etymology

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Jan 22 • Andrew Smith

A1 is how steak is done.

Jan 16 • Andrew Smith

For perhaps the last century, linguists, historians, and other academic observers have discussed the words that define our times the best.

Dec 30, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Duck Tape™ used to be called duck tape, though for most of my life it was referred to as duct tape.

Dec 21, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Dec 19, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Not In My Back Yard!

Dec 17, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Let's Think About This

This is no ordinary word.

Dec 13, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Noblesse Oblige

If someone becomes wealthy and then rubs it in everyone’s faces, that person probably won’t win any popularity contests.

Dec 7, 2025 • Andrew Smith

It's Like, Quotative

At some point during the late 80s, the meaning of the word like seemed to evolve right before my ears.

Dec 6, 2025 • Andrew Smith

No pain, no gain!

Dec 5, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Feeling Minnesota

I’m looking California

Dec 4, 2025 • Andrew Smith

Some time in the 1890s, a new nickname for poor Southern white farmers arose in the popular American consciousness.

Dec 2, 2025 • Andrew Smith

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