How did the word “mercenary” get a metaphorical sense and a literal one? It started in classical Latin, says the OED, long before English was a twinkle in the Celtic eye. Mercenarius back then could refer straightforwardly to a soldier paid to serve in another...
Linguistics
Why Study Greek?
I have always enjoyed languages, especially English, because my father did for me what I hope to do for my son: he insisted that I express myself and he created a welcoming environment for that expression. I took Latin in eighth grade, and my eyes were opened not only...
Linguistics, Homosexuality, and Friendship
Back in 2005, I wrote the following for the monthly newsletter I’m charged with producing: Touchstone recently dedicated its cover story to the disintegration of male friendships in American society. In the article, perceptive cultural observer Anthony Esolen noted...
Snafusage
I admit it. Look it up. "Snafu" has a less-than-clean etymology. The other day, a nice middle-aged man heard me say, "Oops, I made a little snafu!" He later stopped me kindly in private and informed me about the word's etymology. "I was sure you wouldn't have used the...