I think it’s either 1 or 3 kind of leaning toward #3
prospero811 on
July 29th, 2008 7:14 am
A guy walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Do you want to play a game? See those two rib-eyes nailed to the ceiling? You get to throw one dart. If you hit one, you get to take them home and I’ll give you a free drink.” The man says, “No thanks, the steaks are too high.”
masco82 on
April 23rd, 2008 9:30 am
bar b que…bar bq…bbque…bbq?….i got it….i know how it shortened itself…originally a barbeque (texan) was used for basically grilling anything…pork, chicken , steak, fajitas, anything..it was a type of grill if you will…however, in the midst of the great depression and in poor folk kentuckie….people started slow cooking meat in certain coats of mustards, molasis, and sugars to preserve the meat and to cut down on the wood they had to use….certain lucky fellows made a cafe or two serving this type of meat smoked on a barbecoa…and everyone in town soon started buying it ….there was no name for it and no menu just give me whats on the barbeque today….pork chicken gaot what have you..anyway the food itself became known as barbeque…but…so many people in that area were illertate…like me…i cant spell to save my life and dont ask me to type anything…but….as the salted meat came from kentucky and spread out the name got bigger and the spelling got weaker….(remember one of our own presidents spelt okay ok…ok) anyway as long as a worker or a family ordered the barbique they didnt care what it was cooked on…so owners of places that served such a delight advertised bar-b que….and other illerate owners shortened it…..in tenesse today there is a sign off the highway that says barbyq open sundays…if you go in there…ask them what they cook it on…”we cook our barbyq in the worlds finest smoker”….a smoker …..in texas our texas….i love me some bbq
From the Méxican Barbacoa.
by the way, how do i get a picture avatar?
salú
r
vip_league on
April 20th, 2008 6:44 pm
I would say, it came from the French word.
awesomewayne on
April 20th, 2008 2:27 pm
My Dear Marina,
Being from Texas, I kinda feel i am cheeting on the Test;
Its Barbacoa,
But! But! But!
the French answer is also correct.
how do i know, because I am an awsome Texan,
my family has been here sense 1820,
yes the Spanish, borrowed it from the French?
I think, I am almost sure.
My Dear Marina, can you straighten me out?!!
fleetwood on
April 20th, 2008 10:11 am
Hi marina my guess number 3
manfromcairo on
April 20th, 2008 5:00 am
I don’t know . but all i know about this word that i like hot barbecue parties , hot like u. But i can guess it’s a spanish origin. thx
kingridbergman on
April 20th, 2008 3:32 am
Number 2 is the beat one. But I think it was the third one.
biagini2 on
April 19th, 2008 8:03 am
BBQ Game, I guess “whiskers-to-tail.”
luis.spain on
April 19th, 2008 6:40 am
Hi Marina,
as you have noticed from my nickname I’m spanish and can make sure we said “barbacoa”. I’m gonna take the theory #1 because I guess the spanish origin of barbacoa is pretty similar (at least this suggest my dictionary).
Sorry, my english is not very good but is getting better thanks to Marina and Hotforwords.
Marina I’m a Huge Transformers Fan/Collector/Reviewer and I wanted to know The Origin of The Autobot Leader “Optimus Prime” so can you tell me where “Optimus Prime” Comes from?
Marina my sweet,
Everyone knows that barbecue comes from Texas a word borrowed from the Spanish who borrowed it from a indian tribe in the Caribbean.
i really love your necklace also….bows head in humble devotion…Oh by the way word request….. Thunderstruck…. err i say #1 choice
hotty425 on
April 18th, 2008 10:25 pm
Hmmm Actually, I got Two Words.
Devil
&
666
Now, Both are To do with Hell and stuff. But it would be nice to know, Where both of those Words, or Numbers originated from and how they got their Meaning
There’s an interesting word you might pick: ROBOT. Once I heard it comes from the Russian работа. Is that true? Can you tell us more?
Greetings from Brazil
nematocyst replied on April 18th, 2008 10:39 pm:
Robot comes from the Czech word “Robotnik” which means “laborer” or “drudgery”. The word robot itself was popularized by the 1921 play “Rossums Universal Robots ” (aka RUR) written by Karel Capek. At least, the last time I checked thats what it was, which wasn’t too long ago, I had to engineer and build one for a presentation.
macracer1 on
April 18th, 2008 9:58 pm
[DEar Hot For Words] - I dont want to appear crass or rude -
but where did the word “FUCK” come from. Every body uses it in Film,TV, and print media - but when did this word first appear in history…….
ample on
April 18th, 2008 9:50 pm
Marina, you should make like an online test about the past lessons you’ve made, it would be pretty cool and fun.
your_wingman on
April 18th, 2008 9:03 pm
I wanted to know where the saying You can’t have your cake and eat it too? Came from
BTW: Love your show!
Das Vidania
darkness on
April 18th, 2008 9:00 pm
can you please find the origin of the word infitessimal. i would really love if you found out the origin <(+_+<)
k0ry30 on
April 18th, 2008 8:49 pm
The origins of both the activity of barbecue cooking and the word itself are somewhat obscure. Most etymologists believe that barbecue derives ultimately from the word barabicu found in the language of the Taíno people of the Caribbean. The word translates as sacred fire pit and is also spelled barbicoa or barabicoa. The word describes a grill for cooking meat consisting of a wooden platform resting on sticks.
madamimadam on
April 18th, 2008 8:16 pm
Hi my beautiful professor!
From where does the word detumesence come? Huxley used it skillfully in Ape and Essence but where, my good teacher, did it originate?
Come rafting with me in the Grand Canyon. I get to do one more trip before I start grad school. I need an etymology to think about while I row.
I had forgotten my love of language until I stumbled across your masterful site.
your student
roadrunner on
April 18th, 2008 7:51 pm
Where did the word “stogie” come from and what is the true meaning of it. Today people call cigars stogies but in old movies I’ve heard people call shoes stogies.
roadrunner
notoriousrawkus on
April 18th, 2008 7:47 pm
i want to know where cheese came from
daffodilduck on
April 18th, 2008 7:45 pm
I wanted to request a word: shenanigan
Love the show! Thanks - DaffodilDuck
dolphinbite on
April 18th, 2008 6:23 pm
I was reading a science fiction book where they talked about people that were “Earthbound” meaning that they couldn’t leave the Earth, but then they talked about a spaceship that was “Mars bound” meaning on the way to Mars. How can the word “bound” mean stuck somewhere AND going somewhere? Can you please look into this?
markchexx on
April 18th, 2008 6:13 pm
Hello Marina, I would like to request the word ‘Champion’ I have long wondered where this word came from, and now you have the honor of discovering it.
Hey Marina,
I was really curious where the word “Robbed” comes from.
As in, The store down the street was robbed yesterday. It’s kind of a random word. Thanks for reading.
Great vid by the way.
-Sean
lindridge on
April 18th, 2008 4:17 pm
#1 I guess because you said the origin is tricky. #3 is transparent.
I’m going to guess it’s origin#3, the French “from beard to tail” choice.
cjm686 on
April 18th, 2008 3:36 pm
I’ve finally thought of two things I would like you to answer.
#1: Not a word, but the letter “w”. Why is it said “double-u” and yet looks like two “v”s? Even in Spanish it is translated as “double-v”.
#2: “Lollygagger”. I’ve always wondered where that came from. I know it means a person that fools around or trifles as wastes their time, but I don’t know its origin.
I hope you decide to investigate.
riotcon on
April 18th, 2008 3:30 pm
hi marina
i’m from israel and i would like to ask about the words: ward room
and ward robe.
thank you for your lessons you are great.
Since you exude a most pulchritudinous and titillating presence in your lessons, I would love it if you would get to the bottom of the word “coitus”. Why such a funny looking name for something that’s been regarded as a sacred ritual to the ancient Romans and Greeks? I suggest a hot red outfit to commemorate this spicy Latin word.
How do you reference your words? All on the OED? If so you have the book version, CD, or Web?
__/)__
juancarlosjones on
April 18th, 2008 2:39 pm
I like your shows very much. Good job!! The answer is #1. Those caribeans love to grill food.
I would like to know where kaboodle came from. As in “kit and kaboodle”. I think it might have something to do with hobos (bums) but I am not sure. I have an apple for the teacher but it’s after dinner and drinks?
JuanCarlosJones
nickelfrog on
April 18th, 2008 2:38 pm
Answer number three of course is the correct one. However, I didn’t think it was French. We always considered it to be HILLBILLY or Southern Redneck Speak.
Thanks for the lesson. You are too wonderful for words.
Your HUMBLE student,
Frog Price
tiger tim on
April 18th, 2008 2:24 pm
Hello Marina, new member her………I would like to request a word. “HUMDINGER”. Always have heard it but never where it came from. Could you please clarify for us all.
Thanks in advance
Hello Marina,
I was thinking about where the word dad or daddy comes from.
Thank you Richard
pennsyltucky9 on
April 18th, 2008 2:12 pm
Hi Marina,
I’d like to know why the word “monitor” has such different definitions: It’s a computer screen…It’s a water lizard…It’s a lookout…it’s a security guard…It’s a hose nozzle…It’s an ironclad ship…it’s a pass in the Sierra Nevada…It’s verb meaning to watch. But what’s the origin of this word?
tsta1n on
April 18th, 2008 1:56 pm
#1 Barbacoa! There’s a restaurant in my town with that name. It’s a barbeque spot.
saratoga on
April 18th, 2008 1:49 pm
I would choose origin #3.
joshbuckler on
April 18th, 2008 1:47 pm
Hi Marina, here’s a word I dredged up recently: “cordial”. It seems to be some kind of drink, or a friendly attitude. Maybe you could do a video on it?
joshbuckler replied on April 18th, 2008 1:49 pm:
Also, good luck pronouncing it. Kor-jull? Kor Dee Al? Core Dial?
Bob replied on April 18th, 2008 3:51 pm:
From the OED:-
Cordial.
1. Of or belonging to the heart.
2. Stimulating, comforting, or invigorating to the heart, reviving, cheering.
3. Hearty, heartfelt, warm.
4. A … beverage that invigorates … and stimulates …
Association of ideas - Kool-ade - Cool Laid - feelings of contentment and cordiality.
vinz on
April 18th, 2008 1:39 pm
Hi Marina, the answer is the french version.
I’m french canadian and I also heard some people from france say ”de la barbe au cul”. But your answer means nearly the same so I guess we’re both right.
Have a nice day!
vinz replied on April 18th, 2008 1:43 pm:
OK I was wrong sorry it’s the spanish one cool
green rubber band on
April 18th, 2008 1:37 pm
I vote for option #1.
Thank you for these, Marina. I think the guessing games are my favorites.
josh...ing on
April 18th, 2008 12:47 pm
After the barbarian video, I’m curious now about the origin of the word “Onomatopoeia” - it always seemed like a long and complicated word to describe such a simple and fun act of creating new words.
Love the videos, thanks!
dr. who on
April 18th, 2008 12:43 pm
Marina, what is the origin of expression “red noise”. Is it French?
And most important - “How soon people will stop using it?”
bopoh on
April 18th, 2008 12:34 pm
I’m from N. Carolina, and I was told that BBQ or Barbeque, which came from the word barbaquoa - a derivitive of a native carribean word for the cooking style.
sirthinksalot on
April 18th, 2008 12:34 pm
“Indian Summer”
felixdavid0302 on
April 18th, 2008 12:33 pm
This is no guess.
Besides encountering Hammocks, canoes, hurricanes, etc. Columbus and his crew also found the barbicú in the West Indies in use by the Taino (sometimes called Arawak) natives living in Hispaniola (Dominican Republic), and San Juan Bautista (Puerto Rico) islands. the rest is history with the addition of these words and what they represent to the world’s language. So the correct answer is Number 1.
andrewbean90 on
April 18th, 2008 12:19 pm
Plz do the words horny and whore ok marina
turtlewax replied on April 18th, 2008 2:06 pm:
horny - like a rutting goat with horns. the OED places the first published use of this meaning in 1889, but it really only picks up in the 1960’s.
whore - comes from Old Norse for adultress. Over time, with increased antifeminism, it became more derogatory.
andrewbean90 replied on April 18th, 2008 2:20 pm:
R u a reliable source of words
turtlewax replied on April 18th, 2008 2:22 pm:
I’m not. The OED is.
shdwprsn on
April 18th, 2008 11:58 am
HI Marina,
I was wondering about the word sock and the 3 different meanings.
1. the sock that we put on our feet
2. to hit hard.
3. to save.
You already did… I will be releasing the answer in the next day or so. If you want an email when the lesson goes up.. you can put your email address in the box in the upper right side of the website there.
Thanks!
Marina
pennsyltucky9 replied on April 18th, 2008 12:22 pm:
Patience. She’s undoubtedly already shot it and it’s in editing by now. This woman is absolutely one of the most prolific bloggers yet (except maybe those plucky souls who leave a webcam on at all times including while they’e asleep). Keep checking.
jeffskry on
April 18th, 2008 10:21 am
hey marina,
I would like to know the origin of this saying:
“long in the tooth”.
twaterfield1 on
April 18th, 2008 10:04 am
#2
kurome on
April 18th, 2008 8:50 am
Hi Marina…. I’ve been seeing yours lesson on Yutube web…. but… what’s the meaning of “Youtube”???? where did it come from???? thanks a lot for teaching me more english (I’m a peruvian student)
toysjoe replied on April 18th, 2008 7:39 pm:
Well in “English” countries, the TV is referred to as the “tube”
and since it’s a website where everyone can upload videos, it’s all about YOU
Thus, YouTube.
whiterabbit on
April 18th, 2008 8:50 am
Hey, Marina!
I have a word request:
I would love to know the origin of, “The birds and the bees.”
How did parents begin to use The birds and bees to describe reproduction? I’m sure many others would love to know as well.
<33 Amanda
mynameistoney on
April 18th, 2008 8:29 am
hi marina :] may i please request for the origin of the word MELANCHOLY. thanks :]
harveycasual on
April 18th, 2008 8:03 am
Hello Marina,
Bar-b-que actually came from a composition of words back in France during the summertime… most likely… by some people all juiced up on Pernot. You see, these people were starvin’ for some tastey meat and had nothing around for kindling. To get the fire started… a pretty girl named “Bar-B” ( now spelled Barbie ) took off all her clothes and lit them on fire to get the wood fire started,
Que means what in French… I think?… so when the guys noticed what she did… they said “Barbie-what!?!?” which translates back to Bar B Que!
I want to make a word request for the word: “ass.” how did it go from referring to a donkey to a person’s buttocks?
bluetornado91 on
April 18th, 2008 7:18 am
hey girl! i have a very difficult word 4 u!
i am italian so i have translated it 4 u…
the word is…
TRANSUBSTANTIATION!!!
ciao bella!!!
starlightwriter on
April 18th, 2008 6:44 am
I have a word request. I would like to know where the word “Ninja” came from?
Bob replied on April 18th, 2008 6:59 am:
The Magnificent NINE from Japan
starlightwriter replied on April 18th, 2008 8:49 am:
thanks
minocquajay on
April 18th, 2008 6:16 am
I would postulate that #3 would apply much closer to the modern day definition of the word. Although some theorize about #1 Babracot, the raised platform was actually designed to keep from being bitten by snakes while one slept. Thus, our modern and shortened term “cot”, portable bed or bedstand.
binderybossman on
April 18th, 2008 5:44 am
#2 seems the more logical choice to me. ALSO: I would like to know the origin of the word “exfoliate” (NOTE: my spell checker says I am spelling exfoliate incorrectly, but the label on my bottle of skin cleanser agrees with me.)
johnwords2 on
April 18th, 2008 5:40 am
some times the simple answer is correct and I think it is 3
I believe that it’s a tie between 1 and 3. I was kinda curious to the origin and was researching it’s origins as well. While searching I found that origins 1 and 3 were the one’s that are thought to be the origin. Although, either one would have equal pages saying that their origin is the correct one, it seems that no one quite yet knows which one is truly is. I guess it’s up for us to decide which one we find more credible.
matalexwolf on
April 18th, 2008 4:54 am
BBQ- ~ # 3 sounds the go…..”.just take off its horns and wipe its ass please waton, I like it bloody as hell!!!! ”
Number…. Numb…..
The words Numb + Number…… shouldn’t Number mean more Numb than Numb and not, Number #?? Hope you can investigate HFWs
gramps525 on
April 18th, 2008 4:50 am
will have to go with #3. YOUR STILL HOT
brutishvulgarian on
April 18th, 2008 4:49 am
Number 1 sounds like the origin for buccaneer. I’m going to guess 2, just because no one else is.
alizzz on
April 18th, 2008 4:45 am
i want to know about the looong word —>Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
Claudio on
April 18th, 2008 4:29 am
I’d love to see you cover the word exotic, which, of course, most certainly applies to you! I’ve also always found it fascinating that English doesn’t appear to have an antonym for exotic, in the sense of something that is foreign but dull. Please enlighten me if you know of one.
shokukoro on
April 18th, 2008 4:28 am
What is the origin of flatulent
donfelipegonzales replied on April 18th, 2008 6:18 am:
Dear fellow student
It comes from latin: flatus, the wind…. It has to be known.
what is the real meaning behind “OPS”
like Britney’s song ops i did it again
let us see our hot teacher what you have for this one
Bob on
April 18th, 2008 3:08 am
Maybe I’m psychic because I looked this up just a couple of days ago and the answer is #1, though I am sorely tempted to postulate that “barbecue” is the word that the Romans invented from “barbarianus” to describe savage tribes that ate humans, or as we now call them, humanitarians.
pennsyltucky9 replied on April 18th, 2008 9:29 am:
Hahahahahahaha! Good one, bob.
toungetwisted replied on April 18th, 2008 6:55 pm:
ROTFLMAO
scorpio on
April 18th, 2008 1:34 am
BBQ…… Hummmmmm number 3 seems to be the most logical origin.
melody1118 on
April 18th, 2008 1:22 am
I have a word request. I have always wondered where they got the word ‘ScapeGoat’
Would you be kind as to investigate this for me Marina? Thanks teach.
toysjoe replied on April 18th, 2008 7:28 pm:
I read somewhere, and I’m not sure if this is correct.
Jewish priests used to put his hand on a goat in temple and he and people would pray to transfer their sins to the goat. Then the goat is released into the wild. Taking the people’s sins with it.
Which kind of is what a “scapegoat” does today.
manoman on
April 18th, 2008 1:22 am
The answer Is number 1. Barbecue can from the word barbicoa. Its not number 3 from beard to tail. Yeah you should next give the definition of “definiton.” Or the word farraginous. How about wenis?
slipperynoodle20 on
April 18th, 2008 12:32 am
It’s number 1. And Iove cooking over live fire! Smack, smack so tasty.
andres_escobar on
April 18th, 2008 12:30 am
I have another oxymoron for you, how about “tense calm” I hear it all the time being used by journalists and it drives me crazy jejeje
pennsyltucky9 on
April 18th, 2008 12:14 am
I already made my best conjecture about this word several postings ago but it’ll just have to be obscured by the passage of time, I guess…Too bad…
I still want to know who started spelling it with a Q, however. I’m not talking about BBQ or Bar-B-Q, which are both derivations that I can understand. But spelling it out all the way but using a Q where there should be a c (”barbeque”) just smells funny to me. Like tires burning. You see this all the time, more and more these days. once it got started, it became common usage or something. I want to pronounce that as “barbeck.” Everybody knows the U is silent when Q and U appear together. Take the example of bisque or baroque. You never hear anyone pronouncing the U in those words. wtf? I mean, what happens if you add an “-er” suffix to that, as in ” a person who ‘barbeques’ (sic)?” Does that make them a barbequeer? I think it does. Not that there’s anything wrong with that… . But it seems so much easier to spell it with a “C” like we would with “Cue stick.” Oh, Well…. ExQuse me. Somebody let one of my pet peeves off its leash…this is my Que to exit stage left….
Boyd on
April 18th, 2008 12:08 am
I will go with #3. By the way I like the pendant you are wearing. Looks very nice. Thank you hotforwords.
tdwnarrows on
April 17th, 2008 11:50 pm
Answr:#1 Great job.Five stars.
jetyun on
April 17th, 2008 11:48 pm
where did the phrase “cool beans” come from … i tend to say it even though i dont know why or where i heard it from.
turtlewax replied on April 18th, 2008 2:24 pm:
would also love to learn the origin of ‘cool beans’
toungetwisted replied on April 18th, 2008 6:57 pm:
Ditto. Never made much sense too me, still use it though.
swedehunter on
April 17th, 2008 11:41 pm
Hello dear teacher… I hope you won´t be angry if I admit that I will take a chance on this homework….
By the way the word is spelled, I would think it is theory #3, the french connection, that is the right one.
OR … there is a totaly different answer..
Isn´t this a barbarian way to cook food, roast a whole animal over open fire .. so maybe it´s just a barbarian way to cook = barbarcook=barbecue …hmmmm - Fun to make some whole new ideas of word origin!
Thanks for another nice wakeup frm your dear student / Swedehunter
ample on
April 17th, 2008 11:19 pm
Why wouldn’t it let me post a comment on only this video, but now that I can I guess 1…
greenbush on
April 17th, 2008 11:18 pm
Dear Marina, I’ll go with number 1 for the answer. This one is harder than the tulip bulb GTW answer. Happy that errinf requested subscriber deletion. I hope that us students were civil with him.
Nice BillyB!
I’d like my burger turbocharged please!
BillyB replied on April 17th, 2008 11:11 pm:
I used to work @ McDonalds once, but outdoors is the way to go now.
Bugs add protien, but don’t tell anyone.
excited4etymology replied on April 17th, 2008 11:26 pm:
you really pimped out that ride. Add some DVD players and some seat belts and you’ll really be cookin.
I don’t know about turbo charged, but I’ll have a steak medium rare.
Did you know “flipping hamburgers” and “would you like fries with that” is an out of date term. In McD’s They have a press that cooks both sides simultaneously, and BK’s they put them through a broiler (looks like an industrialized toaster) so they don’t flip patties. Ad far as fries, meals are assumed to come together, unless specified otherwise by the customer. Fries are becoming less used too, since our reactive (as opposed to proactive) country is trying to fix the obesity problem Americans are notorious. Did you know America is the only place where someone will suersize the mealw/ a DIET coke?
There’s nothing wrong with a little pigginess from time to time. Be happy, but be healthy too. Cholesterol outranks smoking as the most cmmon form of fatalitiy.
You know Pressing burgers also might become out dated term. When I was working at McD (even the management job sucks) they were working on a automated restaurant cooks. You would use a touch screen and out pops your order. The idea was to remove the high cost of labor. Crazy idea hu? Last I heard that it was in operation at the corporate office.
prospero811 replied on April 18th, 2008 8:36 am:
Can you make me a nice cheeseburger (a little heaven on Earth with an onion slice)?
I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes, a big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer. Heck, medium rare with mustard would be nice, but I’m not too particular, not too precise. I make the best of every virtue and vice, because it’s worth every damn bit of sacrifice.
BillyB replied on April 18th, 2008 8:48 am:
I’ve only got the Hienz 73 sauce, (My actual race car #), but chosen for biblical significance. I saw you post a C.S. Lewis quote, you like?
When you posted, I couldn’t resist locking up a couple of quote pages. thanks. I’m late for work again. G’day.
turtlewax replied on April 18th, 2008 9:10 am:
Are you a parrot head, prospero? it’s a great song.
prospero811 replied on April 18th, 2008 9:46 am:
Can’t go wrong with a little Jimmy Buffett, especially as the temperature up here in the frozen tundra begins to warm to tropical levels!
BillyB, I can’t remember what CS Lewis stuff I quoted. He’s o.k. - great writer, but his forays into theology were a bit strained….
turtlewax replied on April 18th, 2008 12:33 pm:
prospero, where are you that there’s tundra? AK, CA?
My French dictionary says the word barbecue comes from the Spanish word barbacoa, which in turn comes from a Haitian word. I therefore vote for Answer #1.
timothy.hk on
April 17th, 2008 10:44 pm
I would say #3, strangely enough it has to do with grinning pigs!
I would like to know more about the word Dubya. Or if that is too boring and easy - elutriated.
Thanks keep up the good work
mdietz83 on
April 17th, 2008 10:32 pm
Marina you are a delight! I saw you on Bill O’Reilly, who is my personal hero, and have been educated by your site ever since. I was wondering where the phrase, “I was just Joshing you,” came from. Keep up the sagacious work!
Love It Marina, in fact I plan on BBQing this coming weekend and it is nice to learn where the word came from.
Keep It Up Gorgeous and Have a Super TGIF Day.
Billy
galeanthropist on
April 17th, 2008 10:07 pm
I didn’t bother checking, but I simply wanted to know if you could find out the origin of my nick. Galeanthropist. Aside from it’s root Galeanthropy, I can find nothing. I doubt enough will vote on it to get an episode, but if you succeed where I could not, I’d fancy knowing.
My guess is #1. Why, well I was totally stumped on this one. Didn’t have a freaking clue. So I went with my gut feeling. Also Im putting a bit of logic to the formula thinking that many of game answers where showing up as # 3. She saw this as a problem so I knew it was not going to be #3. Now that the cat is out of the bag ( Oh I love this term “Cat out of the bag” It has an interesting origin that Im very familiar with but thats a different story) on this one I won’t be able to use it again. So again my guess is #1.
Oh aLx, stop messing with my gray matter! If I guessed #3 then I would be in 3rd place. So if I guess #1 then I would be 1st place if that is the correct answer. But now she has knowledge of this conversation and might make it #2 just for the spite of it. Oh this is so confusing. aLx I was so convince it was #1, now Im in doubt of my answer. Marina can I retract my answer? With new observations from aLx I might have to reevaluate my guess here. Let me get my lifeline Paul Allen on the phone and see what his guess is. See aLx the trouble you caused me! LOL.
yeah, well, maybe you were subconsciously well aware of the fact that she thought she knew that you thought you knew that the answer was #3. so you picked #1. you win. ;D
aLx, she is on to us now. Read her comments on lesson 420. But what she doesn’t know is we are on to her. Now that we know of this I have made a decision. Not because iocaine comes from Australia, as everyone knows. And Australia is entirely peopled with criminals. And criminals are used to having people not trust them as you are not trusted by me, so I can clearly not choose the answer #3 in front of you. aLx you truly, have a dizzying intellect. But wait till I get going!
Sorry I just couldn’t resist.
Bob replied on April 18th, 2008 2:59 am:
Watch out for those low flying pelicans, skipper! (~~ _/)_ ~~~)
Since you mentioned Paul Allen (you name-dropper!) I have to ask if you’re the lucky so-and-so who drives the Octopus.
Ardhiel on
April 17th, 2008 9:37 pm
I’d like to know where the phrase Knock On Wood comes from.
turtlewax replied on April 18th, 2008 9:19 am:
pretty sure Knock on wood and Touch wood (british) are references to touching Jesus’ crucifixition cross. Same sentiment as crossing one’s fingers. (Also, if you remember Zounds from Batman and BritLit, Zounds came from blending/slurring ‘God’s wounds.’
All of it started as reverence for the Christian sacrifice, but got coopted by everyman into much less reverent superstition.
For that matter, I think a lot of people cross themselves (make the sign of the cross) in the same vein as touching wood. They’re not praying; they’re making a gesture for reassurance and protection.
abeliyo69 on
April 17th, 2008 9:37 pm
I think it´s the option #1
zabriel on
April 17th, 2008 9:23 pm
I like #1. It’s been #3 too many times already, and #2 just doesn’t sound right. Most cannibalistic tribes ate their own dead as a sign of respect.
Oh, and to answer the question on the origin of Pimp, it comes from the French “pimpere” which means “to dress well”.
I think it’s either 1 or 3 kind of leaning toward #3
A guy walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Do you want to play a game? See those two rib-eyes nailed to the ceiling? You get to throw one dart. If you hit one, you get to take them home and I’ll give you a free drink.” The man says, “No thanks, the steaks are too high.”
bar b que…bar bq…bbque…bbq?….i got it….i know how it shortened itself…originally a barbeque (texan) was used for basically grilling anything…pork, chicken , steak, fajitas, anything..it was a type of grill if you will…however, in the midst of the great depression and in poor folk kentuckie….people started slow cooking meat in certain coats of mustards, molasis, and sugars to preserve the meat and to cut down on the wood they had to use….certain lucky fellows made a cafe or two serving this type of meat smoked on a barbecoa…and everyone in town soon started buying it ….there was no name for it and no menu just give me whats on the barbeque today….pork chicken gaot what have you..anyway the food itself became known as barbeque…but…so many people in that area were illertate…like me…i cant spell to save my life and dont ask me to type anything…but….as the salted meat came from kentucky and spread out the name got bigger and the spelling got weaker….(remember one of our own presidents spelt okay ok…ok) anyway as long as a worker or a family ordered the barbique they didnt care what it was cooked on…so owners of places that served such a delight advertised bar-b que….and other illerate owners shortened it…..in tenesse today there is a sign off the highway that says barbyq open sundays…if you go in there…ask them what they cook it on…”we cook our barbyq in the worlds finest smoker”….a smoker …..in texas our texas….i love me some bbq
mmm mm bbq
From the Méxican Barbacoa.
by the way, how do i get a picture avatar?
salú
r
I would say, it came from the French word.
My Dear Marina,
Being from Texas, I kinda feel i am cheeting on the Test;
Its Barbacoa,
But!
But! 
But! 
the French answer is also correct.
how do i know, because I am an awsome Texan,
my family has been here sense 1820,
yes the Spanish, borrowed it from the French?
I think, I am almost sure.
My Dear Marina, can you straighten me out?!!
Hi marina my guess number 3
I don’t know . but all i know about this word that i like hot barbecue parties , hot like u. But i can guess it’s a spanish origin. thx
Number 2 is the beat one. But I think it was the third one.
BBQ Game, I guess “whiskers-to-tail.”
Hi Marina,
as you have noticed from my nickname I’m spanish and can make sure we said “barbacoa”. I’m gonna take the theory #1 because I guess the spanish origin of barbacoa is pretty similar (at least this suggest my dictionary).
Sorry, my english is not very good but is getting better thanks to Marina and Hotforwords.
Marina I’m a Huge Transformers Fan/Collector/Reviewer and I wanted to know The Origin of The Autobot Leader “Optimus Prime” so can you tell me where “Optimus Prime” Comes from?
THANKS SO MUCH!
My youtube is http://www.youtube.com/transformersmatrix
Marina my sweet,
Everyone knows that barbecue comes from Texas a word borrowed from the Spanish who borrowed it from a indian tribe in the Caribbean.
i really love your necklace also….bows head in humble devotion…Oh by the way word request….. Thunderstruck…. err i say #1 choice
Hmmm Actually, I got Two Words.
Devil
&
666
Now, Both are To do with Hell and stuff. But it would be nice to know, Where both of those Words, or Numbers originated from and how they got their Meaning
Dear Marina,
There’s an interesting word you might pick: ROBOT. Once I heard it comes from the Russian работа. Is that true? Can you tell us more?
Greetings from Brazil
Robot comes from the Czech word “Robotnik” which means “laborer” or “drudgery”. The word robot itself was popularized by the 1921 play “Rossums Universal Robots ” (aka RUR) written by Karel Capek. At least, the last time I checked thats what it was, which wasn’t too long ago, I had to engineer and build one for a presentation.
[DEar Hot For Words] - I dont want to appear crass or rude -
but where did the word “FUCK” come from. Every body uses it in Film,TV, and print media - but when did this word first appear in history…….
Marina, you should make like an online test about the past lessons you’ve made, it would be pretty cool and fun.
I wanted to know where the saying You can’t have your cake and eat it too? Came from
BTW: Love your show!
Das Vidania
can you please find the origin of the word infitessimal. i would really love if you found out the origin <(+_+<)
The origins of both the activity of barbecue cooking and the word itself are somewhat obscure. Most etymologists believe that barbecue derives ultimately from the word barabicu found in the language of the Taíno people of the Caribbean. The word translates as sacred fire pit and is also spelled barbicoa or barabicoa. The word describes a grill for cooking meat consisting of a wooden platform resting on sticks.
Hi my beautiful professor!
From where does the word detumesence come? Huxley used it skillfully in Ape and Essence but where, my good teacher, did it originate?
Come rafting with me in the Grand Canyon. I get to do one more trip before I start grad school. I need an etymology to think about while I row.
I had forgotten my love of language until I stumbled across your masterful site.
your student
Where did the word “stogie” come from and what is the true meaning of it. Today people call cigars stogies but in old movies I’ve heard people call shoes stogies.
roadrunner
i want to know where cheese came from
I wanted to request a word: shenanigan
Love the show! Thanks - DaffodilDuck
I was reading a science fiction book where they talked about people that were “Earthbound” meaning that they couldn’t leave the Earth, but then they talked about a spaceship that was “Mars bound” meaning on the way to Mars. How can the word “bound” mean stuck somewhere AND going somewhere? Can you please look into this?
Hello Marina, I would like to request the word ‘Champion’ I have long wondered where this word came from, and now you have the honor of discovering it.
Hehehe… If you do it, you will be a Champion.
-Mark
Hmmm, something that goes back, has many aspects and will show off your beautiful hands. Chirality
Hey Marina,
I was really curious where the word “Robbed” comes from.
As in, The store down the street was robbed yesterday. It’s kind of a random word. Thanks for reading.
Great vid by the way.
-Sean
#1 I guess because you said the origin is tricky. #3 is transparent.
I’m going to guess it’s origin#3, the French “from beard to tail” choice.
I’ve finally thought of two things I would like you to answer.
#1: Not a word, but the letter “w”. Why is it said “double-u” and yet looks like two “v”s? Even in Spanish it is translated as “double-v”.
#2: “Lollygagger”. I’ve always wondered where that came from. I know it means a person that fools around or trifles as wastes their time, but I don’t know its origin.
I hope you decide to investigate.
hi marina
i’m from israel and i would like to ask about the words: ward room
and ward robe.
thank you for your lessons you are great.
Since you exude a most pulchritudinous and titillating presence in your lessons, I would love it if you would get to the bottom of the word “coitus”.
Why such a funny looking name for something that’s been regarded as a sacred ritual to the ancient Romans and Greeks? I suggest a hot red outfit to commemorate this spicy Latin word.
hmm. I think franchise is on to something here.
Marina,
How do you reference your words? All on the OED? If so you have the book version, CD, or Web?
__/)__
I would like to know where kaboodle came from. As in “kit and kaboodle”. I think it might have something to do with hobos (bums) but I am not sure. I have an apple for the teacher but it’s after dinner and drinks?
JuanCarlosJones
Answer number three of course is the correct one. However, I didn’t think it was French. We always considered it to be HILLBILLY or Southern Redneck Speak.
Thanks for the lesson. You are too wonderful for words.
Your HUMBLE student,
Frog Price
Hello Marina, new member her………I would like to request a word. “HUMDINGER”. Always have heard it but never where it came from. Could you please clarify for us all.
Thanks in advance
um where does the word juggalo come from
Hello Marina,
I was thinking about where the word dad or daddy comes from.
Thank you Richard
Hi Marina,
I’d like to know why the word “monitor” has such different definitions: It’s a computer screen…It’s a water lizard…It’s a lookout…it’s a security guard…It’s a hose nozzle…It’s an ironclad ship…it’s a pass in the Sierra Nevada…It’s verb meaning to watch. But what’s the origin of this word?
#1 Barbacoa! There’s a restaurant in my town with that name. It’s a barbeque spot.
I would choose origin #3.
Hi Marina, here’s a word I dredged up recently: “cordial”. It seems to be some kind of drink, or a friendly attitude. Maybe you could do a video on it?
Also, good luck pronouncing it. Kor-jull? Kor Dee Al? Core Dial?
From the OED:-
Cordial.
1. Of or belonging to the heart.
2. Stimulating, comforting, or invigorating to the heart, reviving, cheering.
3. Hearty, heartfelt, warm.
4. A … beverage that invigorates … and stimulates …
Association of ideas - Kool-ade - Cool
Laid - feelings of contentment and cordiality. 
Hi Marina, the answer is the french version.
I’m french canadian and I also heard some people from france say ”de la barbe au cul”. But your answer means nearly the same so I guess we’re both right.
Have a nice day!
OK I was wrong sorry it’s the spanish one cool
I vote for option #1.
Thank you for these, Marina. I think the guessing games are my favorites.
After the barbarian video, I’m curious now about the origin of the word “Onomatopoeia” - it always seemed like a long and complicated word to describe such a simple and fun act of creating new words.
Love the videos, thanks!
Marina, what is the origin of expression “red noise”. Is it French?
And most important - “How soon people will stop using it?”
I’m from N. Carolina, and I was told that BBQ or Barbeque, which came from the word barbaquoa - a derivitive of a native carribean word for the cooking style.
“Indian Summer”
This is no guess.
Besides encountering Hammocks, canoes, hurricanes, etc. Columbus and his crew also found the barbicú in the West Indies in use by the Taino (sometimes called Arawak) natives living in Hispaniola (Dominican Republic), and San Juan Bautista (Puerto Rico) islands. the rest is history with the addition of these words and what they represent to the world’s language. So the correct answer is Number 1.
Plz do the words horny and whore ok marina
horny - like a rutting goat with horns. the OED places the first published use of this meaning in 1889, but it really only picks up in the 1960’s.
whore - comes from Old Norse for adultress. Over time, with increased antifeminism, it became more derogatory.
R u a reliable source of words
I’m not. The OED is.
HI Marina,
I was wondering about the word sock and the 3 different meanings.
1. the sock that we put on our feet
2. to hit hard.
3. to save.
Hi Marina
How do we subscribe to get the answers?
You already did… I will be releasing the answer in the next day or so. If you want an email when the lesson goes up.. you can put your email address in the box in the upper right side of the website there.
Thanks!
Marina
Patience. She’s undoubtedly already shot it and it’s in editing by now. This woman is absolutely one of the most prolific bloggers yet (except maybe those plucky souls who leave a webcam on at all times including while they’e asleep). Keep checking.
hey marina,
I would like to know the origin of this saying:
“long in the tooth”.
#2
Hi Marina…. I’ve been seeing yours lesson on Yutube web…. but… what’s the meaning of “Youtube”???? where did it come from???? thanks a lot for teaching me more english (I’m a peruvian student)
Well in “English” countries, the TV is referred to as the “tube”
and since it’s a website where everyone can upload videos, it’s all about YOU
Thus, YouTube.
Hey, Marina!
I have a word request:
I would love to know the origin of, “The birds and the bees.”
How did parents begin to use The birds and bees to describe reproduction? I’m sure many others would love to know as well.
<33 Amanda
hi marina :] may i please request for the origin of the word MELANCHOLY. thanks :]
Hello Marina,
Bar-b-que actually came from a composition of words back in France during the summertime… most likely… by some people all juiced up on Pernot. You see, these people were starvin’ for some tastey meat and had nothing around for kindling. To get the fire started… a pretty girl named “Bar-B” ( now spelled Barbie ) took off all her clothes and lit them on fire to get the wood fire started,
Que means what in French… I think?… so when the guys noticed what she did… they said “Barbie-what!?!?” which translates back to Bar B Que!
Cheers!
True story harveycasual
I want to make a word request for the word: “ass.” how did it go from referring to a donkey to a person’s buttocks?
hey girl! i have a very difficult word 4 u!
i am italian so i have translated it 4 u…
the word is…
TRANSUBSTANTIATION!!!
ciao bella!!!
I have a word request. I would like to know where the word “Ninja” came from?
The Magnificent NINE from Japan
thanks
I would postulate that #3 would apply much closer to the modern day definition of the word. Although some theorize about #1 Babracot, the raised platform was actually designed to keep from being bitten by snakes while one slept. Thus, our modern and shortened term “cot”, portable bed or bedstand.
#2 seems the more logical choice to me. ALSO: I would like to know the origin of the word “exfoliate” (NOTE: my spell checker says I am spelling exfoliate incorrectly, but the label on my bottle of skin cleanser agrees with me.)
some times the simple answer is correct and I think it is 3
I believe that it’s a tie between 1 and 3. I was kinda curious to the origin and was researching it’s origins as well. While searching I found that origins 1 and 3 were the one’s that are thought to be the origin. Although, either one would have equal pages saying that their origin is the correct one, it seems that no one quite yet knows which one is truly is. I guess it’s up for us to decide which one we find more credible.
BBQ- ~ # 3 sounds the go…..”.just take off its horns and wipe its ass please waton, I like it bloody as hell!!!! ”
Number…. Numb…..
The words Numb + Number…… shouldn’t Number mean more Numb than Numb and not, Number #?? Hope you can investigate HFWs
Number 1 sounds like the origin for buccaneer. I’m going to guess 2, just because no one else is.
i want to know about the looong word —>Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis
I’d love to see you cover the word exotic, which, of course, most certainly applies to you! I’ve also always found it fascinating that English doesn’t appear to have an antonym for exotic, in the sense of something that is foreign but dull. Please enlighten me if you know of one.
What is the origin of flatulent
Dear fellow student
It comes from latin: flatus, the wind…. It has to be known.
Flatulent does originate with a good meal for me. butt the word I’ll leave to HFW. Butt your question brings up an interesting Origin, How do famous people get their stage names. I’ll copy & paste this.
http://books.google.ca/books?id=G8t8doQHi-MC&pg=PA 131&lpg=PA131&dq=flatulent+origin&source=web&ots=E maUth-H09&sig=Oa-y6YDsfC6RJWezfzxI9pfyTuU&hl=en#PP A131,M1
Check out jumping jack flash. And more if your knowledge base needs to increase in this area
like Britney’s song ops i did it again
let us see our hot teacher what you have for this one
Maybe I’m psychic because I looked this up just a couple of days ago and the answer is #1, though I am sorely tempted to postulate that “barbecue” is the word that the Romans invented from “barbarianus” to describe savage tribes that ate humans, or as we now call them, humanitarians.
Hahahahahahaha! Good one, bob.
ROTFLMAO
BBQ…… Hummmmmm number 3 seems to be the most logical origin.
I have a word request. I have always wondered where they got the word ‘ScapeGoat’
Would you be kind as to investigate this for me Marina? Thanks teach.
I read somewhere, and I’m not sure if this is correct.
Jewish priests used to put his hand on a goat in temple and he and people would pray to transfer their sins to the goat. Then the goat is released into the wild. Taking the people’s sins with it.
Which kind of is what a “scapegoat” does today.
The answer Is number 1. Barbecue can from the word barbicoa. Its not number 3 from beard to tail. Yeah you should next give the definition of “definiton.” Or the word farraginous. How about wenis?
It’s number 1. And Iove cooking over live fire! Smack, smack so tasty.
I have another oxymoron for you, how about “tense calm” I hear it all the time being used by journalists and it drives me crazy jejeje
I already made my best conjecture about this word several postings ago but it’ll just have to be obscured by the passage of time, I guess…Too bad…
I still want to know who started spelling it with a Q, however. I’m not talking about BBQ or Bar-B-Q, which are both derivations that I can understand. But spelling it out all the way but using a Q where there should be a c (”barbeque”) just smells funny to me. Like tires burning. You see this all the time, more and more these days. once it got started, it became common usage or something. I want to pronounce that as “barbeck.” Everybody knows the U is silent when Q and U appear together. Take the example of bisque or baroque. You never hear anyone pronouncing the U in those words. wtf? I mean, what happens if you add an “-er” suffix to that, as in ” a person who ‘barbeques’ (sic)?” Does that make them a barbequeer? I think it does. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
. But it seems so much easier to spell it with a “C” like we would with “Cue stick.” Oh, Well…. ExQuse me. Somebody let one of my pet peeves off its leash…this is my Que to exit stage left….
I will go with #3. By the way I like the pendant you are wearing. Looks very nice. Thank you hotforwords.
Answr:#1 Great job.Five stars.
where did the phrase “cool beans” come from … i tend to say it even though i dont know why or where i heard it from.
would also love to learn the origin of ‘cool beans’
Ditto. Never made much sense too me, still use it though.
Hello dear teacher… I hope you won´t be angry if I admit that I will take a chance on this homework….
By the way the word is spelled, I would think it is theory #3, the french connection, that is the right one.
OR … there is a totaly different answer..
Isn´t this a barbarian way to cook food, roast a whole animal over open fire .. so maybe it´s just a barbarian way to cook = barbarcook=barbecue …hmmmm - Fun to make some whole new ideas of word origin!
Thanks for another nice wakeup frm your dear student / Swedehunter
Why wouldn’t it let me post a comment on only this video, but now that I can I guess 1…
Dear Marina, I’ll go with number 1 for the answer. This one is harder than the tulip bulb GTW answer. Happy that errinf requested subscriber deletion. I hope that us students were civil with him.
the word is “myriad”.
No time today for homework.’Was busy in the shop, tweakin’ the barbie’. Cooks a little faster now.
http://neatorama.cachefly.net/images/2006-06/hemi- powered-grill.jpg
Nice BillyB!
I’d like my burger turbocharged please!
I used to work @ McDonalds once, but outdoors is the way to go now.
Bugs add protien, but don’t tell anyone.
you really pimped out that ride. Add some DVD players and some seat belts and you’ll really be cookin.
I don’t know about turbo charged, but I’ll have a steak medium rare.
Did you know “flipping hamburgers” and “would you like fries with that” is an out of date term. In McD’s They have a press that cooks both sides simultaneously, and BK’s they put them through a broiler (looks like an industrialized toaster) so they don’t flip patties. Ad far as fries, meals are assumed to come together, unless specified otherwise by the customer. Fries are becoming less used too, since our reactive (as opposed to proactive) country is trying to fix the obesity problem Americans are notorious. Did you know America is the only place where someone will suersize the mealw/ a DIET coke?
There’s nothing wrong with a little pigginess from time to time. Be happy, but be healthy too. Cholesterol outranks smoking as the most cmmon form of fatalitiy.
So who’s hungry?
You know Pressing burgers also might become out dated term. When I was working at McD (even the management job sucks) they were working on a automated restaurant cooks. You would use a touch screen and out pops your order. The idea was to remove the high cost of labor. Crazy idea hu? Last I heard that it was in operation at the corporate office.
Can you make me a nice cheeseburger (a little heaven on Earth with an onion slice)?
I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French fried potatoes, a big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer. Heck, medium rare with mustard would be nice, but I’m not too particular, not too precise. I make the best of every virtue and vice, because it’s worth every damn bit of sacrifice.
I’ve only got the Hienz 73 sauce, (My actual race car #), but chosen for biblical significance. I saw you post a C.S. Lewis quote, you like?
When you posted, I couldn’t resist locking up a couple of quote pages. thanks. I’m late for work again. G’day.
Are you a parrot head, prospero? it’s a great song.
Can’t go wrong with a little Jimmy Buffett, especially as the temperature up here in the frozen tundra begins to warm to tropical levels!
BillyB, I can’t remember what CS Lewis stuff I quoted. He’s o.k. - great writer, but his forays into theology were a bit strained….
prospero, where are you that there’s tundra? AK, CA?
My French dictionary says the word barbecue comes from the Spanish word barbacoa, which in turn comes from a Haitian word. I therefore vote for Answer #1.
I would say #3, strangely enough it has to do with grinning pigs!
I would like to know more about the word Dubya. Or if that is too boring and easy - elutriated.
Thanks keep up the good work
Marina you are a delight! I saw you on Bill O’Reilly, who is my personal hero, and have been educated by your site ever since. I was wondering where the phrase, “I was just Joshing you,” came from. Keep up the sagacious work!
Love It Marina, in fact I plan on BBQing this coming weekend and it is nice to learn where the word came from.
Keep It Up Gorgeous and Have a Super TGIF Day.
Billy
I didn’t bother checking, but I simply wanted to know if you could find out the origin of my nick. Galeanthropist. Aside from it’s root Galeanthropy, I can find nothing. I doubt enough will vote on it to get an episode, but if you succeed where I could not, I’d fancy knowing.
My guess is #1. Why, well I was totally stumped on this one. Didn’t have a freaking clue. So I went with my gut feeling. Also Im putting a bit of logic to the formula thinking that many of game answers where showing up as # 3. She saw this as a problem so I knew it was not going to be #3. Now that the cat is out of the bag ( Oh I love this term “Cat out of the bag” It has an interesting origin that Im very familiar with but thats a different story) on this one I won’t be able to use it again. So again my guess is #1.
~~ _/)_ ~~~
but maybe she knew that you’d think that you “know” it was not going to be #3? then what?
Oh aLx, stop messing with my gray matter!
If I guessed #3 then I would be in 3rd place. So if I guess #1 then I would be 1st place if that is the correct answer. But now she has knowledge of this conversation and might make it #2 just for the spite of it. Oh this is so confusing. aLx I was so convince it was #1, now Im in doubt of my answer. Marina can I retract my answer? With new observations from aLx I might have to reevaluate my guess here. Let me get my lifeline Paul Allen on the phone and see what his guess is. See aLx the trouble you caused me! LOL. 
_/)_
yeah, well, maybe you were subconsciously well aware of the fact that she thought she knew that you thought you knew that the answer was #3. so you picked #1. you win. ;D
err … no, wait. “… that the answer was not going to be #3″. yeah. this way. right? lol.
Who’s on first?
aLx, she is on to us now. Read her comments on lesson 420. But what she doesn’t know is we are on to her. Now that we know of this I have made a decision. Not because iocaine comes from Australia, as everyone knows. And Australia is entirely peopled with criminals. And criminals are used to having people not trust them as you are not trusted by me, so I can clearly not choose the answer #3 in front of you. aLx you truly, have a dizzying intellect. But wait till I get going!
Sorry I just couldn’t resist.
Watch out for those low flying pelicans, skipper! (~~ _/)_ ~~~)
Since you mentioned Paul Allen (you name-dropper!) I have to ask if you’re the lucky so-and-so who drives the Octopus.
I’d like to know where the phrase Knock On Wood comes from.
pretty sure Knock on wood and Touch wood (british) are references to touching Jesus’ crucifixition cross. Same sentiment as crossing one’s fingers. (Also, if you remember Zounds from Batman and BritLit, Zounds came from blending/slurring ‘God’s wounds.’
All of it started as reverence for the Christian sacrifice, but got coopted by everyman into much less reverent superstition.
For that matter, I think a lot of people cross themselves (make the sign of the cross) in the same vein as touching wood. They’re not praying; they’re making a gesture for reassurance and protection.
I think it´s the option #1
I like #1. It’s been #3 too many times already, and #2 just doesn’t sound right. Most cannibalistic tribes ate their own dead as a sign of respect.
Oh, and to answer the question on the origin of Pimp, it comes from the French “pimpere” which means “to dress well”.
Pimp is an acronym:
P-Person
I-Into
M-Marketing
P-Prostitutes
P-Pasty
I-Individuals
M-Masquerading their
P-Profits
positive, intellectual, motivated persons
Peaceable, Incandescence, Meticulously, Phrased
Professional Investors of Maternal Philandering
MILK = Mother I’d Like to Know.
You’re too cute Teacher, will you marry me
Pimp doggie: http://www.dogsinduds.com/pictures/pimp1.jpg
This time I got this one right; it’s #1!
I think it’s number 1.
Anyways, I was wondering. Where does the word