody will ever know what the first word was. Written and especially spoken. The first meanings represented by symbols were pictographs. These changed into letters or the symbols became to cumbersome and symbols such as cuneiform developed. The first sounds as meaning could be as basic as tones produced by early primates to convey meanings to offspring. A first word didn’t spontaneously belch out of some early hominids mouth, “Fuck!” when he caught his mate with a neanderthal. Earliest words were probably scratched into the dirt and immediately lost. There isn’t any first word. Of course someone may hit me in the head with a bible and argue differently. That’s my opinion and I sticking to it.
Funny—the History Channel just showed a documentary about the history of prostitution, and accredited “Corlear’s Hook” as being the source of the term “hooker”…I guess we’ll never know for certain.
mac2991 on
March 21st, 2008 12:13 am
Hello Hot For Words, I’ve got a type of food for you that I would love to know the answer to: ” Sloppy Joe,” I would like to know if the “Average Joe” ate these regularly and if not where did the term come from for the delicious food.
According to my dictonary, “sloppy joe” dates to 1961. The dictionary also makes the rather bold assumption that “joe” stems from “Joseph.”
Are you implying that the average Joe is also sloppy (not to mention ex-military)?
And a very personal question: Do you prefer a Sloppy Joe . . . or a Big Mac? (If you know the answer to this question, please write it in the comments below.)
The Hooker game was pretty good but I lost. Oh well that won’t ruin my 3-day weekend including my friends’ b-day party I’m going to.
jsmooth5atl on
March 20th, 2008 8:09 pm
This was a very funny game even if I heard the answer on the Maxim radio show. I hope their will be more “guess the answer” games. Also will their be a new “guess the word” game ?
augie on
March 20th, 2008 7:14 pm
thta sooo ummm hookerhot KISSES
gezjenk on
March 20th, 2008 7:05 pm
Hi Marina,
Thank you for bringing some intelligence back onto the internet I have enjoyed all of the lessons you have done so far.
I am curious to why the word LEAGUE came to mean a measure of distance and (according to my dictionary) an agreement for mutual help. I’ve never really thought about it till it came up today.
just wait a few years. it ain’t gonna be improper then.
Dirty ? replied on March 21st, 2008 9:11 am:
because “ain’t” is the conjunction of “are not” which is plural…
So you would have to say: Why ARE ain’t improper… So it’s just effed up. For the time… just use isn’t
tnknights replied on March 21st, 2008 10:30 am:
Naw, ‘ain’t’ always plural. It can also be “am not.” -askoxford.com-
- I ain’t goin fishin
- We ain’t going either
You know, like y’all is singular. All y’all is plural!
Speaking of the Easter Bunny, is true that if one of his Easter Eggs begins to crack, it is called a hare-line fracture?
dvdpage replied on March 20th, 2008 9:49 pm:
coment on bunny association with easter by kykysha,
When I lived in Germany I heard from a friend that in the olden times the land barons would require crops and shares for taxes from the people. In a bad year when there wasn’t enough to eat, the baron(whoever) would not accept any alibi’s so the people painted eggs and carried the eggs in thier baskets (eggs were all they had to give). Hopping like hares up the long road to the castle the baron saw the people and marveled curiosly at what great gifts must be arriving. He liked the show so much that he called the people easter hares. Accepting their gifts…the eggs were aptly named easter eggs.
runawayscott replied on March 21st, 2008 3:31 pm:
The way I figure is that Easter started out as a pagan holiday that predated chritianity. as a spring holiday it would celebrate using symbols of fertility, like eggs and rabbits (you know ‘mating like rabbits’) and once chritianity hit the scene the eggs and bunnies sort of carried over.
My dictionary shows the term “jaywalk” being coined in 1919. “skywalk” was coined in 1953. Jaywalker is a form of jaywalk. And Skywalker is a Jedi form of skywalk.
But your request is a good one. Maybe the letter “J” has something to do with it? My dictionary doesn’t give any clues as to how the word “jay” became associated with “walk” to produce the word “jaywalk.” Interesting question, Sara. .. . Maybe HotForWords will decide to investigate!!!
Sara replied on March 20th, 2008 5:43 pm:
I’d be flattered if she did, but I’m sure there are others before me that have been waiting longer than I have.
Thank you though for your interpretation of the word “Jaywalk” Nice touch with the StarWars joke.
BillyB replied on March 21st, 2008 11:28 pm:
Here’s a link to why “HFW” is needed in the USA. As a Canuck I think your average American would say that “Jaywalking” originated with a need to get to the other side. Marina’s answer would be much more insightful & entertaining though. Hope this link thingy works, never tried it before.
This version of “Jaywalking” is of course from “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”. Entertaining as it is showcasing how smart, or dumb Americans can be, doesn’t quite answer my question on the origin of how “Jaywalking” got it’s start.
Werewolf reminds me of a scene in Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein.” The gist of the repartee is that when Dr Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) queries: “Werewolf?” Igor (Marty Feldman) points and replies, “There! There wolf!” Pretty lame joke, actually. But I love the movie. I’ve watched it countless times. Which brings up another more amusing scene in which Gene Wilder exclaims, “Wow! What knockers!” (referring ambiguously to either Teri Garr’s breasts or to the door’s knockers). This has to make one wonder: How did knockers become associated with women’s breasts?
runawayscott replied on March 20th, 2008 5:04 pm:
I sense a small bit of ADD in that sentence
No offense
Hi Marina, I like the hooker answer. I knew about the Gen. Hooker story since the History Channel did a show on sex during the Civil War last year and they claimed that the Washington Post first used the term during the scandel. I also like hookers a lot. I have been dating two different ones weekly for the past year. I guess you can say I’m “buy-sexual.” Is that an aptronym?
I want to know the origin of the word SEXY* so I’ll know what it means next time I look at you; my beatiful, trusty HotForWords
*I already checked and the word has not yet been done before.
hc88 on
March 20th, 2008 3:59 pm
Hi Marina,
can you tell me where does the phrase ‘to win hands down’ come from,
keep up the great work, i have learnt so much and have a happy Easter
remsterz on
March 20th, 2008 3:40 pm
Hi Marina, I just LUV the shows and explanations… A word I came across recently, which to be honest I had never heard b4 (Im dutch so english ain’t my native language ), was the word:
“KERFUFFLE”
In the series “little britain” it is used quite often in a certain sketch in a hilarious way … (Lou and Andy sketch for insiders )…
Check out youtube on Little Britain if you wish to know more about it…
I hope you will start your inquiry soon…
gr. Remsterz
larsonel on
March 20th, 2008 2:29 pm
I love your classes. You make learning fun with your sharp wit and sense of humor. You are also incredibly beautiful and your uber sexy accent has me running for a cold shower every time I hear you. In addition to all this you really have a nice rack. larsonel : ) This summer I would like you to hold a special summer session from the poolside. After you’ve sunned for a while come inside and give us a peek at your tan lines. I have to go now my showers ready. larsonel P.S. You would look great in anything, but the sparkle in your eyes is priceless. You are Babe-a-licious Ballerina Marina
Sara replied on March 20th, 2008 4:56 pm:
You seem fixed on her “eyes” .
As for the poolside sessions, that probably won’t happen. Aww, too bad.
buzzword replied on March 20th, 2008 7:42 pm:
Cold showers do not seem to be working, I think he needs iced.
buzzword replied on March 20th, 2008 7:51 pm:
Dude, I have a nice rack. My Yakima rack holds our bikes and canoes, plus loads of gear. People are always scoping my rack when I’m driving and it always draws a crowd when I unload it. My t-shirt shaped tan line always makes people smile. If Marina doesn’t answer your request I can send you pics.
Buzzword, I’m ROTFLMSAO! Very funny. Im surprised I never heard that line before. Interestingly enough I was just scoping out this ladies Yakima cargo rack today. I was reminessing about turning down a job with Yakima 20 years ago. I was living in Yakima, Wa at the time. As it turned out they don’t build Yakima racks in Yakima. Oh well.
dragonvariation on
March 20th, 2008 2:24 pm
Actually, from an anatomical point-of-view, it seems like the johns should be the hookers and the streetwalkers the hookees.
emjay111 on
March 20th, 2008 2:16 pm
Hey Marina!
Outstanding! I was curious about the General Hooker answer, because I lived in Washington DC where his army camped out for a while.
I have a word request as well. The English word jail used to be spelled gaol. Can you look into the origin of this word and why it changed? Thanks!
“Jail” comes from Latin by way of Old French. The French word “geôle” is commonly found in French texts. In my Petit Robert dictionary, the word “geôle” is given as “old” or “literary.” A jailer is a “geôlier” or “geôlière” depending on whether the jailer is a he or a she. The old French word is apparently “jaiole,” and it comes from Low Latin “caveola” from the word “cavea” which means “cage.” It seems that “cavea” gave us both “cage” and “jail” — and both by way of Old French.
mychanellife on
March 20th, 2008 1:36 pm
i have a request!
how did the phrase “the world is your oyster” come about
i’m also curious about “paint the town red”
“The world is your oyster” was coined by the Oyster Bunny on one of his Oyster egg hunts. “Paint the town red” was Clint Eastwood’s idea.
rocket on
March 20th, 2008 1:27 pm
Hi!
I have a word request:
Why when you lose your job it is said that you are being “fired”?
Does it have any relation with combustion or burning fire?
Thanks!
radical_x on
March 20th, 2008 1:24 pm
Dear Beautiful proffesor
I ‘d like to ask u if u have the time to find from where the expression “out of blue” comes from.Also i’d like to thank u for all these useful thinks that i learned through your videos!!!!
One of your million students
R-x
JD on
March 20th, 2008 12:57 pm
Another 5 star lesson!
I love how you collaborate, promote and share with others on the internet. (Although I will never understand why you associate yourself with sxephil)
Anyway, you are a true example of how the internet should work… where everyone contributes and shares and we all win!
nighteye on
March 20th, 2008 12:40 pm
Marina, I wonder, what do sledgehammers have to do with sledges?
erro0257 on
March 20th, 2008 12:36 pm
I have a suggestion. What about discombobulated? & why is there no combobulated?
mb. on
March 20th, 2008 12:35 pm
Hi Marina,
can you tell me the origin of the word:
“Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis”
I believe everyone would love to hear you spelling it.
several forces seem to emerge. for quite some time we’ve known about the anti-f-bombers. observations suggest that they are going to ally with rigamarole-bombers.
I propose we assume, pending further notice, that they are enemy forces, and therefore a threat. until we know better, we should activate our raising-eyebrow systems. furthermore, we ought to inform our rolling-eyes bases.
awaiting orders, sir.
buzzword replied on March 20th, 2008 7:14 pm:
The Asses of Evil! I’ve long suspected they have been hiding Opinions of Mass Obstruction and developing Mental Weapons. Your response is indeed appropriate. I have shaved my head to allow for maximum eyebrow elevation and rolling-eyes bases are on 20/20 alert. Perhaps the doctrine of Mutual Assured Deconstruction will prevent the use of deadly farce. Deploy the subtext, this shit is going to get deep. Now a word from the President of the United States.
Marina-
Great stuff. I’ve never enjoyed learning so much. You alone are making America’s vocabulary bigger. Now here’s one for you: Bazooka. I think I know the answer, but it would be nice to know for sure.
Luv ya,
your Stepmother
kaemon on
March 20th, 2008 11:19 am
dear hotforwords, can u please tell about the word articulate
tryant on
March 20th, 2008 11:17 am
EYES WOW You better just quit it Marina. Yer gonna give this old duffer a heart attack! JK of course,keep after the good work.
I wanna see You in a movie with KZ Jones sporting machine guns and rippin the place to shreds,will You be the next lady action hero please?. Maybe You could go rescue Governor Schwarzenegger from MK Olsen and Her evil twin Ashley. Never know,might work.
Everybody is writing Happy Easter and maybe she doesn’t believe in such thing or she attend to that religious festivity the 27 of April like Orthodox.
By the way, what is the origin of that word, Easter?
pupilo no. 1 on
March 20th, 2008 9:55 am
Marina,
Even though I have heard the answer on your Maxim Radio clip, I enjoyed as always watching your video clip with the explanation of the word.
Solamente te quiero desear lo mejor estas Pascuas. Tambien tue quiero decir que a pesar de ser una mujer extremadamente atractiva fisicamente, en verdad tu atractivo intelectual es mucho mas grande.
Te mando muchos besos,
Tu admirador y alumno No. 1
(Translation for those who complain a lot: I just would like to wish you the best for Easter. Also I would would like to tell you that inspite of being an extremely attractive woman, your intellectual attractiveness is much bigger. I am sending you lots of kisses, Your admirer and No. 1 student)…
bruce177 on
March 20th, 2008 9:36 am
Hi Marina,
At the end of “hooker answer” the picks and music are great I know I speek for loads of your loyal students when I say can you create a screen saver of some of your stunning pictures. Have a great Easter.
Bruce177
muggins replied on March 20th, 2008 11:47 am:
Yes, indeed, there simply must be a Marina screensaver
Bob replied on March 24th, 2008 9:43 pm:
Actually, this is easy to do for yourself using the pause button when viewing a video full screen on the Youtube channel, then take a screenshot and pasteing it into MS Paint for conversion and cropping.
This is the simplest and cheapest way to do it; of course you can buy more sophisticated software to do essentially the same thing.
Just make sure it’s only for your own use and don’t infringe Marina’s copyright by trying to sell them or she might get the boys from the Lubyanka to pay you a visit.
muggins replied on March 24th, 2008 10:42 pm:
@ Bob,
I followed you until the phrase “…take a screenshot…”. How do I take a screenshot? Is that a browser function or a Windows app or what?
press the “Print” key (right next to “F12″). this will “take a picture” of your screen and save it to the clipboard / temporary memory.
open paint.
press ctrl + v or “edit -> insert”.
“save” / “save as”.
if you got windows vista, you can also use the snipping tool (start -> programs -> tools -> snipping tool).
Thanks to you, alx, for that useful information about screenshots.
You ain’t bob. “Ain’t” is an interesting contraction, ain’t it? It might be a good topic for HotForWords to explore.
stopmerightnow on
March 20th, 2008 9:24 am
hy Marina i just subscribed to your videos and i would like u to tell me the origin of the name ,, Bogdan ” ,that is my name and now i wander what does it mean ,oh and just wanted to say that i think that u are a wonderful ,smart and funny girl
stretch on
March 20th, 2008 9:04 am
Have a Great safe Easter Marina
stretch on
March 20th, 2008 9:01 am
the word i would like to know if possible is Spoon & Fork..when was it first used and by whom
There are actually some funny words that combine “spoon” and “fork.” One is the word “spork.”
According to Wikipedia, a spork “is a portmanteau combining the words spoon and fork. The word “spork” appeared in the 1909 supplement to the Century Dictionary, where it was described as a trade name and “a ‘portmanteau-word’ applied to a long, slender spoon having at the end of the bowl projections resembling the tines of a fork”. Sporks are occasionally known as foons.”
Sporks are very common. If you consult Wikipedia, the photo there will have you nodding and admitting you’ve used sporks a lot!
hello marina this is my first time…… jajaja here… so i would like to know why in america they call this all week as “Holy Week” and “Easter”. i Know that the origen to this work is for catholic stuff but i was confused ’cause in another religion “Easter” it has a different mean????
and in another question… WTF, OMG, LOL will be new word or what…. because all the people star to used those word by text messege!!!!
I caught your birth mark in this video at 1:11 - just under the right arm pit - inside of the arm! I think I guessed that right the first time, I’ll have to go back and see. I deserve a ringtone!
You might also have one on the right cheek (face) closer to your ear than to your nose. But that one is hard to make out.
keystone cops
I would like to know why the words ENOUGH and THOUGH end with the same 4 letters, yet they sound completely different and their endings seem to have a very different etymology.
What exactly is the deal with these two words!
ive got a word or so much a word more like a last name (Heben) that i want to know the origin of….if its not to much to ask
Let’s see if you get this correct? To ‘beg the question’ Sunshinecoaster
I always heard the General’s women refered to as “Hooker’s Brigade” not just hookers…
Concerning aptonyms, thought not entirely related, I thought about cognates. Any lessons planned for those?
Best wishes for a Hoppy Easter!!
The word “snipe” comes from Middle English and is of Scandinavian origin. I would continue back through Old Norse and beyond, but I have a feeling that I may have inadvertently scrambled the letters of the actual word you were requesting. Or maybe I’m just hard on people who request words like this?
hello
i would like to know the origin of the word SASQUATCH
Where Did Easter Come from??? Thanks for your videos, I think I’m The smartest student you have
Hi Marina!
I would like to request the word Bangkok
I see you never been there my friend.
Dear Professor:
Hi, i’m Gadhafy from Lima-Peru. I watch yur show everytime you have a new one, And i find it very interesting. So i would like to request a word.
If u are guessing, your guess is correct. My request is my own user name, which happens to be my real name, Is unique, but i know it comes from somewhere/something/someone.
My request is the word: GADHAFY.
I will be eternally thankfull i you could help me with the origyn of my name. Thanks Bye.
can u please describe the word bashfull
Hello hotforwords -
How about the origins of Hyperborean, teetotaler, and intelligentsia??
Where does the word masturbate come from.
Dear Marina,
Where did the word Wrestling come from? Was the word used in the same way we use it today?
Your Devoted Student,
Goodirishboy39
P.S I love your video’s, now i actually learn stuff from Youtube. keep up the good work.
Dear Marina,
I was hoping you could find the origin of the word Human.
Your Devoted Student,
goodirishboy39
OK, first time poster. Long time lurker.
A few words I want to know about:
Uncouth. And why is there no “Couth”?
Placebo. Is this an imaginary word?
Gazeebo. Sounds like an animal…
Pratfall. Who was Prat, and why did he fall?
I’ll tackle Gazebo, and let some of my compatriots tackle the others. Gazebo perhaps comes from “gaze” + the Latin -ebo (as in “videbo,” which means “I shall see”). I say “perhaps” because that’s why my dictionary actually says! As for “gaze,” it is from Middle English and apparently first appeared in the 14th Century.
Yes, it sort of sounds an animal. Perhaps you were thinking of a gazelle?
Using both my French and English dictionaries, the English word derives from the French “fétiche” (1669) which evolved from “fétisso” (1605), which comes from the Portuguese “feitiço” (artificial, false) and can be traced back to the Latin “facticius” (factitious). My English dictionary gives a first use date of 1613, so the word was obviously being popularized in the early 17th Century.
Oh, and before I run away, Scott, I love Marina’s accent, too!
Marina, I would like to request the word fetish. As in, “I have a fetich for girls with Russian accents.”
I couldn’t resist
I know that (QWERTY) Is not an actual word ,but I’d be interested in it’s origin.
We all use it everyday ,so I was wondering how it came to be……
Look at the row of letters in the upper left region of your computer keyboard. QWERTY distinguishes your keyboard from, say, an AZERTY keyboard commonly used in French speaking countries.
I don’t know the history of the term, but I do know that back in the 19th Century, manufacturers struggled to find the best arrangement of letters on a typewriter, and QWERTY was coined to refer to the keyboard arrangement many of us use today.
Also, it is commonly known that the Dvorak keyboard is better suited for typing. It never caught on, though.
on german keyboards, it’s qwertz.
Not to be confused with quartz, which is a crystal.
I recall that the order of the keys were laid out to slow typist down because they would otherwise jam the hammers together as they came together to hit the ribbon. Gawd, we get older faster now don’t we. Anyone want to explain why we say, “dialing a telephone” or “rewind that” to the young people.
i need to know the origin of the word kalash that is used sometimes to describe carraige
I thought kalash was just a short name for an AK-47, I didn’t know it was an actual word.
The word “calèche” appears in my English dictionary, and can be spelled without the grave accent. The word is borrowed directly from the French. A separate dictionary entry is provided for “calash.” However, it derives from “calèche.” Anyway, the French word comes from the German word “Kalesche,” which in turn comes from the Czech word “kolesa,” which means “wheels” or “carriage.” This word is akin to “kyklos,” the Greek word for circle or wheel.
There you go. Anothe mystery solved by someone OTHER THAN our lovely and ever trusty HotForWords!!!
Hey Marina, I’ve got a friggin’ sweet word for you.
“Onomatopoeia”
It means a word that describes a sound; and it’s pronunciation sounds like the sound it describes.
How did a word like that get into the English language??? lol.
Onomatopoeia - Hey, man, that’s Greek to me!
Actually, it does comes from Greek (by way of Late Latin). The Greek word onomatopoiia stems from onomat-, onoma (name) + poiein (to make).
Not coincidentally, the words “poem” and “poet” can also be traced back to poiein (to make).
I agree, turkeyplatter. This word is as sweet as cranberry sauce.
haha, that’s really neat to know! Thanks!
Hi Marina! I was just wondering… Where does the Phrase ‘Have a good one!’ come from? I don’t see how this phrase came to relate to a good bye or see ya.
I hope you can figure this out…
-Allster
I think “one” just replaces “day” or “vacation” or whatever is understood or implicit in the conversation. It is therefore a catch-all expression. “Have a good one” most commonly means “Have a good day.”
Hi Marina! First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on your show. I’ve been watching you since you posted one of your first videos where you used a white board. Since then, I haven’t missed a single video.
Now, the point of my comment is to request you the origin of the word “douchebag”. Hope you can solve it for me. Keep up the great work on your show. Your faithful student from Portugal, Pedro.
Well we all know what a dirtbag is. My guess is that douchebag is that word’s antonym.
Bauty Marina I want to know the origin of the word taboo. I like you for your beauty and overall for your intelligence.
hello Marina, in addition to linguistics and etymology, I was wondering if you have gotten deeper into meanings of words, symbols, the symbolism of letters and so forth. Example:
symbol / cymbal > sun / bel / bell / ball / eyeball > eye / iris / pupil / student > alumnus / illumined / light / bright … etc.
…if you can see the connections. If you have gone deeper, or if not but you’re interested in doing so, I would enjoy engaging with you on such topics.
what the fuck is “the symbolism of letters”?
the letters we use are as encoded as the words we speak, so letters themselves have meanings we weren’t taught.
An example is the letter “i”. The dot on the lowercase “i” represents an “eye” meaning one has an eye to see, whereas capital “I” represents one who is ‘blind’, has no eye to see, meaning he’s ignorant.
look, someone is doing a headstand: !
so, dude, what’s your drug?
Not too sure about all that However, the word eye looks like two eyes with a nose in the middle.
help! nurse, nurse!
no, shrooms man, shrooms the cosmos is in the shrooms, ingest the magic mushroom and you ingest the cosmos… and all the answers you need.
I get weird fantasies. argh!
dude, this is weird. I clicked your link … now look what kind of ad I got on gmail:
Pacific Rim Mushrooms - http://www.pacrimmushrooms.com - Gourmet Wild Mushrooms dried&fresh to your door.
wtf. :/
the “i” is only one example and I barely scratched the surface of that letter.
Bussword asked for references and I replied to that. If you’re interested, read my reply to him or her stamped March 22nd, 2008 3:39 am.
I don’t recommend any drugs.
Check this alan watt stuff out. This stuff just fascinates me. I think perhaps I should have been a conspiracy theorist or cult leader, even better both!
what I also noticed is that guys like him always got the crappiest websites, ignoring the most simple rules of web design.
uh… I thought I’d visit your site, get a better grasp of what your talking about. I’m more confused. Can you provide some links, recommended texts or something to explain more?
to get a grasp of what I’m talking about, I highly suggest you look up Alan Watt at cutting through the matrix dot com. http://www.cuttingthroughthematrix.com
He’s studied ancient histories, all religions, mysteries, etymology, and a host of other things for a good part of his life. Watch his first video “Reality Check”. Read his first book…it shows you how languages are encoded. He also references other notable people, authors and books so you can branch off from there.
If you are able to delve far enough, you’ll be able to elaborate on the deeper meaning of “Marina”.
so, why don’t you enlighten me and tell me the deeper meaning of “marina”?
I’ll try not to laugh. promise.
Hey Marina, I would like to request the word Animal, I’ve thought about its origin for a long time myself, but i can’t figure it out. If you can investigate it, it’d be great!
Dear Marina:
Could you please discuss the origin of the word “brassiere”. It sounds like it is French in origin, but I am not sure.
Thanks!
Ian.
The word comes from the French “brassière” as you suspect. This French word does NOT signify a bra, however. (In French, a bra is a “soutien-gorge”–so this comes under the heading of “faux amis” or false cognates.) Anyway, “brassière” means “bodice,” and was first used in the 13th Century. It comes from the Old French “braciere” (arm protector), which comes from “bras” (arm). The word “bras” is still the current French word for arm.
Now you are abreast of the etymological situation.
Dear Marina, would you please find out the origin of the slang term Spick Iknow thatit is now used as insult to Spanish people.but many years ago i read somewhere that it use to referr to Italians.
(it came about because when they said I no speak English, there accent sounded like there were saying Spick
We should keep all requests clean. May I suggest Spick n’ Span?
Priviet Marina!!!
I’d like to know the origin and meaning of the word “MISTRESS”
Why is that if your having an affair, the other woman is your mistress;
why can you just call her my secret girlfriend.
Thank you!!!
Check the video entitled Mr. and Mrs.
that actually explains your question
I’d like to know the origin and meaning of the word “terror” (and “terrorist”) because today a lot of people is abusing the word by using it in phrases like “war on terror”, and as far as I know, terror is a state of mind… So that would be the same as “war on christmas joy”.
So I think you need to investigate this further… And where did it actually come from?
Y.T. Mr. Glies
Hello Marina, congratulations for your website. Now I wish definitely learn English! Well Marina I have a word to request. What’s the origin of “Tanga”
Thanks a lot!
hi marina!
i’m sorry i know you probably have a MILLLION things to do right now but i was wondering, i know it seems wierd to request a word like this, but could you maybe do a video defining “SLUT”.
thankyou very much if you can,
Soph xoxo (i love your videos they’re really good!!!) gd luk with your teaching
A SLUT is TULSA spelled backwards.
Well Marina, you can prove your knowledge to all those would be bloggers (all two of them, http://www.wordorigins.org) trying to discredit you, and raise your weekly viewers way past 1,500,002, by answering this tough question. What is the oldest word??? Hmm, shall we say the oldest written word: as in Egyptian hieroglyphics, Babylonian cuneiform, ect; or: old fashioned caveman paintings of a nice deer/fish/snake/bird/sun, or something else (not including the only 80 year old Scientology). This one may not be to hard, it will take you back way past the root word/Latin/Greek/English Oxford Dictionary. If you answer this question Marina, I will send you ……more subscribers, by word of mouth, through the grapevine, and by smoke signals to top it off. Thanks! P.S. Your English is great, your native Russian must be great, and to all those who have never been to a foreign country and attempted to speak the native tongue, try to do just that. The American Indian said it this way about those who don’t speak the truth, “man speaks with forked tongue.” Marina is hot!
greenbush, can I have a word with you?
Yes of course you can. Are you the new new Teacher’s Assistant? Wow are you fast. Go ahead lividemerald!
It was a rhetorical question!
No, I am not the TA. It’s Spring Break, and I have too much time on my hands. (And with all this typing, callouses on my fingertips, too!)
Anyway, I am not the TA here, but I am a Teacher in an elementary school. Needless to say, I do not teach my First Graders etymology.
I have an M.A. in French Literature, and I love to write fiction in which I create hundreds of words and names, often basing them on etymology or foreign words. So, HotForWords is right down my alley, so to speak.
Now that I think of it, I would enjoy being the HotForWords teacher’s pet. For now, greenbush, TA-TA!
lividemerald, just because your on spring break does not mean you should stop taking your ritalin.
I’m surprised you didn’t suggest propofol or diazepam.
I don’t take Ritalin. That stuff is processed. I prefer fresh methylphenidate.
Hey greenbush, i’m not sure of the exact first word, but I’m willing to bet that the earliest set of words were business records in babylonian cuneiform.
Nobody will ever know what the first word was. Written and especially spoken. The first meanings represented by symbols were pictographs. These changed into letters or the symbols became to cumbersome and symbols such as cuneiform developed. The first sounds as meaning could be as basic as tones produced by early primates to convey meanings to offspring. A first word didn’t spontaneously belch out of some early hominids mouth, “Fuck!” when he caught his mate with a neanderthal. Earliest words were probably scratched into the dirt and immediately lost. There isn’t any first word. Of course someone may hit me in the head with a bible and argue differently. That’s my opinion and I sticking to it.
The first word was “buzz.”
Funny—the History Channel just showed a documentary about the history of prostitution, and accredited “Corlear’s Hook” as being the source of the term “hooker”…I guess we’ll never know for certain.
Hello Hot For Words, I’ve got a type of food for you that I would love to know the answer to: ”
Sloppy Joe,” I would like to know if the “Average Joe” ate these regularly and if not where did the term come from for the delicious food.
According to my dictonary, “sloppy joe” dates to 1961. The dictionary also makes the rather bold assumption that “joe” stems from “Joseph.”
Are you implying that the average Joe is also sloppy (not to mention ex-military)?
And a very personal question: Do you prefer a Sloppy Joe . . . or a Big Mac? (If you know the answer to this question, please write it in the comments below.)
here’s one
glottochronology
found it semi explained at
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.2 0080320.FASS20/TPStory/?query=*chronology
Do you know the root of, or exact meaning?
I never would have guessed that. It seemed way to out there
As it’s Easter I was wondering where the word Easter came from
cheers
This was a very funny game even if I heard the answer on the Maxim radio show. I hope their will be more “guess the answer” games. Also will their be a new “guess the word” game ?
Hi Marina,
Thank you for bringing some intelligence back onto the internet I have enjoyed all of the lessons you have done so far.
I am curious to why the word LEAGUE came to mean a measure of distance and (according to my dictionary) an agreement for mutual help. I’ve never really thought about it till it came up today.
Sweet. It was too damn obvious to be correct but oh well. We learn something new everyday. Well, some of the time..
Why is “ain’t” improper but “won’t” and “shan’t” are ok?
just wait a few years. it ain’t gonna be improper then.
because “ain’t” is the conjunction of “are not” which is plural…
So you would have to say: Why ARE ain’t improper… So it’s just effed up. For the time… just use isn’t
Naw, ‘ain’t’ always plural. It can also be “am not.” -askoxford.com-
- I ain’t goin fishin
- We ain’t going either
You know, like y’all is singular. All y’all is plural!
Hold the S because I am an AINT
what are the defenitions of–revolution?
I haven’t heard of any deaf-initions. Sorry.
how did the bunny come to be associated with easter? The easter bunny?
Speaking of the Easter Bunny, is true that if one of his Easter Eggs begins to crack, it is called a hare-line fracture?
coment on bunny association with easter by kykysha,
When I lived in Germany I heard from a friend that in the olden times the land barons would require crops and shares for taxes from the people. In a bad year when there wasn’t enough to eat, the baron(whoever) would not accept any alibi’s so the people painted eggs and carried the eggs in thier baskets (eggs were all they had to give). Hopping like hares up the long road to the castle the baron saw the people and marveled curiosly at what great gifts must be arriving. He liked the show so much that he called the people easter hares. Accepting their gifts…the eggs were aptly named easter eggs.
The way I figure is that Easter started out as a pagan holiday that predated chritianity. as a spring holiday it would celebrate using symbols of fertility, like eggs and rabbits (you know ‘mating like rabbits’) and once chritianity hit the scene the eggs and bunnies sort of carried over.
Which brings up the age old question: WHICH CAME FIRST, THE BUNNY OR THE EGG?
Ok I’ll give it to you, you earned that one.
I’ve been a fan since the very beginning. I learn something new each and everytime I watch your videos.
I’ve thought of some words I’d like to know the origin, but I’ll just stick with one at a time.
The word I’d like to know it’s origin is “Jaywalking”
My dictionary shows the term “jaywalk” being coined in 1919. “skywalk” was coined in 1953. Jaywalker is a form of jaywalk. And Skywalker is a Jedi form of skywalk.
But your request is a good one. Maybe the letter “J” has something to do with it? My dictionary doesn’t give any clues as to how the word “jay” became associated with “walk” to produce the word “jaywalk.” Interesting question, Sara. .. . Maybe HotForWords will decide to investigate!!!
I’d be flattered if she did, but I’m sure there are others before me that have been waiting longer than I have.
Thank you though for your interpretation of the word “Jaywalk” Nice touch with the StarWars joke.
Here’s a link to why “HFW” is needed in the USA. As a Canuck I think your average American would say that “Jaywalking” originated with a need to get to the other side. Marina’s answer would be much more insightful & entertaining though. Hope this link thingy works, never tried it before.
Didn’t show
I’m a newbie I admit.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=R5uuq-ibCbg&feature= related
Gotta learn the tag thing next. Russian teacher needed on Melrose Ave
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=BBXd9TYQGhk
This version of “Jaywalking” is of course from “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”. Entertaining as it is showcasing how smart, or dumb Americans can be, doesn’t quite answer my question on the origin of how “Jaywalking” got it’s start.
Thank you though for sending the links.

jaywalking.
ah, replied to the wrong comment … so, there:
jaywalking.
hmm, well that does explain alot, but I still have more questions. I do thank you for taking the time and looking it up for a total stranger.
SInce you did the word werewolf, would you be willing to do a video on the word Vampire or Zombie? You’re the best
Runaway
Werewolf reminds me of a scene in Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein.” The gist of the repartee is that when Dr Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) queries: “Werewolf?” Igor (Marty Feldman) points and replies, “There! There wolf!” Pretty lame joke, actually. But I love the movie. I’ve watched it countless times. Which brings up another more amusing scene in which Gene Wilder exclaims, “Wow! What knockers!” (referring ambiguously to either Teri Garr’s breasts or to the door’s knockers). This has to make one wonder: How did knockers become associated with women’s breasts?
I sense a small bit of ADD in that sentence
No offense
Maybe my brain is Abby Normal?
HEHEHE
Hi Marina, I like the hooker answer. I knew about the Gen. Hooker story since the History Channel did a show on sex during the Civil War last year and they claimed that the Washington Post first used the term during the scandel. I also like hookers a lot. I have been dating two different ones weekly for the past year. I guess you can say I’m “buy-sexual.” Is that an aptronym?
“Buy-sexual” — that’s funny! Love it!
I want to know the origin of the word SEXY* so I’ll know what it means next time I look at you; my beatiful, trusty HotForWords
*I already checked and the word has not yet been done before.
Hi Marina,
can you tell me where does the phrase ‘to win hands down’ come from,
keep up the great work, i have learnt so much and have a happy Easter
Hi Marina, I just LUV the shows and explanations… A word I came across recently, which to be honest I had never heard b4 (Im dutch so english ain’t my native language
), was the word:
“KERFUFFLE”
In the series “little britain” it is used quite often in a certain sketch in a hilarious way
… (Lou and Andy sketch for insiders
)…
Check out youtube on Little Britain if you wish to know more about it…
I hope you will start your inquiry soon…
gr. Remsterz
I love your classes. You make learning fun with your sharp wit and sense of humor. You are also incredibly beautiful and your uber sexy accent has me running for a cold shower every time I hear you. In addition to all this you really have a nice rack.
larsonel : ) This summer I would like you to hold a special summer session from the poolside. After you’ve sunned for a while come inside and give us a peek at your tan lines. I have to go now my showers ready. larsonel P.S. You would look great in anything, but the sparkle in your eyes is priceless. You are Babe-a-licious
Ballerina
Marina
You seem fixed on her “eyes” .
As for the poolside sessions, that probably won’t happen. Aww, too bad.
Cold showers do not seem to be working, I think he needs iced.
Dude, I have a nice rack. My Yakima rack holds our bikes and canoes, plus loads of gear. People are always scoping my rack when I’m driving and it always draws a crowd when I unload it. My t-shirt shaped tan line always makes people smile. If Marina doesn’t answer your request I can send you pics.
Buzzword, I’m ROTFLMSAO! Very funny. Im surprised I never heard that line before. Interestingly enough I was just scoping out this ladies Yakima cargo rack today. I was reminessing about turning down a job with Yakima 20 years ago. I was living in Yakima, Wa at the time. As it turned out they don’t build Yakima racks in Yakima. Oh well.
Actually, from an anatomical point-of-view, it seems like the johns should be the hookers and the streetwalkers the hookees.
Hey Marina!
Outstanding! I was curious about the General Hooker answer, because I lived in Washington DC where his army camped out for a while.
I have a word request as well. The English word jail used to be spelled gaol. Can you look into the origin of this word and why it changed? Thanks!
“Jail” comes from Latin by way of Old French. The French word “geôle” is commonly found in French texts. In my Petit Robert dictionary, the word “geôle” is given as “old” or “literary.” A jailer is a “geôlier” or “geôlière” depending on whether the jailer is a he or a she. The old French word is apparently “jaiole,” and it comes from Low Latin “caveola” from the word “cavea” which means “cage.” It seems that “cavea” gave us both “cage” and “jail” — and both by way of Old French.
i have a request!
how did the phrase “the world is your oyster” come about
i’m also curious about “paint the town red”
spasiba!
“The world is your oyster” was coined by the Oyster Bunny on one of his Oyster egg hunts. “Paint the town red” was Clint Eastwood’s idea.
Hi!
I have a word request:
Why when you lose your job it is said that you are being “fired”?
Does it have any relation with combustion or burning fire?
Thanks!
Dear Beautiful proffesor
I ‘d like to ask u if u have the time to find from where the expression “out of blue” comes from.Also i’d like to thank u for all these useful thinks that i learned through your videos!!!!
One of your million students
R-x
Another 5 star lesson!
I love how you collaborate, promote and share with others on the internet. (Although I will never understand why you associate yourself with sxephil)
Anyway, you are a true example of how the internet should work… where everyone contributes and shares and we all win!
Marina, I wonder, what do sledgehammers have to do with sledges?
I have a suggestion. What about discombobulated? & why is there no combobulated?
Hi Marina,
can you tell me the origin of the word:
“Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis”
Please!!!
general buzzword!
several forces seem to emerge. for quite some time we’ve known about the anti-f-bombers. observations suggest that they are going to ally with rigamarole-bombers.
I propose we assume, pending further notice, that they are enemy forces, and therefore a threat. until we know better, we should activate our raising-eyebrow systems. furthermore, we ought to inform our rolling-eyes bases.
awaiting orders, sir.
The Asses of Evil! I’ve long suspected they have been hiding Opinions of Mass Obstruction and developing Mental Weapons. Your response is indeed appropriate. I have shaved my head to allow for maximum eyebrow elevation and rolling-eyes bases are on 20/20 alert. Perhaps the doctrine of Mutual Assured Deconstruction will prevent the use of deadly farce. Deploy the subtext, this shit is going to get deep. Now a word from the President of the United States.
Justice and Liberty for all.
ah … remembering high school …
Marina-
Great stuff. I’ve never enjoyed learning so much. You alone are making America’s vocabulary bigger. Now here’s one for you: Bazooka. I think I know the answer, but it would be nice to know for sure.
Luv ya,
your Stepmother
dear hotforwords, can u please tell about the word articulate
EYES
WOW
You better just quit it Marina. Yer gonna give this old duffer a heart attack! JK of course,keep after the good work.
I wanna see You in a movie with KZ Jones sporting machine guns and rippin the place to shreds,will You be the next lady action hero please?.
Maybe You could go rescue Governor Schwarzenegger from MK Olsen and Her evil twin Ashley. Never know,might work.
Everybody is writing Happy Easter and maybe she doesn’t believe in such thing or she attend to that religious festivity the 27 of April like Orthodox.
By the way, what is the origin of that word, Easter?
Marina,
Even though I have heard the answer on your Maxim Radio clip, I enjoyed as always watching your video clip with the explanation of the word.
Solamente te quiero desear lo mejor estas Pascuas. Tambien tue quiero decir que a pesar de ser una mujer extremadamente atractiva fisicamente, en verdad tu atractivo intelectual es mucho mas grande.
Te mando muchos besos,
Tu admirador y alumno No. 1

(Translation for those who complain a lot: I just would like to wish you the best for Easter. Also I would would like to tell you that inspite of being an extremely attractive woman, your intellectual attractiveness is much bigger. I am sending you lots of kisses, Your admirer and No. 1 student)…
Hi Marina,
At the end of “hooker answer” the picks and music are great I know I speek for loads of your loyal students when I say can you create a screen saver of some of your stunning pictures. Have a great Easter.
Bruce177
Yes, indeed, there simply must be a Marina screensaver
Actually, this is easy to do for yourself using the pause button when viewing a video full screen on the Youtube channel, then take a screenshot and pasteing it into MS Paint for conversion and cropping.
This is the simplest and cheapest way to do it; of course you can buy more sophisticated software to do essentially the same thing.
Just make sure it’s only for your own use and don’t infringe Marina’s copyright by trying to sell them or she might get the boys from the Lubyanka to pay you a visit.
@ Bob,
I followed you until the phrase “…take a screenshot…”. How do I take a screenshot? Is that a browser function or a Windows app or what?
Thanks,
Muggins
taking a screen shot:
press the “Print” key (right next to “F12″). this will “take a picture” of your screen and save it to the clipboard / temporary memory.
open paint.
press ctrl + v or “edit -> insert”.
“save” / “save as”.
if you got windows vista, you can also use the snipping tool (start -> programs -> tools -> snipping tool).
hth.
@ Bob,
Success! Thank you for the information.
Muggins
I ain’t bob.
@ alx
Thanks to you, alx, for that useful information about screenshots.
You ain’t bob. “Ain’t” is an interesting contraction, ain’t it? It might be a good topic for HotForWords to explore.
hy Marina i just subscribed to your videos and i would like u to tell me the origin of the name ,, Bogdan ” ,that is my name and now i wander what does it mean
,oh and just wanted to say that i think that u are a wonderful ,smart and funny girl 
Have a Great safe Easter Marina
the word i would like to know if possible is Spoon & Fork..when was it first used and by whom
oh and Happy Easter
There are actually some funny words that combine “spoon” and “fork.” One is the word “spork.”
According to Wikipedia, a spork “is a portmanteau combining the words spoon and fork. The word “spork” appeared in the 1909 supplement to the Century Dictionary, where it was described as a trade name and “a ‘portmanteau-word’ applied to a long, slender spoon having at the end of the bowl projections resembling the tines of a fork”. Sporks are occasionally known as foons.”
Sporks are very common. If you consult Wikipedia, the photo there will have you nodding and admitting you’ve used sporks a lot!
hello marina this is my first time……
jajaja here… so i would like to know why in america they call this all week as “Holy Week” and “Easter”. i Know that the origen to this work is for catholic stuff but i was confused ’cause in another religion “Easter” it has a different mean????
and in another question… WTF, OMG, LOL will be new word or what…. because all the people star to used those word by text messege!!!!
Marina:
I caught your birth mark in this video at 1:11 - just under the right arm pit - inside of the arm! I think I guessed that right the first time, I’ll have to go back and see. I deserve a ringtone!
You might also have one on the right cheek (face) closer to your ear than to your nose. But that one is hard to make out.