Did You Know?
The word ‘ostracize’ comes from the ancient Greek practice of voting with oyster shells.
Citizens would write the names of unwanted individuals on oyster shells for banishment votes. This specific voting method gave us our general term for social exclusion.
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‘Sarcophagus’ literally means ‘flesh-eating’ in Greek.
Early stone coffins were made from limestone thought to decompose bodies quickly. The term combines 'sarx' (flesh) and...
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The word ‘dunce’ comes from a brilliant philosopher’s name.
John Duns Scotus was a respected medieval theologian whose followers were called Dunsmen. When their ideas fell out...
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‘Disaster’ literally means ‘bad star’ in Greek.
Combining 'dis' (bad) and 'aster' (star), the word reflects ancient beliefs that celestial events influenced earthly misfortunes. This...