Language is a living thing, constantly evolving and adapting. But beneath the surface of our everyday vocabulary lies a rich history, waiting to be explored. Etymology, the study of word origins, unveils the fascinating journeys words have taken to reach our lips and fingertips. Here, we delve into seven such journeys, revealing the surprising stories behind the words we use every single day.
Fact 1: The Word “Salary” Comes From Salt
“Salary” used to come from the idea that Roman soldiers were paid in salt. However, this is a common misconception. “Salary” traces back to the Latin word “salarium,” which indeed means “pay” or “salary.” But “salarium” itself doesn’t directly refer to salt. There are two main theories explaining the link between “sal” and “salarium.” The Salt Money theory suggests “salarium” was an abbreviation of “salārium argentum,” meaning “salt money.” However, there’s no historical evidence to support this specific phrase. Then, there is the ”Allowance for Salt” Theory, which is more widely accepted. It suggests that “salarium” refers to an allowance soldiers received to purchase salt. Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient Rome, essential for food preservation. Soldiers likely didn’t receive actual salt but rather money specifically designated for its purchase.
Fact 2: Avocado Means Testicle in Nahuatl
In Nahuatl, the Uto-Aztecan language of the Aztecs, “ahuacatl” indeed refers to both the avocado fruit and a testicle. Languages often have words with multiple meanings, depending on context. Think of English words like “bat” (the flying mammal or a wooden club). In Nahuatl, “ahuacatl” likely referred to the shape similarity between the avocado and a testicle. It’s important to remember that “ahuacatl” doesn’t translate directly to “testicle” in everyday Nahuatl use. It was likely a slang term or used figuratively based on appearance. The Spanish borrowed “ahuacatl” as “aguacate” when encountering the fruit in the Americas. Eventually, “aguacate” morphed into the English “avocado” we know today.
Fact 3: “Clue” Originated From A Ball Of Thread
The story starts with the Middle English word “clew,” which literally means “a ball of thread or yarn.” In Greek mythology, figures like Theseus used a ball of thread, provided by Ariadne, to navigate the labyrinth and escape the Minotaur. This “clew” became a powerful symbol for finding one’s way out of a maze or a difficult situation. By the 16th century, writers like Geoffrey Chaucer began using “clew” metaphorically. Imagine following a thread to solve a puzzle – that’s the essence of how “clew” started being used to describe anything that could help solve a mystery or problem. Over time, the spelling of “clew” gradually transformed into our modern “clue.” This reflects a common trend in language evolution, where spellings are streamlined for easier pronunciation and writing.
Fact 4: “Quarantine” comes From Forty Days
The word “Quarantine” stems from the Venetian term “quarentena” or the French “quarantaine,” both meaning “forty days.” This association with forty days arose during the Black Death, a devastating plague that swept across Europe in the 14th century. To prevent the spread of the disease, ships arriving in port were forced to wait in isolation for a period of forty days before passengers and crew could disembark. This practice was seen as a way to ensure anyone infected with the plague would become symptomatic within that timeframe. The exact reason for choosing forty days is unclear. Some theories suggest it might have been based on an observed incubation period for similar diseases. Others propose it was a symbolic number associated with periods of trial or waiting in religious traditions.
Fact 5: “Sycophant” Has Fig-Related Roots
The connection between “sycophant” and figs is a curious one, and the exact origin remains a topic of debate among scholars. The two theories explaining this are related to Fig Law Enforcement and Fig Shaking. The first one, Fig Law Enforcement, is proposed by Plutarch and suggests figs were a valuable commodity in Athens, with laws potentially prohibiting their export. Those who informed others who tried to illegally export figs were called “sycophants.” Another theory, the Fig Shaking, suggests the connection is metaphorical. Figs grow hidden amongst leaves. Shaking the tree (“syke” being the act of shaking) reveals the fruit (“phainein”). Similarly, a sycophant might be seen as someone who “shakes the tree” of someone’s life, revealing hidden secrets or wrongdoing through false accusations.
Fact 6: “Alcohol” Comes From The Arabic for “The Khol”
The Arabic word for kohl is actually “al-kuhl.” It refers to a cosmetic used for darkening the eyelids, similar to eyeliner. Distillation, a process used to create alcohol, was also used to make kohl in ancient times. This early connection between the two substances likely played a role in the naming. Europeans encountered “al-kuhl” and the distillation process in the Islamic world, particularly in Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain). They adopted the term “al-cool” or “alcool” to refer to the distilled essence, initially applied to both cosmetic and alcoholic spirits. Over time, the meaning of “alcohol” evolved to specifically refer to the intoxicating liquid. The original Arabic word “al-kuhl” for kohl remained separate. Interestingly, Arabic even adopted the term “al-kuhul” to refer to alcohol specifically, highlighting the two-way flow of language.
Fact 7: “Thug” Came From A Hindu Word
The term “thug” conjures images of violent criminals. However, its origins are surprisingly mundane. It comes from the Hindi word “thagi,” which translates to “deceiver” or “cheater.” Thugs were originally members of a religious sect in India who strangled their victims as offerings to the goddess Kali. As news of their brutality spread, “thug” became synonymous with violent criminals, a meaning that persists today.
These are just a handful of the countless fascinating journeys words take. By delving into etymology, we gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of language. We discover how words reflect historical realities, cultural exchanges, and even societal anxieties. So next time you use a word, take a moment to ponder its origin story. You might be surprised by the adventure it has been on.
