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Words to the Whys: The Reasons We Use the Words We Do
Words to the Whys The Reasons We Use the Words We Do Author:Randall K. Bell Why is the strawberry so named? Why do we call a portable clock a watch? Since semi means “half,” why is a large truck called that? If French fries did not originate in France, why do we call them that? Why are divisions of an hour called minutes and seconds? Why is an alcoholic beverage in the evening a nightcap? Originally, why did people eat ... more »dinner in the morning? Why is an armored vehicle called a tank? How did the kite get its name? Why is zero in tennis love? Why is women’s swimwear called the bikini? Why is a bank clerk a teller? Why is an American sandwich called the hot dog? How did Velcro get its name? Why is the building at an airport called a terminal? “Fore!” Why do golfers shout this? Why is it actors can be in the limelight? Why was an American bird named turkey? Originally, what did it mean to feel lousy? Since vultures are bald, why is the American bald eagle called that? What musical instrument was named after an insect? Why do parachutists yell “Geronimo!”? How did dominoes get its name? Why was cowboy headgear called a “ten-gallon hat”? Why is the goal in football called a touchdown? How could noon originally have occurred in the afternoon? Why is bowling three strikes a turkey? Why is a car’s instrument panel a dashboard? How did the butterfly get its name? What does the name coconut mean? Excellent for partygoers, educators, and public speakers, or to read just for fun! And if you’re not careful, you might even learn something.« less