Dear teacher
This one was published before i began to come to your website. What a pity! I missed something!
Amicalement
Don Felipe
jon92thebest on
April 19th, 2008 1:54 am
id bet on theory number 1
link57 on
April 8th, 2008 5:01 am
i think its theory number 3
fleetwood on
April 6th, 2008 6:06 pm
Dear marina I am not getting emails when they are posted. I love the outfit you wore at the end of butterfly vido you look very sexy. Hugs and kisses to the teacher.
fleetwood on
April 5th, 2008 5:25 pm
I what you wore at the end of the butterfly is very sexy
nematoad3 on
April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm
Marina,
I think you should watch your language since many youngs ears and eyes do visit your web page and see you on youtube. You are such a delight, you do not need to embellish it with profanities. Your sense of humor is just fine without being vulgar.
The last one is the correct answer butt-sh*t at least it’s a certain as it can be.
grandahl on
April 3rd, 2008 6:12 pm
Hey Marina..
Tried to look the word up myself and found a couple of theories on the word butterfly.
But 2 things came up on a lot of sites.
The one about boterschijte,
and one that people belived that witches disguised themselves as butterflies to steal butter.
I really think it is hard to believe that anyone would notice the color of the insects excrements at that time.
So my guess is that #2 is correct.
Didn’t find anything on the spoonerism though, but who knows, maybe its the correct one hehe
Hello my dear teacher.
I think the origin is because of the poop of the butterfly and it is not a spoonerism.
I wonder about the word Butter though
lordholly on
April 3rd, 2008 8:54 am
None of the above. More than likely it arose due to the common color of the little flying critters around homes in the region where the word ‘buterflege’ originated around 700 AD.
Prior to dyes being added to butter it was light cream colored…
insertdisc on
April 3rd, 2008 7:17 am
I like the theory about the spoonerism.
Best spoonerism I’ve heard was when the chef Jamie Oliver accidentally referred to Brad and Angelina’s baby Shiloh Pitt, as ‘Pile O’ Shit”.
jayphonepicnow on
April 3rd, 2008 12:48 am
Couldn’t find anything for ‘broke a butterfly on the wheel’, or, ‘the butterfly that broke the wheel’
Its supposed to a saying or idiom
evilleramsfan on
April 2nd, 2008 9:02 pm
Now what I want to know is was it really African Swallowtail Butterflies that carried coconuts to temperate zones…..
fountainpenner on
April 2nd, 2008 8:46 pm
Marina,
Why the use of the F word and the S word? Your videos have been really nice, up to now. Don’t ruin them!
Harasho?
ivoryshogun on
April 2nd, 2008 3:56 pm
Okay, of the three options given I will choose number 2, though I am a fan of the theory that certain European butterflies (Sulfurs) are a yellowish butter color.
Also, do we get bonus point for noticing that you only held up two fingers when you say you are going to give us 3 theories? Just curious because I love bonus points almost as much as I love your site. Thanks.
I have come to use Discombobulated. What does this word mean exactly? Ive always wondered how this ever became a word, or where i might have picked it up from.
Excellent site by the way! Im excited to be a member! 5 stars
Tjlewis on
April 2nd, 2008 1:22 pm
Marina,
I love your work. As a fellow teacher and a man in uniform, I can say what you have done with you work is profound, inspiring, and motivates me to learn. I am currently working on a course of instruction to teach my fellow Navy men to Navigate Submarines. So my question is, why the word “Navigation” and not some other term?
Thank you,
Toby
prospero811 on
April 2nd, 2008 1:13 pm
Hey, Marina -
Question: can you post a “recommended reading” section, to give us some suggested books on philology, etymology, etc?
Thanks,
Eric
prospero811 on
April 2nd, 2008 12:34 pm
testing gravatar…1, 3, 2….
prospero811 replied on April 2nd, 2008 12:34 pm:
Cool. It works.
fbmfatbaldmen on
April 2nd, 2008 12:29 pm
I have one Marina
its Agonquin id like to know its origin please thanks
solenmserpent on
April 2nd, 2008 12:08 pm
Ok, Marina, just wondering how this term for a sleeveless shirt came ot be; a wife beater.
Just curious, ~SolenmSerpent
sporticus on
April 2nd, 2008 12:06 pm
gravatar test
zminister on
April 2nd, 2008 11:55 am
I’m requesting “holy cow”. Please put me out of my misery and let me know the origin.
zarkon on
April 2nd, 2008 11:18 am
Word request:
A couple of people I work with constantly use the word ‘crimony’.
For example: “Aw, crimony, I left it at my desk.” or “Crimony! I just smashed my finger.”
What is the origin of this word?
BTW: Kepp up the good work, I love your videos and emails from you!
gentleaffe on
April 2nd, 2008 10:49 am
Hello marina, i recently watched some of your videos, and ur lessons are kind of interresting ^^
i have a request…
“dogma”
i mean … How is that something bad and something good?
Hi there Hot for words,I have a long word for you; “supercalafirgalisticaliidosis” I’m not sure if I spelled it right,my spellcheck could not find any suggestions thank you “kind regards Mario”
ragabashmoon replied on April 2nd, 2008 6:56 pm:
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and it’s on her list! Up above click on “Lessons” and look under S, it’s there
lostio on
April 2nd, 2008 10:14 am
Hi there, Marina. Big fan of your videos here, and first time posting. I absolutely love your idea of joining sex appeal with education, and you do it so well.
Anyways, I myself have a word suggestion for you. I hope I’m not going too forward with this, but how about what is probably the most basic and used of all the English cuss words? Fuck? I’ve heard somewhere that it is an abbreviation of “Fornication Under Consent of the King”, but that’s probably a false idea. I’d love if you could investigate on this word. I’m sure most people would like the idea. I think I’ve even seen this suggestion given to you before. Anyways, I hope you’ll consider it.
Keep up the good work, Marina. Oh, and I vote for #3.
ragabashmoon replied on April 2nd, 2008 6:55 pm:
Listen to her #2 Maxim show! She tells about the word fuck there.
neven95 on
April 2nd, 2008 9:26 am
N E V E N
neven95 on
April 2nd, 2008 9:26 am
This is a name but could you find out what it means N E V E N PLEASES!!!!
errinf on
April 2nd, 2008 9:24 am
Just checking to see if my gravatar has any gravitas yet.
I don’t have any spoonerisms to share, but I am curious now as to the origin of the word ’spoonerism’. Why no ‘forkerism’ or ‘kniferism’? Why, I even wonder if the word ’spork’ counts as a spoonerism. A sporkerism, maybe?
I prefer Bushisms to spoonerisms. The current president has a bizarre knack for butchering the English language, and many of his most flubbed lines have been collected en masse and called ‘Bushisms’.
My two favorite Bushisms revolve around his educational views. Early in his presidency, Bush was famously known for saying “Is our children learning?”. And, just this year, Bush answered his own Bushism with another Bushism by stating in a speech “Yes, childrens do learn.”. Just to re-iterate…
Q: Is our children learning?
A: Yes, childrens do learn.
I suppose a Bushism could be regarded as a ’silver spoonerism’, but that’s stretching a premise.
Anyway, I’m just killing time until my gravatar is ready. With any luck, my gravatar should appear next to this comment.
It’s my rainbow peace sign tattoo, Marina. I altered the gravatar now so that it will be more discernible. ‘Guess the Gravatar’ sounds like a fun game, but I thought I’d make it clearer with a little better cropping. I appreciate that you didn’t know if it was art, but you liked it. When I hear ‘looks great’ I can’t help but try to make it look even greater… especially when it’s our trusty teacher handing out the compliments.
btw, I had to get my own gravatar just because the word ‘gravatar’ is so cool. It’s obviously based on the word ‘avatar’, a word that has a new definition in the internet age as any sort of online visual symbol representing one’s offline self.
I have mainly learned the modern meaning of avatar via the virtual reality community known as Second Life. I also bring up Second Life because I am curious if hotforwords has any sort of presence there. It is basically another multimedia outlet online (like myspace or youtube). I don’t know if it’s something worth investing in, but it’s definitely something worth looking into. Second Life does have some very interesting promotional aspects to it, but it is still up in the air whether Second Life is really all that effective of a promotional tool. While I’ve had fun with my avatars on SL, I’ve having just as much fun with my gravatars on HFW! Speaking of, I’m going to add more gravatars to my account so I can start varying them up more. Why, I’ve become HotForGravatars! lol
ragabashmoon replied on April 2nd, 2008 6:52 pm:
My favorite Bushism is “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They are always coming up with new ways to harm our people and our country, and so are we.”
How would you spell the word \tu\ in the following sentence:
‘There are three ways to spell the word \tu\ in the English language.’
ragabashmoon replied on April 2nd, 2008 9:22 am:
Huh um… I’d say you’d be best to use the pronunciation key out of the dictionary, and say like
There are three ways to spell the word pronounced “too” in the English language.
I got that pronunciation from dictionary.com, so which dictionary you use may of course change your ‘pronunciation’ spelling.
guardianjosha on
April 2nd, 2008 8:49 am
If i had to choose one it would be A but its all good the butterfly doesnt know the differnce.
RED
chadwickalanharrisiii on
April 2nd, 2008 8:38 am
Pussycat… Could you detail the origin, please?
tact1cal_dj on
April 2nd, 2008 8:34 am
Oh btw I reckon it to be the Spoonerism
tact1cal_dj on
April 2nd, 2008 8:33 am
Greetings,
I was pondering the origin of the word rhapsody and wondered if it was the origin of rap (as in music or “…suddenly I heard a tapping, as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door…”). Maybe its French.
Yours in text x
apollo on
April 2nd, 2008 8:21 am
I like the butterflies found on the butter left overnight the most. Whether its true or not pretty much means “butterschijst” to me. On another note, I have noticed that at times when I am having a difficult time in a relationship with someone, usually of the opposite sex, I find that when she is truly on my mind and my heart is hurting, I see a butterfly. There is a line in a song that has a young woman telling her ex-boyfriend that whenever he sees a butterfly, that it means that she too is thinking of him. i hold true to that belief and will take it to the grave. It would be cool to get a response from you about that. As for the spoonerism I nbelieve that is the hint as to the origination of the word butterfly. The switching of the letters seems applicable too. spoonerism:murder spelled backward is Redrum Also, the excruciating came about for a specific reason, do know what that was? if so or if not, would you use that as a topic? Thanks
apollo on
April 2nd, 2008 8:07 am
I like the butterflies on the butter left overnight the best. Whether tht true or not is pretty much ‘butterschjst’ to me.
theodore911 on
April 2nd, 2008 7:13 am
i believe #1 is the answer: Spoonerism
EC. Is the bean dizzy, which is a spoonerism of Is the dean busy
prospero811 on
April 2nd, 2008 7:02 am
Here is a spoonerism game. Can you come up with the spoonerism for these sentences?
The acrobats displayed some cunning stunts.
Sir, you are certainly a shining wit.
He fills her soul with hope.
It’s the Tale of Two Cities.
Have you brought your sleeping bag?
She is sure pretty.
Have you seen her sick duck?
Oh, the suffering of perjury on my soul!
He’s a pheasant plucker.
She showed me her tool kits.
He’s a smart fella.
A hot pie would make me happy.
Fire truck.
Ha!
ragabashmoon replied on April 2nd, 2008 9:17 am:
Ok, most of those I don’t want to be the one to type out, but yeah… most of them I get.
Still trying the figure the “Ha!” one out! Just kidding.. some don’t really work though.. tale of two cities.. she is sure pretty.. fire truck??? I don’t know.. hmm…
prospero811 replied on April 2nd, 2008 12:57 pm:
Ha! — dirty spoonerisms….
The ones you were trying to figure out are:
Sale of two titties….
She is pure shitty…
Tire fuck
prospero811 replied on April 2nd, 2008 1:01 pm:
Hey Marina,
Do I get a prize for my cool spoonerisms?
I don’t need much, maybe just a “bump on the head.”
You know, sometimes these spoonerism type slips of the tongue just happen at the wrong times. My wife and I were having dinner, and mean to say, “can you please pass the salt,” and and came out, “you fucking bitch! you ruined my life!”
prospero811 replied on April 2nd, 2008 1:11 pm:
aLx - I think a spoonerism, while generally being the transposition of initial sounds, can also be the transposition of other sounds as well. So, we need not have an exact swapping of sounds, letter for letter.
scotthorn on
April 2nd, 2008 6:35 am
Marina, How about the word Gosh? As in gosh darn it!
You are fantastic!!!
ragabashmoon on
April 2nd, 2008 5:23 am
Well, I’m going to have to vote as it’s a spoonerism, that was my first thought, having seen some of the comments (I read fast enough that even a glance, it’s really hard to NOT read the comments as I scroll down), I think I might be wrong
matrix on
April 2nd, 2008 4:36 am
WORD REQUEST: Bigot
matrix replied on April 2nd, 2008 5:15 am:
edit:
The term butterfly derives from the fact that they hover over pails of butter, cream and milk. Oxford dictionary.
btw, i couldn’t help but notice that one of your blue morpho picture fluttering about is taken from the wikipedia article.
spoonerism: to quote Rev. Spooner: Dear old queen = Queer old dean.
jenkat on
April 2nd, 2008 4:00 am
Hi Marina,
I was talking with my wife, regarding my grandmother. Her name was Margaret, but everyone called her Peggy. I know that Peggy is supposedly short for Margaret, but why? Is it a foreign translation? It sure isn’t a shorter version.
Thanks!
motoslau on
April 2nd, 2008 3:04 am
i vote for #1 the other two seem to weird to be right
wonderferret on
April 2nd, 2008 2:41 am
Spoonerisms
Named after the Rev. Spooner.
anyway…
Shining Wit
and Cunning Stunt
lostinhere on
April 2nd, 2008 2:20 am
I believe that butterflies are named after the color of their excrement. But then, people say that I don’t know shit.
lostinhere, is it better to know sh*t.. or not know sh*t
prospero811 replied on April 2nd, 2008 1:42 pm:
That, Marina, is quite a good question, and raises another issue.
Why does the term, “stepped in shit” mean “experienced a stroke of good fortune.” Like, if someone gets an unmerited promotion at a job because their boss left unexpectedly, it would be said that he “stepped in shit.”
However, stepping in shit, while unexpected, would not seem to be a stroke of good fortune.
But, as for the question of whether it is better to know shit or not know shit. Well, there’s no real difference there. The important thing is to be able to tell “shit from shinola.” You might know shit, or you might not know shit, but as long as you don’t confuse it with shinola, then all is well. It’s almost as important as being able to tell your ass from a hole in the ground.
hot-mightyboosh-fan on
April 2nd, 2008 2:12 am
Hi hotforwords…
I can’t remember if I already asked… Where does the word Investigation come from
bobsully on
April 2nd, 2008 1:41 am
Just guessing I would pick #2, although oddly I say flutterby joking often.
derfasthirnlosenick on
April 2nd, 2008 1:20 am
aw crap, what I wanted to say yesterday:
I have seen butterfly feces some time ago. We were in that huge butterfly-house in the zoo when this HUGE blue thing landed on my girlfriends hand and just wouldn’t fly away. and then it “peed” on her. just a few drops of clearish liquid.
anyway, there were so many butterflies in that house that you would have noticed their feces somehow. But no butter there.
People try to say that butterflies excrete nothing.. but as you have seen, that is not the case
derfasthirnlosenick replied on April 2nd, 2008 1:53 am:
teh mystery!
maybe THEY try to hide something from us…
maybe butter isn’t made from milk…
maybe… it’s Butterflypoop!
omg! /me rethinks breakfast
mutantmoth on
April 2nd, 2008 1:16 am
Hey, Marina. Just learned about your site today. I was an English-Lit major through out college, but I always had an interest in etymology. I think the word tarantula is a name for a dance and also big hairy spiders. I’m fine with dancing, but not so much the spiders. I very arachnophobic. Am I mistaken? If not, how did the word come to be used for such different things. Thanks!
tyrene_felice on
April 2nd, 2008 1:15 am
Hi, marina!
I like your style…sexy with a touch of brainy thing.
by the way I like to know why it is called ” goose bumps” when you feel
eerie.
thanks
dvec_5.0 on
April 2nd, 2008 12:45 am
So I understand your from Russia. What is your favorite Russian word that is commonly used in American English?
Answer #1 is my guess.
trumpet422 on
April 2nd, 2008 12:44 am
what is the origin of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious ???
hey marina,
hope you see this.
i got a request.
how does the phrase birds and bees come along?
thanks ^^
jerrbear on
April 2nd, 2008 12:16 am
kan u plsss do the work karma plssssssssssss
blackwolf on
April 1st, 2008 11:57 pm
OK, one more request before jumping in the sack, What about “Breaking Wind” ? This could be really fun and God knows, you could have a hey day with the sound effects. Besides what guy doesn’t want to see a gorgeous woman talk about this subject? LOL
Man, in this post there are two other phrases here I would like to know about…”Hey Day” & “Jumping in the Sack” Anyway, have a great “Hump Day” (one more for the list, so make that three phrases)
luvs
krakeder on
April 1st, 2008 11:28 pm
Where did the phrase “Marco Polo” originate?
helene replied on April 3rd, 2008 5:26 am:
It is not a phrase but the name of a man!!!
iamthecheetah on
April 1st, 2008 11:20 pm
What is the origin for the phrase LUCKY DOG?
Thanks Hot for Words!
nlsmafia2008 on
April 1st, 2008 10:49 pm
Marina!!!- great lesson!!!! As always you bring interesting words out for the class ie.spoonerism- like a DragonFly? No?
I have to go with the first reason for the answer to this assignment
Hope you are well always,
nlsmafia2008
keogh14 on
April 1st, 2008 10:48 pm
Soo how about the word orthodontic and/or orthopedic eh? eh? I’m thinking sweet deal. Also my name is Connor! I got a little gavitar of my work logo which is the summit at snoqualmie but I don’t know if it is showing or not So if it isn’t then Very angry sadface! >: (
I work as a road manager for different shows across the country. I would love to know where the word “Tour” comes from. I am currently working on the gravatar as we speak so check back later. LOL I also agree with most every man on this site, You could stand on your head and everyone would stand up and pay attention . LOL speaking of….JK.
luvs
mrspurekatet on
April 1st, 2008 10:29 pm
Answer: #2
I also have a word request its a bit different but if you could do it that would be great. Thanks.
Word:hippopotamus
evilleramsfan on
April 1st, 2008 10:23 pm
I believe certain European butterflies do have a tendency to drink milk and have butter-like excrement (but the real question is how would you know if it is in there?)
“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy”
evilleramsfan replied on April 1st, 2008 10:25 pm:
Maybe you need a vomiting gravatar?????
blackwolf on
April 1st, 2008 10:14 pm
I believe it derives from the old Dutch word “boterschitjte” meaning the color of it’s excrement. I have been watching you podcast for the last two days and can’t download them fast enough. I love what you do and yes, “YOU” make it more fun to learn.
Luvs!
cbolbat on
April 1st, 2008 10:02 pm
A word request im sure many would enjoy to hear is the most yummy of fruits the cumquat. I must admit it is one that sticks in your mind and begs the question where did they get that name???
I suppose the real puzzler however is the chicken and the egg theory here. Did the fruits name come first of the fun climax we all love and enjoy???
And of corse is there any correlation betwixt the two…hmmm. Teacher please help me solve this rubix cube of a problem so I might be wiser in perpetuity of your answer
I also left you a few other possibilities hidden in there
hedal48 on
April 1st, 2008 9:51 pm
Hi, I would really appreciate it if you would do one of my favorite words of all time Hoopla.
Please and thank you
3215121 on
April 1st, 2008 9:50 pm
i think it is #1
cos’ i know butterfly don’t like to butter? or do they
3215121 replied on April 1st, 2008 9:51 pm:
XD i mean don’t like butter
cbolbat on
April 1st, 2008 9:46 pm
If im not being too erroneous from this post Id like to ask your opinion on that fun little word. Besides its not one you hear every day now is it
The dictionary is curiously mum on this one. I like spoonerisms, but I have serious doubts there is one at play here. The fly in the butter theory sounds like a old folktale. I will go for the Dutch origin, not onl due to process of elimination (!) but also because I don’t think Marina would introduce a vulgar word meaning gratuitously.
wow so nice video!!! I think the right answer is the second one. Makes more sense…
Here’s my spoonerism:
The Lord is a shoving leopard(loving shepherd)
I haven’t been drinking occifer! Is that a spoonerism?
JD replied on April 1st, 2008 8:42 pm:
I think it might be an oonerspism.
It sounds like there may be an open bar at your April Fools Day party.
prospero811 replied on April 2nd, 2008 12:51 pm:
I was having my last drink before I hit the road and said, “Beertender! Give me another bar!” He said “you’ve had almost a case, already!” I replied, ‘24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day - coincidence? I don’t think so!” But, he kicked me out of the bar.
On my way to the next bar, I got pulled over by the police, and he walked up the car and asked, “can I see your porcelain bus driver’s license, please?” So, I handed it to him and I said, “Really ocifer, I’m not as think as you drunk I am. I’m not under the affluence of incohol at all. I’m as jober as a sudge!”
He didn’t believe me, and took me to the station for a blood test. He brought back the test results with a weird look on his face and said, ‘you’re blood is 100 proof!”
So, I had to admit it, “O.k., o.k., take me drunk, I’m home!”
He said, ‘you’re an alcoholic” and made me go to an AA meeting. I told him I didn’t have a prinking droblem, but he didn’t believe me. When I got to the meeting, everyone shouted, “Norm!” I stood up to introduce myself and said, “Hello, my name is…. uh… wait…ummm…”
Can barely make it out hitman.. I think you’re good for now.. until the real hitman comes after you!
buffchikn on
April 1st, 2008 8:04 pm
What about the word “PLATE” as in you eat off a plate. I’ve heard of plates as in plate techtonics or diamond plated but whats up with plate as in what we eat off of.
beantownjim on
April 1st, 2008 7:59 pm
big big kiss you flutterby
toysjoe on
April 1st, 2008 7:35 pm
I’m thinking it’s theory number 2. One and three sound kind of ridiculous.
I suppose any saying can be spoonerisms if you flip the first letter around
like instead of take a shower, it’s “shake a tower”.
I am 2/2 for the guess the answer games. I pick #1 because it seems the most plausible. I can see how the words can be switched around. The other two just sound too far fetched.
ipiera on
April 1st, 2008 7:03 pm
I was wrong !!
I think spoonerism is number 1
Sorry for the mistake. All the rest is all right, OF COURSE!!
Bye bye people by HOTFORWORDS
ipiera on
April 1st, 2008 6:59 pm
I support n.2
since I like spoonerism and the flutter is just a typical movement of the wings
Anyway, those beautiful bugs are fluttering by your beautiful body and I suppose that anyone of us would like to be one of them
Bye Bye my dear little butterfly, before I get all those butterflies in my stomach for envy
Compliments again for your spirit, your willing & your INTELLIGENCE. So long Miss& !! Taro might be proud of you !
caribbeanryda on
April 1st, 2008 6:52 pm
hey yo i just wann say u had some nice friggin shades inna d last vid
second- i wuld like to know the meaning of the phrase “Dishing it out” and does it have anything to do with dishes in yur sink?
jamaica luvz ya marina! keep up d work and the good lookz!
thegreenman on
April 1st, 2008 6:45 pm
I’ve got another word this one seems to come directly from italy.
Rigamarole
jbtaule on
April 1st, 2008 6:35 pm
New request — derivation of expression “wet my/your whistle”.
Спасибо
Phil O’logist
thegreenman on
April 1st, 2008 6:24 pm
definitely a spoonerism.
Can we do the words flotsam and jetsam please?
jonyboy26 on
April 1st, 2008 6:22 pm
Hey Marina,
I would like to suggest the word Nigger often refered to as the “N” word.
I want to know, Why is it so bad to say? I just never got that.
As well as what does the word actually originate from?
Cool it works You guys can add little pictures next to your comments now… go to the new help section.
mynameissinharajatsinha on
April 1st, 2008 6:11 pm
Hi Maria,
Can you investigate the origin of phrase “Driving me nuts” it’s driving me really nuts.
I love your dance…………. More pleeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzeeeeeeeee.
Kiss for the Kiss
Rajat
eddydraks on
April 1st, 2008 6:03 pm
Hey Marina. I wanted to know where the phrase “To choke the Chicken,” came from. Also I got the april fools card you sent out and that was a great picture, but I think most of the people who subscribe do care about the origin, if not we’d be all looking at porn instead of being teased by you. Keep on rocking and I think ur evil twin should get her own show.
eseverson replied on April 1st, 2008 7:03 pm:
Touché, eddydraks.
eseverson replied on April 1st, 2008 7:15 pm:
i’m not sure if you’re referring to my April Fool’s Day card comment or not, but if you are, I was not in any way suggesting that the majority of subscribers did not genuinely care about etymology. You are absolutely right, eddydraks.
I have a request for the word “WAKE” as in ceremony associated with death. What is the orgin of thise word?
Keep up the good work
Cheers!
Jeff
mitch8317 on
April 1st, 2008 5:37 pm
I have two separate words. Chivalry and Davenport (sofa)
runawayscott on
April 1st, 2008 5:31 pm
I’m going to say it’s the first answer. It’s the only one of the three I’ve heard before. I love all your videos and lessons and I appreciated the card, but I just wish I had been the one to get the personalized card. Oh
i think theory number 1 is correct!!
Dear teacher
This one was published before i began to come to your website. What a pity! I missed something!
Amicalement
Don Felipe
id bet on theory number 1
i think its theory number 3
Dear marina I am not getting emails when they are posted. I love the outfit you wore at the end of butterfly vido you look very sexy. Hugs and kisses to the teacher.
I what you wore at the end of the butterfly is very sexy
Marina,
I think you should watch your language since many youngs ears and eyes do visit your web page and see you on youtube. You are such a delight, you do not need to embellish it with profanities. Your sense of humor is just fine without being vulgar.
oxoxoxox
The last one is the correct answer butt-sh*t at least it’s a certain as it can be.
Hey Marina..
Tried to look the word up myself and found a couple of theories on the word butterfly.
But 2 things came up on a lot of sites.
The one about boterschijte,
and one that people belived that witches disguised themselves as butterflies to steal butter.
I really think it is hard to believe that anyone would notice the color of the insects excrements at that time.
So my guess is that #2 is correct.
Didn’t find anything on the spoonerism though, but who knows, maybe its the correct one hehe
Where do you give the answer?
My next video
Hello my dear teacher.
I think the origin is because of the poop of the butterfly and it is not a spoonerism.
I wonder about the word Butter though
None of the above. More than likely it arose due to the common color of the little flying critters around homes in the region where the word ‘buterflege’ originated around 700 AD.
Prior to dyes being added to butter it was light cream colored…
I like the theory about the spoonerism.
Best spoonerism I’ve heard was when the chef Jamie Oliver accidentally referred to Brad and Angelina’s baby Shiloh Pitt, as ‘Pile O’ Shit”.
Couldn’t find anything for ‘broke a butterfly on the wheel’, or, ‘the butterfly that broke the wheel’
Its supposed to a saying or idiom
Now what I want to know is was it really African Swallowtail Butterflies that carried coconuts to temperate zones…..
Marina,
Why the use of the F word and the S word?
Your videos have been really nice, up to now. Don’t ruin them!
Harasho?
Okay, of the three options given I will choose number 2, though I am a fan of the theory that certain European butterflies (Sulfurs) are a yellowish butter color.
Also, do we get bonus point for noticing that you only held up two fingers when you say you are going to give us 3 theories?
Just curious because I love bonus points almost as much as I love your site. Thanks.
I think she usually extends her thumb, too. Two fingers and one thumb.
Hi Marina
I think I just found my favourite place on the internet. Finally a site that is very pleasant to watch and learn from. Good work.
Ok I have a few requests if I may. The words are Wool, Piston and jealousy.
I checked the list and they are not there.
Thank you
I have come to use Discombobulated. What does this word mean exactly? Ive always wondered how this ever became a word, or where i might have picked it up from.
Excellent site by the way! Im excited to be a member! 5 stars
Marina,
I love your work. As a fellow teacher and a man in uniform, I can say what you have done with you work is profound, inspiring, and motivates me to learn. I am currently working on a course of instruction to teach my fellow Navy men to Navigate Submarines. So my question is, why the word “Navigation” and not some other term?
Thank you,
Toby
Hey, Marina -
Question: can you post a “recommended reading” section, to give us some suggested books on philology, etymology, etc?
Thanks,
Eric
testing gravatar…1, 3, 2….
Cool. It works.
I have one Marina
its Agonquin id like to know its origin please thanks
Ok, Marina, just wondering how this term for a sleeveless shirt came ot be; a wife beater.
Just curious, ~SolenmSerpent
gravatar test
I’m requesting “holy cow”. Please put me out of my misery and let me know the origin.
Word request:
A couple of people I work with constantly use the word ‘crimony’.
For example: “Aw, crimony, I left it at my desk.” or “Crimony! I just smashed my finger.”
What is the origin of this word?
BTW: Kepp up the good work, I love your videos and emails from you!
Hello marina, i recently watched some of your videos, and ur lessons are kind of interresting ^^
i have a request…
“dogma”
i mean … How is that something bad and something good?
and why is it dogma?
Hi there Hot for words,I have a long word for you; “supercalafirgalisticaliidosis” I’m not sure if I spelled it right,my spellcheck could not find any suggestions thank you “kind regards Mario”
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and it’s on her list! Up above click on “Lessons” and look under S, it’s there
Hi there, Marina. Big fan of your videos here, and first time posting.
I absolutely love your idea of joining sex appeal with education, and you do it so well. 
Anyways, I myself have a word suggestion for you. I hope I’m not going too forward with this, but how about what is probably the most basic and used of all the English cuss words? Fuck? I’ve heard somewhere that it is an abbreviation of “Fornication Under Consent of the King”, but that’s probably a false idea. I’d love if you could investigate on this word. I’m sure most people would like the idea. I think I’ve even seen this suggestion given to you before. Anyways, I hope you’ll consider it.
Keep up the good work, Marina. Oh, and I vote for #3.
Listen to her #2 Maxim show! She tells about the word fuck there.
N E V E N
This is a name but could you find out what it means N E V E N PLEASES!!!!
Just checking to see if my gravatar has any gravitas yet.
I don’t have any spoonerisms to share, but I am curious now as to the origin of the word ’spoonerism’. Why no ‘forkerism’ or ‘kniferism’? Why, I even wonder if the word ’spork’ counts as a spoonerism. A sporkerism, maybe?
I prefer Bushisms to spoonerisms. The current president has a bizarre knack for butchering the English language, and many of his most flubbed lines have been collected en masse and called ‘Bushisms’.
My two favorite Bushisms revolve around his educational views. Early in his presidency, Bush was famously known for saying “Is our children learning?”. And, just this year, Bush answered his own Bushism with another Bushism by stating in a speech “Yes, childrens do learn.”. Just to re-iterate…
Q: Is our children learning?
A: Yes, childrens do learn.
I suppose a Bushism could be regarded as a ’silver spoonerism’, but that’s stretching a premise.
Anyway, I’m just killing time until my gravatar is ready. With any luck, my gravatar should appear next to this comment.
Sure does! Looks great. whatever it is!
It’s my rainbow peace sign tattoo, Marina. I altered the gravatar now so that it will be more discernible. ‘Guess the Gravatar’ sounds like a fun game, but I thought I’d make it clearer with a little better cropping. I appreciate that you didn’t know if it was art, but you liked it.
When I hear ‘looks great’ I can’t help but try to make it look even greater… especially when it’s our trusty teacher handing out the compliments. 
btw, I had to get my own gravatar just because the word ‘gravatar’ is so cool. It’s obviously based on the word ‘avatar’, a word that has a new definition in the internet age as any sort of online visual symbol representing one’s offline self.
I have mainly learned the modern meaning of avatar via the virtual reality community known as Second Life. I also bring up Second Life because I am curious if hotforwords has any sort of presence there. It is basically another multimedia outlet online (like myspace or youtube). I don’t know if it’s something worth investing in, but it’s definitely something worth looking into. Second Life does have some very interesting promotional aspects to it, but it is still up in the air whether Second Life is really all that effective of a promotional tool. While I’ve had fun with my avatars on SL, I’ve having just as much fun with my gravatars on HFW! Speaking of, I’m going to add more gravatars to my account so I can start varying them up more. Why, I’ve become HotForGravatars! lol
My favorite Bushism is “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They are always coming up with new ways to harm our people and our country, and so are we.”
Comment on “on the Fritz” which means “not working.”
Working fine for me, what’s specifically wrong?
OH LOL you are requesting the word “fritz” to be a lesson LOL Just realized that when I hit “Submit” on my reply.
So funny.. .I like your gravatar
Thanks it’s actually supposed to be animated, with the cat’s eyes flashing red and yellow rapidly.
Here it is, larger size and animated.
http://absolutegroundzero.com/cathissani.gif
‘There are three ways to spell the word \tu\ in the English language.’
Huh um… I’d say you’d be best to use the pronunciation key out of the dictionary, and say like
There are three ways to spell the word pronounced “too” in the English language.
I got that pronunciation from dictionary.com, so which dictionary you use may of course change your ‘pronunciation’ spelling.
If i had to choose one it would be A but its all good the butterfly doesnt know the differnce.
RED
Pussycat… Could you detail the origin, please?
Oh btw I reckon it to be the Spoonerism
Greetings,
I was pondering the origin of the word rhapsody and wondered if it was the origin of rap (as in music or “…suddenly I heard a tapping, as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door…”). Maybe its French.
Yours in text x
I like the butterflies found on the butter left overnight the most. Whether its true or not pretty much means “butterschijst” to me.
On another note, I have noticed that at times when I am having a difficult time in a relationship with someone, usually of the opposite sex, I find that when she is truly on my mind and my heart is hurting, I see a butterfly. There is a line in a song that has a young woman telling her ex-boyfriend that whenever he sees a butterfly, that it means that she too is thinking of him. i hold true to that belief and will take it to the grave. It would be cool to get a response from you about that. As for the spoonerism I nbelieve that is the hint as to the origination of the word butterfly. The switching of the letters seems applicable too. spoonerism:murder spelled backward is Redrum 
Also, the excruciating came about for a specific reason, do know what that was? if so or if not, would you use that as a topic? Thanks
I like the butterflies on the butter left overnight the best. Whether tht true or not is pretty much ‘butterschjst’ to me.
i believe #1 is the answer: Spoonerism
EC. Is the bean dizzy, which is a spoonerism of Is the dean busy
Here is a spoonerism game. Can you come up with the spoonerism for these sentences?
The acrobats displayed some cunning stunts.
Sir, you are certainly a shining wit.
He fills her soul with hope.
It’s the Tale of Two Cities.
Have you brought your sleeping bag?
She is sure pretty.
Have you seen her sick duck?
Oh, the suffering of perjury on my soul!
He’s a pheasant plucker.
She showed me her tool kits.
He’s a smart fella.
A hot pie would make me happy.
Fire truck.
Ha!
Ok, most of those I don’t want to be the one to type out, but yeah… most of them I get.
Still trying the figure the “Ha!” one out! Just kidding.. some don’t really work though.. tale of two cities.. she is sure pretty.. fire truck??? I don’t know.. hmm…
Ha! — dirty spoonerisms….
The ones you were trying to figure out are:
Sale of two titties….
She is pure shitty…
Tire fuck
Hey Marina,
Do I get a prize for my cool spoonerisms?
I don’t need much, maybe just a “bump on the head.”
so, where did the r go in the last two?
sure pretty –> prure shitty / pure shritty?
fire truck –> tire fruck / trire fuck?
You know, sometimes these spoonerism type slips of the tongue just happen at the wrong times. My wife and I were having dinner, and mean to say, “can you please pass the salt,” and and came out, “you fucking bitch! you ruined my life!”
aLx - I think a spoonerism, while generally being the transposition of initial sounds, can also be the transposition of other sounds as well. So, we need not have an exact swapping of sounds, letter for letter.
Marina, How about the word Gosh? As in gosh darn it!
You are fantastic!!!
Well, I’m going to have to vote as it’s a spoonerism, that was my first thought, having seen some of the comments (I read fast enough that even a glance, it’s really hard to NOT read the comments as I scroll down), I think I might be wrong
WORD REQUEST: Bigot
edit:
The term butterfly derives from the fact that they hover over pails of butter, cream and milk. Oxford dictionary.
btw, i couldn’t help but notice that one of your blue morpho picture fluttering about is taken from the wikipedia article.
spoonerism: to quote Rev. Spooner: Dear old queen = Queer old dean.
Hi Marina,
I was talking with my wife, regarding my grandmother. Her name was Margaret, but everyone called her Peggy. I know that Peggy is supposedly short for Margaret, but why? Is it a foreign translation? It sure isn’t a shorter version.
Thanks!
i vote for #1 the other two seem to weird to be right
Spoonerisms
Named after the Rev. Spooner.
anyway…
Shining Wit
and Cunning Stunt
I believe that butterflies are named after the color of their excrement. But then, people say that I don’t know shit.
LostInHere
lostinhere, is it better to know sh*t.. or not know sh*t
That, Marina, is quite a good question, and raises another issue.
Why does the term, “stepped in shit” mean “experienced a stroke of good fortune.” Like, if someone gets an unmerited promotion at a job because their boss left unexpectedly, it would be said that he “stepped in shit.”
However, stepping in shit, while unexpected, would not seem to be a stroke of good fortune.
But, as for the question of whether it is better to know shit or not know shit. Well, there’s no real difference there. The important thing is to be able to tell “shit from shinola.” You might know shit, or you might not know shit, but as long as you don’t confuse it with shinola, then all is well. It’s almost as important as being able to tell your ass from a hole in the ground.
Hi hotforwords…
I can’t remember if I already asked… Where does the word Investigation come from
Just guessing I would pick #2, although oddly I say flutterby joking often.
aw crap, what I wanted to say yesterday:
I have seen butterfly feces some time ago. We were in that huge butterfly-house in the zoo when this HUGE blue thing landed on my girlfriends hand and just wouldn’t fly away. and then it “peed” on her. just a few drops of clearish liquid.
anyway, there were so many butterflies in that house that you would have noticed their feces somehow. But no butter there.
People try to say that butterflies excrete nothing.. but as you have seen, that is not the case
teh mystery!
maybe THEY try to hide something from us…
maybe butter isn’t made from milk…
maybe… it’s Butterflypoop!
omg! /me rethinks breakfast
Hey, Marina. Just learned about your site today. I was an English-Lit major through out college, but I always had an interest in etymology. I think the word tarantula is a name for a dance and also big hairy spiders. I’m fine with dancing, but not so much the spiders. I very arachnophobic. Am I mistaken? If not, how did the word come to be used for such different things. Thanks!
Hi, marina!
I like your style…sexy with a touch of brainy thing.
by the way I like to know why it is called ” goose bumps” when you feel
eerie.
thanks
So I understand your from Russia. What is your favorite Russian word that is commonly used in American English?
Answer #1 is my guess.
what is the origin of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
???
Did it already trumpet422
Check out the complete word list here: http://www.hotforwords.com/words
hey marina,
hope you see this.
i got a request.
how does the phrase birds and bees come along?
thanks ^^
kan u plsss do the work karma plssssssssssss
OK, one more request before jumping in the sack, What about “Breaking Wind” ? This could be really fun and God knows, you could have a hey day with the sound effects. Besides what guy doesn’t want to see a gorgeous woman talk about this subject? LOL
Man, in this post there are two other phrases here I would like to know about…”Hey Day” & “Jumping in the Sack” Anyway, have a great “Hump Day” (one more for the list, so make that three phrases)
luvs
Where did the phrase “Marco Polo” originate?
It is not a phrase but the name of a man!!!
What is the origin for the phrase LUCKY DOG?
Thanks Hot for Words!
Marina!!!- great lesson!!!! As always you bring interesting words out for the class ie.spoonerism- like a DragonFly? No?
I have to go with the first reason for the answer to this assignment
Hope you are well always,
nlsmafia2008
Soo how about the word orthodontic and/or orthopedic eh? eh? I’m thinking sweet deal. Also my name is Connor! I got a little gavitar of my work logo which is the summit at snoqualmie but I don’t know if it is showing or not So if it isn’t then Very angry sadface! >: (
Yay! Happy Face! : D It works!
Awesome!
I work as a road manager
for different shows across the country. I would love to know where the word “Tour” comes from. I am currently working on the gravatar as we speak so check back later. LOL I also agree with most every man on this site, You could stand on your head and everyone would stand up and pay attention 
. LOL speaking of….JK. 
luvs
Answer: #2
Word:hippopotamus
I believe certain European butterflies do have a tendency to drink milk and have butter-like excrement (but the real question is how would you know if it is in there?)
“I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy”
Maybe you need a vomiting gravatar?????
I believe it derives from the old Dutch word “boterschitjte” meaning the color of it’s excrement. I have been watching you podcast for the last two days and can’t download them fast enough. I love what you do and yes, “YOU” make it more fun to learn.
Luvs!
A word request im sure many would enjoy to hear is the most yummy of fruits the cumquat. I must admit it is one that sticks in your mind and begs the question where did they get that name???
I suppose the real puzzler however is the chicken and the egg theory here. Did the fruits name come first of the fun climax we all love and enjoy???
And of corse is there any correlation betwixt the two…hmmm. Teacher please help me solve this rubix cube of a problem so I might be wiser in perpetuity of your answer
I also left you a few other possibilities hidden in there
Hi, I would really appreciate it if you would do one of my favorite words of all time Hoopla.
Please and thank you
i think it is #1
cos’ i know butterfly don’t like to butter? or do they
XD i mean don’t like butter
If im not being too erroneous from this post Id like to ask your opinion on that fun little word. Besides its not one you hear every day now is it
The dictionary is curiously mum on this one. I like spoonerisms, but I have serious doubts there is one at play here. The fly in the butter theory sounds like a old folktale. I will go for the Dutch origin, not onl due to process of elimination (!) but also because I don’t think Marina would introduce a vulgar word meaning gratuitously.
Every time I try to add a gravatar, it wants to crop out most of the picture rather than shrink it. Any thoughts?
shrink the pic prior to cropping.
Thanks aLx - I am awaiting the arrival of my newly added gravatar.
Marina,
HotForWords is the hottest thing on the net next to words!
I am betting on spoonerism.
Cute outfit by the way. Here is my spoonerism: The cat saw a rat.
How about the origin of “Facetious.”
And by the wa here’s my gravatar!!! (It’s me playing soccer)
Awesome violaman!
wow so nice video!!! I think the right answer is the second one. Makes more sense…
Here’s my spoonerism:
The Lord is a shoving leopard(loving shepherd)
I haven’t been drinking occifer! Is that a spoonerism?
I think it might be an oonerspism.
It sounds like there may be an open bar at your April Fools Day party.
I was having my last drink before I hit the road and said, “Beertender! Give me another bar!” He said “you’ve had almost a case, already!” I replied, ‘24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day - coincidence? I don’t think so!” But, he kicked me out of the bar.
On my way to the next bar, I got pulled over by the police, and he walked up the car and asked, “can I see your porcelain bus driver’s license, please?” So, I handed it to him and I said, “Really ocifer, I’m not as think as you drunk I am. I’m not under the affluence of incohol at all. I’m as jober as a sudge!”
He didn’t believe me, and took me to the station for a blood test. He brought back the test results with a weird look on his face and said, ‘you’re blood is 100 proof!”
So, I had to admit it, “O.k., o.k., take me drunk, I’m home!”
He said, ‘you’re an alcoholic” and made me go to an AA meeting. I told him I didn’t have a prinking droblem, but he didn’t believe me. When I got to the meeting, everyone shouted, “Norm!” I stood up to introduce myself and said, “Hello, my name is…. uh… wait…ummm…”
Ha!
#2.
Runny Babbit = Bunny Rabbit
I have a Gravatar!, I hope I am not having copyright’s problems with EIDOS because I am using Hitman’s logo
Can barely make it out hitman.. I think you’re good for now.. until the real hitman comes after you!
What about the word “PLATE” as in you eat off a plate. I’ve heard of plates as in plate techtonics or diamond plated but whats up with plate as in what we eat off of.
big big kiss you flutterby
I’m thinking it’s theory number 2. One and three sound kind of ridiculous.
I suppose any saying can be spoonerisms if you flip the first letter around
like instead of take a shower, it’s “shake a tower”.
Now, how do I add my picture here?
Hooray it works
Wow.. you have a gravatar toysjoe! I am soooo excited!!!
I think that it’s theory number three.
I am 2/2 for the guess the answer games. I pick #1 because it seems the most plausible. I can see how the words can be switched around. The other two just sound too far fetched.
I was wrong !!
I think spoonerism is number 1
Sorry for the mistake. All the rest is all right, OF COURSE!!
Bye bye people by HOTFORWORDS
I support n.2
since I like spoonerism and the flutter is just a typical movement of the wings
Anyway, those beautiful bugs are fluttering by your beautiful body and I suppose that anyone of us would like to be one of them
Bye Bye my dear little butterfly, before I get all those butterflies in my stomach for envy
Compliments again for your spirit, your willing & your INTELLIGENCE. So long Miss& !! Taro might be proud of you !
hey yo i just wann say u had some nice friggin shades inna d last vid
second- i wuld like to know the meaning of the phrase “Dishing it out” and does it have anything to do with dishes in yur sink?
jamaica luvz ya marina! keep up d work and the good lookz!
I’ve got another word this one seems to come directly from italy.
Rigamarole
New request — derivation of expression “wet my/your whistle”.
Спасибо
Phil O’logist
definitely a spoonerism.
Can we do the words flotsam and jetsam please?
Hey Marina,
I would like to suggest the word Nigger often refered to as the “N” word.
I want to know, Why is it so bad to say? I just never got that.
As well as what does the word actually originate from?
Thanks so much
Jon
Test post.. trying out this gravatar thingy
Cool it works
You guys can add little pictures next to your comments now… go to the new help section.
Hi Maria,
Can you investigate the origin of phrase “Driving me nuts” it’s driving me really nuts.
I love your dance…………. More pleeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzeeeeeeeee.
Kiss for the Kiss
Rajat
Hey Marina. I wanted to know where the phrase “To choke the Chicken,” came from. Also I got the april fools card you sent out and that was a great picture, but I think most of the people who subscribe do care about the origin, if not we’d be all looking at porn instead of being teased by you. Keep on rocking and I think ur evil twin should get her own show.
Touché, eddydraks.
i’m not sure if you’re referring to my April Fool’s Day card comment or not, but if you are, I was not in any way suggesting that the majority of subscribers did not genuinely care about etymology. You are absolutely right, eddydraks.
Great site and idea!!
Word Request : vituperative
keep up the great work!!
Mike
Hi Marina,
Love your show :0
I have a request for the word “WAKE” as in ceremony associated with death. What is the orgin of thise word?
Keep up the good work
Cheers!
Jeff
I have two separate words. Chivalry and Davenport (sofa)
I’m going to say it’s the first answer. It’s the only one of the three I’ve heard before. I love all your videos and lessons and I appreciated the card, but I just wish I had been the one to get the personalized card. Oh