Did You Know?

The word ‘vanilla’ comes from the Latin word for ‘vagina.’

The vanilla orchid's pod shape led Spanish conquistadors to name it 'vainilla,' meaning 'little vagina.' This anatomical reference in botanical naming shows how physical resemblances often influence scientific terminology.

Did You Know?

The word ‘sincere’ may come from Latin words meaning ‘without wax.’

One etymology suggests it comes from 'sine cera,' referring to Roman sculptors who worked 'without wax,' meaning they...

Read more: The word ‘sincere’ may come from Latin words meaning ‘without wax.’

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The word ‘mortgage’ comes from French words meaning ‘death pledge.’

Combining 'mort' (death) and 'gage' (pledge), the term reflected the serious nature of the financial commitment. The pledge...

Read more: The word ‘mortgage’ comes from French words meaning ‘death pledge.’

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‘Ye’ in ‘Ye Olde Shoppe’ was never actually pronounced ‘ye.’

The 'y' in these signs was actually a representation of the Old English letter 'thorn' (þ), which made...

Read more: ‘Ye’ in ‘Ye Olde Shoppe’ was never actually pronounced ‘ye.’