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Your comments and questions:
Q: Albert asks: "Can you please tell me where the name BLOOMERS came from and when first used for women's under wear?"
A: Starting from 1851 the word was used to label a style of 'modest' clothing promoted by Amelia Jenks Bloomer (1818–1894), an American lady who introduced the costume that still bears her name. These days the word is applied to the sort of briefs that might have shocked po0r Mrs Bloomer.
Q: Hi. Where did the word berserk come from? Stephen
A: 'Berserk' started life as an Old Icelandic word. The original form was 'berserker' -- meaning a wild, Viking warrior. It was often applied to a warrior who was so absurdly courageous as to go into battle with armour. The word 'berserker' is related to the Old Icelandic word for 'bearskin' so the implication was that a 'berserker' was a wild man who rushed tin battle protected by no more than a bearskin.
Q: I would like to know where the word “undertaker” originated and why it has the reference to a funeral director. Zoe
A: When 'undertaker' first appeared in English (around 1382) it meant 'an assistant' or 'a helper.' Only from 1698 did 'undertaker' come to mean the business of making arrangements for funerals. The experts assume that funerals had (by that time) come to be seen as an area where people often needed help and support.
Q: If a sporting team is beaten soundly, why is the expression ‘they were given a real shellacking’ used? Gerald.
A: The earliest use of 'shellacking' is from 1881 and is just the literal meaning of 'a coating of shellack'. Originally 'lac' was a dark, resinous substance from the scales of certain insects. This was melted and applied as a protective shell over woodwork. Then, out of the blue, in 1930 (in America) this verb was applied to mean 'to beat, to thrash, to punish.' This started when 'shellacked' was used to mean 'drunk.' Apparently serious down-and-out alcoholics would drink shellac--because it was always dissolved in alcohol. Then this was transferred to sport. Perhaps it went first to boxing because of the existing expression 'punch drunk.' Mind you, other experts have suggested it might be a different word -- a combination of 'whacking' and 'shelling' both of which are violently destructive.
Q: Do you have a definition for woke? Simon.
A: "politically correct bullies' is my preferred definition. The 'woke' movement began back in the 1980s as the politically correct movement -- which those of us who are politically incorrect just found amusing. But over the intervening decades this transmuted into a more aggressive mindset that despised everyone who disagreed with them -- and sought to badger and bully out of the public square anyone who did not support their views. I have been told that my definition is harsh. Possibly. But it is correct!
Q: Hi Kel, could you explain the origin of the saying, the devils in the detail? John
A: It means: 'the details of a plan, although seemingly insignificant, may contain hidden or highly problematic issues.' It first appeared in English in 1963, but it seems to be a direct translation of an earlier German expression (from around 1940) Teufel steckt im Detail. There was an even earlier German proverb that said, 'God is in the details'. All these expressions convey the notion that it is the details that matter rather than just the overall thrust o of the deal or the document in question.
Q: I know what they mean, when they say "summit". They mean a conference or a meeting. Why not just say so? Gordon.
A: Because they are more than meetings -- they are meetings of 'peak' people: the 'highest' people qualified to discuss (and act on) these issues.
Q: Yesterday in church our organist played a postlude at the end of the service. Sometimes before the service he might play a prelude on the organ. That has brought me to consider what a ‘lude’ might be. Can you help please? Cheers, Riley
A: 'Lude' goes back to the days of Old English -- and is a variation on 'loud.' So, when applied to sounds or voices it means 'strong audible; making a strong impression.' To this are added to the prefixes 'pre'- and 'post-' to indicate their place in the schedule.
Q: Recently on the Credlin show, the banner used the word insure in the sense of making sure something would happen. I believe that insure is related to the concept of insurance and providing protection in the event of something untoward happening. Conversely, I believe ensure relates to making sure something will take place. Can you please clarify the correct use of these two words. Thank you, Susan
A: 'Insure' and 'ensure' both came into English from the same French source word (around the (1400s) and have closely related meanings. 'Ensure' means 'to make certain' (it can be used to mean 'guarantee'). 'Insure' has a fixed connection to finance, it means ' To secure the payment of a sum of money (if specified events occur).' So, it appears that if there is no financial component, then 'insure' should not be used. If all that is being conveyed in the notion of 'making certain' then it looks as if 'ensure' is the correct word.
Q: I often use the phrase ' done his dash' and I wonder where this originated. Thanks and fast recovery. Andrew.
A: It's an Australian colloquialism, first recorded in 1916. It seems to come from the earlier expression 'to have a dash (at something)' meaning to make an attempt. If you've made an attempt and failed, you've 'done your dash.' The old meaning of 'dash' in English was 'to strike a blow' and this fits in with the notion of making an attempt: 'I'll have a dash (strike a blow) at this...'
Q: My Grand Mother who was born in the late 1800's of Scottish Parents at a place called Joadja Creek west of Mittagong NSW. As a young boy and when I was naughty on several occasions I recall her chastising me and used two phrases (Snakes alive) and (Starve the Lizards). Are you able shed some light on the origin of these sayings. My Grandmother died in the 1950's and there no other family members of that era left who would know the history of these sayings. Best wishes. Jim.
A: 'Starve the lizards' is a variation on 'stone the crows' as an Australin expression of surprise. But tracking down either of them came from has proved to be almost impossible. 'Snakes alive" I hadn't heard of before but probably fits in this same category.
Q: Hi Kel, A news report on Ch 7 evening news tonight reminded me of a very common abuse of English. In giving a report about a driver breaking the law, it was reported that his licence may be disqualified. Apparently, they are unaware that it is the driver who may be disqualified. His licence may be suspended or cancelled, but never disqualified, as the licence is not qualified to do anything! Grrrrr. Cheers, Helen
A: In an earlier life I was a Senior Producer in a major newsroom, and I spent much of my time battling the linguistic ignorance of young journalists.
Q: Hi Kel, I'm wondering what the origins for the military slang words "goffa" and "gumpy bars" I know that they mean "soft drink" and "chocolate bar" respectively but can't find the origins. Cheers Steve
A: Military slang is also a puzzle to me. CAN ANY READER HELPWITH AN ANSWER FOR STEVE PLEASE?
Q: Hi Kel. Firstly, I love your segment on Credlin! My question is, if the noun is 'enthanasia', how is it that the verb is 'euthanise'? Shouldn't it be 'euthanase'? Thanks heaps, Jo
A: The Oxford says that the correct verb is 'euthanize' and that 'euthanise' is a less common variant. And, yes, I am hearing more these days, and I don't understand why. It is clearly not correct.
Q: My granddaughters asked what it means, and I ask where did it come from? Can you assist?
Regards, Tony
A: It's a very old expression. From as long ago as the 15th century 'mum' meant 'an inarticulate sound with closed lips.' We get our word 'mumble' from that same source. In the Middle Ages travelling acrobats and actors who performed in pantomime (never spoke) were called 'mummers.' And that also gave us 'mum's the word' meaning -- keep your lips sealed.
Q: Hi Kel, how did ratbag come about? It was used on Sky News to describe a group of anti-Israel protesters. Would i be correct in saying that it is one of our own, an Aussie colloquialism? Thanks. John
A: In the late 1800s 'rat' was slang for a mad idea -- for being a bit crazy. Someone who was going stupid was said to 'have a rat.' If he was full of mad ideas (full of 'rats') he was a 'ratbag.'
Q: Paul writes to ask the difference between the words 'truth' and 'facts.'
A: There is no difference. When used correctly (honestly) they are exact synonyms. The Oxford defines 'truth' as meaning 'in accordance with the facts, with reality.' And the Oxford says that 'facts' means 'that which is known to be true.'
Q: Are politicians using the word ‘quantum’ correctly, when they say, ‘quantum of spending’? Should it be ‘quantity’ instead? Tessa
A: 'Quantum' comes from physics and means 'the smallest amount of anything.' So, yes, it refers to quantity. Confusingly a 'quantum leap' is said to be a very large leap. What any politician means by 'quantum of spending' I cannot begin to imagine.
Q: Hi Kel, where did the phrase " back to square one " come from, and what exactly does it mean? Thanks. John
A: It means 'back to the beginning' or 'back to the starting point.' It's first recorded in Britain in 1952. The Oxford offers this explanation: ' Often said to derive from the notional division of a football (soccer) pitch into eight numbered sections for the purposes of early radio commentaries, but this is unlikely, as the system was abandoned several decades before the first record of the phrase.' So, of that's the case, where did it come from? The answer is almost certainly the children's board game of Snakes and Ladders.
Q: I was reading the abstracts of articles in the WSJ, and I came across this sentence: Trump’s lawsuit arrived at an especially fraught moment for Paramount and its storied CBS News unit. The word 'storied' seems to be very popular these days. I think it's taken over from the terminally overused 'iconic'. Care to do an article on it? I hope your recovery is proceeding well. Best regards, Helen
A: The word 'storied' goes back to the late 1400s. It is meant to name a person or institution about which many celebratory stories are told. In the sense, it is very similar to 'legendary' -- which means 'that about which legends are told.' (A 'legend' being a type of story.) And, yest, Helen, I might do some more work and expand this answer into a whole column.
Q: My question is where did the expression “fair dinkum” originate? It’s used so commonly in all areas of communication, and we all know what it means but how did it start? Thanks Aileen
A: It started as an English dialect word meaning 'work.' The English Dialect Dictionary recorded it from Gloucestershire in 1879. It was brought here by settlers from that part of the British Isles. In Rolf Boldrewood's1882 novel Robbery Under Arms the narrator (Dick Marston) says "It took an hour's hard dinkum" to get the cattle up the valley." 'Fair dinkum' originally meant a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. Over the years it broadened and became more general, until it just meant 'genuine' or 'fair' in a very general sense.
Q: Hi Kel, can you please explain why a police officer is referred to as a "cop" and what the origin of cop is? Also, is it a derogatory term as one often hears police referring to other police as cops? Thanks, cheers, Alan
A: This nickname for police officers comes from the old verb 'to cop' meaning 'to catch or capture.' In the fact, the Oxford suggest 'cop' may be a variation on the first syllable of the word 'capture' -- in which 'cap' becomes 'cop.' And, no, it's not a derogatory term, since it implies the proper function of the police officer.
Q: Why do journalists use the term 'lawmaker' instead of 'politician'? Parliament makes law, not individual pollies! Charles
A: Since the 1400s 'lawmaker' has meant "a legislator" or "a member of a legislative body" (Oxford). So, the word 'lawmaker' does not imply individual action, but the action of a group of people who collectively write our laws. Its use is more common these days in America than here. Its usefulness is that covers all members of the parliament (or Congress) collectively -- both members of the lower house and members of the senate.
Q: Gday Kel, You may have already covered this one, but a favourite term used by reporters is the word “backflip.” They use it to characterise a reversal of policy by political parties, as you know. The trouble is that when someone does a backflip, he [sic] ends up facing the same way as when he [sic] started! I’m pretty sure that’s not what reporters want to communicate.
The old terms, “about-face” (military) or even “volte-face” (French), can be used. Also available are “flip-flop” and “turnabout.” Might be worth a mention? Cheers, Peter
A: The great abusers of 'backflip' are journalists -- this is a lazy, journalistic cliche. Think about it for a moment. 'Backflip' (coined in 1893) means "A backward somersault" (Oxford) -- and that involves an acrobat spinning 360 degrees in the air and landing on their feet facing the way they were when they began. So, a 'backflip is not a reversal of position. And, yes, 'about face' would be a much better expression. But lazy journalists don't put their brain into gear, don't use any mental muscle, and so don't understand.
Q: Kel, "sanction" is a curious word as it seems to have two meanings at odds with each other ... to ratify versus to penalise. Best Regards, Terence
A: 'Sanction' (from a French source word) came into English as a technical legal term (in the 1500s). It means, in effect, drawing a line. So that which is within the line is permitted, whatever is outside the line in banned. So, a 'sanction' imposed on Iran by America says, "this is outside the line and is banned." But when something is 'sanctioned' (meaning 'permitted') it is inside the line and is allowed. 'Sanction' can mean both, because it refers to the legal line that is drawn.
Q: Please can you explain the saying -"As happy as a sandboy"- what is a sandboy and why are they happy? Thanks Alison
A: The sandboys of the expression actually sold sand. Boy here was a common term for a male worker of lower class (as in bellboy, cowboy, and stableboy), which comes from an old sense of a servant. It doesn’t imply the sellers were young. The selling of sand wasn’t such a peculiar occupation as you might think, as there was once a substantial need for it. It was used to scour pans and tools and was sprinkled on the floors of butchers’ shops, inns and taprooms to take up spilled liquids. Later in the century it was superseded by sawdust. Their prime characteristic, it seems, was an inexhaustible desire for beer. Charles Dickens referred to the saying, by then proverbial, in The Old Curiosity Shop in 1841: “The Jolly Sandboys was a small road-side inn of pretty ancient date, with a sign, representing three Sandboys increasing their jollity with as many jugs of ale”. So sandboys were happy because they were drunk. At first the saying was meant ironically. Only where the trade wasn’t practised — or had died out — could it became an allusion to unalloyed happiness.
Q: Hi Kel, where did the word gab come from? A few examples of its usage are gabfest, and gift of the gab. John
A: 'Gab' is a very old word. In From the 1700s it usually meant 'talk' (sometimes foolish or empty talk). And that's the meaning it still carries today. So, a 'gabfest' is a conference with a lot of talking and 'gift of the gab' is the ability to speak fluently (and perhaps persuasively). But where the original word came from remains obscure. It may have come from an Old French word, or possibly from an even old Germanic source word -- the experts are unsure.
Q: I find that the word "insane" has taken on dozens of new meanings. A unique automobile might be described as "insane." Even professional journalists describe riots and misbehavior as "insane". Absurd and illogical government policy has become "insane". Why can't people use more accurate descriptors? Rod
A: That's a good observation Rod. Yes, 'insane' is now being used as a term of approval -- as "insanely good value." An absurd misuse of the word.
Q: I am a Certified Practicing Valuer of over 30yrs experience. Frustrated by the current misuse of the word "SQUARES" by commentators. A Square is 100 sq ft or approx. 9.3 sq metres NOT 1 square metre! The term was used in the past, and presently by home builders, to describe the size of a house. I was surprised to recently hear a lady REI representative on Ross Greenwood's show describe a house as being on so many hundred "squares" -an absurd prospect. Should know better. Jeff
A: Yes, they should! Thanks for setting us straight.
Q: Kel, can you please sort out the difference between 'effect' and 'affect' please? What does 'ruthless' mean? If you are without 'ruth' what are you missing? Dennis
A: 'Affect' is the verb and 'effect' is the noun. (He was affected by drinking too much--and the effect was he fell over.) 'Ruth' is an old word meaning compassion. So, someone who is ruthless lacks compassion.
Q: Given the malleability and elasticity which the word "genocide" has acquired since 7/10/23, do you think that it would be too much of a stretch (pun intended) to call the government's energy policy a genocide against the availability and affordability of energy as well as against the viability of industries in this country? Leon
A: Yes, it would be too much of a stretch. 'Genocide' is a real word with a real meaning. It is not elastic. It means what Hitler did in the death camps. We mustn't cheapen it by stretching it other, lesser, things. We must not fall into the trap of the halfwits who chant pro-Palestinian slogans.
Q: After the Voice referendum I suggested to our local community association, which is very influential, that we drop the Welcome to Country at the start of every meeting. You would have thought I had suggested that we poison the local water supply. One member said “she was insulted” and resigned later from the committee and I was told, forcefully that, despite the fact that our electorate had voted no, our “booth” had voted “yes” and I would just have to accept that. The Secretary is still doing it at each meeting and has even expanded it to a homily to all descendants of aboriginals in our electorate! Gee! Peter
A: I have written about this in the current issue "Quadrant" (should now be at your newsagent).
Q: Jim asks about the meaning of 'metal road.' He says that driving in New Zealand he saw signs saying, 'metal road ahead'--so what is a 'metal road.'
A: Metal roads are those that have been surfaced with a hard material such as metal, asphalt, or concrete. They are much more durable than unmetalled roads and can last for many years with proper maintenance. The Cambridge Dictionary says: 'A metalled road is covered with small or crushed stones.' From the 1500s 'metal' has been used for earthen materials such as clay, slate, shale or gravel. Calling such material on roads 'metal' started in Scotland in the 1700s.
Q: Dear Kel, reading a book on the history of Malta and it says that the Treaty of Amiens was based on the policies of the British Government and a "pie crust promise" by Napoleon Bonaparte. None of my reference books mention this figure of speech. What is a "pie crust promise"? Carolyn
A: I can't find the source, but a "pie crust promise" is one that is easily made and easily broken.
Q: Growing up I remember my mum saying someone (usually an older male was a "silly old coot" Can you tell me where this one came from, please. Lynda
A: There was a water bird called the 'coot' (the best known being the 'bald coot') under this name from around 1382. So, to call someone a 'silly old coot' is to call them a bird brain!
Q: The word "agreement" seems to have been compromised by some people substituting it with a so-called word "agreeance". Your thoughts please. Warren.
A: The modern use of this word seems to result from a confusion between 'agreement' and 'compliance' -- and to be used by the semi-literate. However, quite by accident they have stumbled across an ancient Scottish word ('agreeance') that was in this way from 1525.
Q: Hi Kel, could you please give a definitive meaning of indifferent, also how did it come into usage? Thanks. John
A: The core meaning is 'not inclined to one thing or another.' Or as the Oxford puts it (in its very precise way): "Without difference of inclination; not inclined to prefer one person or thing to another; unbiased, impartial, disinterested, neutral; fair, just, even, even-handed." So, it means a kind of neutrality. You can use this in lots of ways. For example, if you said you were in 'indifferent health' you would mean that you were not exactly healthy or ill, but somewhere in between. And it has had pretty much meant this since it came into English in 1413. Behind it is Latin word meaning 'making no difference.'
Q: Where did “Well, spare me days” come from? Regards Brian
A: This is an Aussie coinage, from around 1916. It was born as (and still is) an exclamation of surprise. 'Spare' originally meant 'protected from injury' and hence 'unharmed'. So, the phrase might have been born as a cry that I don't want to see that inflected on us! Hence, 'spare' us.
Q: There’s one particular thing that really annoys me and I’m wondering whether I have a right to be annoyed or not. It’s the phrase “I would say…” that is used by people, usually in high places, particularly politicians, as a prelude to answering a question. (Penny Wong is very good at it). If they would say something, then why not just say it? Why can’t they just answer the question? Nev
A: It is a padding phrase -- often used while compiling the next sentence in their head. Any politician who would just answer question directly, would become a powerful communicator. Come to think of it -- that's what makes Jacinta Nampijimpa Price to effective.
Q: Why do media report of accidents always tell us Someone ‘collided with a tree’. I thought to collide both subjects had to be moving. In the case of a disaster i.e. earthquake, people are always scrambling to rescue survivors. Perhaps they might be desperately trying to find them. Keren
A: (1) "Collide" -- This is one of the most persistent myths in journalism—that ‘collision’ can’t be used when a car, travelling at high speed, hits a tree (which was just standing still, minding its own business). In fact, the most confident (or smart alec) journalists will insist there’s another word that should be used instead— ‘allision.’ And they are perfectly correct that the word ‘allision’ exists and has been used (since 1615) to mean ‘the action of striking something against something else.’ Mind you, if we wrote a story about the ‘allision’ between a car and a tree we would confuse most of our readers and listeners—and fail to convey that there had been an accident at all. (2) "Scramble" -- literally means to move hastily (and in disorder). It is a pointless journalistic cliche. Eggs can be scrambled, but not rescues, which are often well organised and systematic.
Q: In the context of us hearing the term ' cost of living crisis' ad nauseam, what about the origin of trying to 'make ends meet'? Or 'tighten our belts'? Where did they come? Rick
A: (1) 'Make ends meet' comes from double entry bookkeeping -- where the "end" (the bottom line) of each column (expenditure and income) should "meet" (should agree -- should be the same). (2) 'tighten our belts' refers to the waistline -- and the notion of eating less because we have less income. The result will be weight loss and pulling your belt on notch tighter. Both are now used figuratively.
Q: I am wondering about the words “death throes”. I’m sure I’ve always seen it written as death throws. Which is correct? Annette
A: The correct form is 'death throes', and it goes back to the days of Old English, to around 1300. These days we often use it figuratively for anything which is coming to a conclusion, but originally it was literal -- meaning those who died in violent pain. The ancient word 'throes' meant a violent spasm. It was especially applied to the contractions of childbirth (and death in childbirth in those days was not uncommon).
Q: Kel My parents often said to me ‘Don’t shillyshally’ when I was slow in getting ready. Where did that word come from? Cheers Ian
A: It means being indecisive. It's recorded from 1700 as a corruption of the self-questioning phrase: 'shall I, or shall I not?'
Q: Hi Kel, on a Sky News segment, they were discussing a cliffhanger election result still in the balance and too close to call. One presenter said, " we're back to even stevens ". Where did that phrase come from? Thanks. John
A: It began as an American colloquialism from around 1837. It's simply a rhyming reduplication -- and the English language is (and always has been) very fond of rhyming reduplications: they catch on, and people repeat them. The earliest example is a piece of journalism that was trying to capture the sound of uneducated speakers. So, that may be where it was born.
Q: Someone recently told me that the plural of spouse was spices. I had not heard this before, I always thought it was spouses. Can you please clarify Regards Rosalyn
A: I suspect someone was pulling your leg. Back in the 1400s 'spices' was (rarely) used as a plural for 'species' but is now completely obsolete. It has never been, and is not now, a plural for 'spouse.' I suppose they intended a play on words: 'mouse' becomes 'mice' so 'spouse' becomes 'spice' -- except that it doesn't!
Q: Here is a word that I have never heard before. Came from an article in Quadrant re Johnson’s reported comment on patriotism and scoundrels! "Patriotism having become one of our topicks [sic], Johnson suddenly uttered, in a strong determined tone, an apophthegm, at which many will start: “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”. But let it be considered, that he did not mean a real and generous love of our country, but that pretended patriotism which so many, in all ages and countries, have made a cloak for self-interest. I maintain, that certainly not all patriots were scoundrels. Being urged (not by Johnson) to name an exception, I mentioned an eminent person [Edmund Burke], whom we all greatly admired." I would love to know the sources of that word! Cheers, Peter
A: "apophthegm" means "a terse pointed saying" -- which certainly covers Dr Johnson's words. It's recorded in English from 1570. Behind it lies an Ancient Greek word apothegma which may have reached English via Medieval Latin. The Greek original meant something like speaking one's mind clearly (perhaps bluntly!)
Q: Hi Kel, I came across a word today that had me wondering of its origins. The word is "Brouhaha", as in some sort of ruckus or confected protest. Daryll
A: It's recorded from around 1890 and comes from an exactly similar French word with exactly the same meaning "commotion." Some experts claim it started in the French Medieval theatre where it was a cry issued by the devil when he came on stage -- and threatening to bring commotion on the scene. If that is correct it was probably an invented word -- coined by an actor or producer to sound threatening and alien and hellish.
Q: Can you tell me where the saying "Armed to the Teeth" comes from. Thanks. Charles
A: One widely accepted theory is that the phrase originates from the Middle Ages. During this period, the expression “to the teeth” was used to mean “completely” or “fully,” much like “from head to toe.” Therefore, an individual fully armed with weapons from head to toe would be considered “armed to the teeth.” This aligns with the medieval context of knights, who were heavily armored and equipped with weapons all over their bodies.
Q: Hi, Kel, I've been hearing the words "laser like" -- where did this terminology start from? Thank you, Margaret.
A: 'Laser" comes from the initials of the term "Light Amplification by the stimulated Emission of Radiation" (coined in 1960). The resulting beam is extremely narrow and focussed. Calling any highly focussed activity 'laser like' appears to be an Australian coinage -- and as far as I have been able to discover was first used in the Robodebt Royal Commission in February 2023.
Q: Tony asks why swimmers are called 'budgie smugglers'?
A: In the 1990s a number of people were caught at Australian airports trying to smuggle exotic (and valuable) Australian birds out of the country, concealed in their clothing. From this, in 1998 men's tight Speedo togs were nicknamed 'budgie smugglers' -- implying that the bulge in the groin was bird not bloke.
Q: Hi Kel, when did the ABC first start being referred to as " Aunty ", and why? Thanks, John
A: From the beginning the ABC was modelled on the BBC. When 'Auntie' started being applied to the BBC in 1953 it was quickly transferred to the ABC -- which at the time was seen as a similarly old fashioned rather twee institution. (Very different from the raging socialism of today's ABC!) In 1977 Ellis Blain called his memoirs of broadcasting for the ABC Life with Aunty.
Q: I keep hearing the two indefinite articles "a" and "an" being misused -- please explain the rules. Brian
A: "a" is used before a consonant or a consonant sound. E. g. "uniform" starts with a vowel but is said with a consonant sound (as a "y" -- yooniform) so it takes "a". And even the soft consonant 'h' should take 'a' not 'an'. So, it is wrong to say, 'an hotel' or 'an historian.' "an" is used before a vowel sound -- so any word starting with an a, e, u, i, o, u sound takes "a".
Q: As the etymology of our name "Liberal" indicates, we have stood for freedom ... We took the name 'Liberal' because we were determined to be a progressive party, willing to make experiments, in no sense reactionary but believing in the individual, his right and his enterprise, and rejecting the socialist panacea. I am beginning to get the impression that it was Howard who polluted this clear-sighted view with "conservative" ideas ... or lack of them. Best Regards, Terence.
A: I don't agree. Menzies always saw classical liberalism as a combination of freedom and responsibility. Without responsibility freedom becomes licence, and another political philosopher altogether: Libertarianism. And the 'responsibility' component of classical liberalism always meant an emphasis on the rule of law and being responsible for protecting our civilisation. That's certainly where Howard stands -- in the Menzies tradition.
Q: I'm appalled at how many people say "disinterested", when what they really mean is "uninterested". Am I right to be annoyed? Peter
A: Yes, probably. 'Disinterested' means impartial, unbiased, having no concern ('interest') in the matter. 'Uninterested' means bored, lacking any interest in the proceedings. The differences are clear -- but the Oxford makes the point that in informal conversation 'disinterested' is increasingly being used when 'uninterested' is meant. It may be too late to correct it now.
Q: We were talking about Malcolm Turnbull and the words "white ant" and "fifth column" came up. We are all avid watchers of the Wednesday Words Matter so it would be good if you could explain the origin and differences with Peta please. Alan
A: (1) "White ant" -- goes back to the early 1600s as a popular name for termites. It comes from an almost identical Portuguese expression formiga branca. Termites are more closely related to cockroaches than to true ants but resemble ants in living in large colonies. In Australian slang 'white ant' is used in two ways: meaning either (a) the supposed destruction of the brain by white ants, implying loss of sanity, sense, and intelligence or (b) to undermine or subvert from within (both from the early 1900s). (2) "Fifth column" -- comes from the Spanish civil war. One of Franco's generals (General Emile Mola) had Madrid surrounded by four columns of infantry in 1936 and boasted he had a 'fifth column' of citizens inside the city who would rise up and support him.
Q: Derivation of the verb to “snaffle”? Gerry
A: The verb 'snaffle' meaning 'to take' dates back to at least 1725. Originally (1533) 'snaffle' was a noun meaning 'a simple form of bridle-bit, having less restraining power than one provided with a curb.' From this (for reasons that are not clear) 'snaffle' came to be a slang or colloquial term for a highwayman (1699). And from that source it is clear why it came to mean 'to snatch or take.'
Q: Where does the expression “the cat’s out of the bag” come from? Ida
A: From an ancient confidence trick in which a huckster at a village fair would offer to sell a nice, fat little piglet to a gullible local, and having taken his money hand over the piglet in a bag or sack. But when the local got back home and opening the bag all he found inside was a wriggling cat. Except sometimes the trick went wrong and the cat escaped. That was letting the cat out of the bag. This confidence trick also gave rise to another expression. Because the bag or sack was also called a "poke" (a word we still use, because a 'pocket' is a small poke). And buying something you could not see was buying 'a pig in a poke.'
Q: Hi Kel, I keep hearing "net zero" and I have no idea what it actually means. I also think it is used to excess by people who also don't know the correct meaning. Margaret. P.S. Peta Credlin is the best.
A: "Net zero" refers to the management of greenhouse gas emissions -- to achieve an overall balance between the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere (for the purpose of mitigating the effects of global warming). ‘Net zero emissions’ refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere. Mind you, there is much debate and dispute about what will happen if we don't reach net zero -- it may well turn out not to be the end of the world after all!
Q: Hi Kel, what is the origin of motza please? John
A: It comes from the Yiddish word for unleavened bread.
Q: A comment on 86. From Fox News, also Mafia slang 8 miles out and 6 foot under. Pam Bondi wouldn’t be up in arms about assassination otherwise. What cements this term as valid is CNN uses the restaurant definition repeatedly. Honey
A: The earliest citations that have been found are all from bars and cafes. But I think the rhyming slang origin (86 = nix) makes the point that "86 47" means "nix Trump" and that suggests kill Trump.
Q: Can you explain 'flotsam and jetsam'? James
A: They started as maritime legal expressions: 'flotsam' being those parts of ship's wreckage that float, and 'jetsam' being those items from a ship thrown overboard (jettisoned) or that washed ashore.
Q: Hi Kel, some media are often noting a "spike" in something (usually crime). Do they mean that the incidence sharply increased then quickly decreased (a spike shape in a graph of the statistics) or do they really mean, as I suspect, a rise in the number of incidents? What do you think, are they using the wrong word? Regards, Glen.
A: Yes, I think they are. Since they are using "spike" to mean "rise" aren't they?
Q: Hi Kel, why do we describe buying a round of drinks as a shout? Craig
A: This is an Australian expression, recorded from the 1850s. It probably started in crowded and noisy bars and pubs where one literally shouted to get the attention of the barmaid or inn keeper.
Q: Rick has written to ask if inverted commas are overused these days?
A: The answer is yes, they are--either in print, or as "air quotes" in spoken English. They are used to imply disbelief in the word stuck inside the quotes -- to suggest the word is being misused or misunderstood. These inverted commas are often smug or sneering in their attitude.
Q: Jeffrey asks: Isn't "Woke" is just a cute-sounding euphemism for cultural Marxism?
A: Yes, it is. When the Marxists realised that their political and economic programs did not work (which they saw in hideous experiment of the Soviet Union) they switched their focus. Since political Marxism enslaves people and economic Marxism impoverishes people they switched to cultural Marxism. This based on Marx's belief that society can be divided into only two categories: the oppressors and the oppressed. This absurd oversimplification has led to the Woke insistence that all that matters is the social group you identify with, and preferencing the social groups they say should be preferenced.
Q: Helen asks: "When did the terms: Aunty and Uncle enter into the Aboriginal lexicon?"
A: While the exact time these terms entered the Aboriginal lexicon isn't well-documented, they have long been used as terms of respect for elders. Clearly, they did not exist before 1788 -- because they are English words, and there is no evidence of equivalent words in any Aboriginal language being used before European settlement to address elders. Interestingly, the same terms ("auntie" and "uncle") are used in other cultures. This usage is common in India and some Asian countries. So clearly when these words were discovered upon encountering English they were embraced as useful terms.