Category Archives: Uncategorized

I’ve been thinking a lot about distraction recently. And as tends to happen whenever I think about anything for longer than five minutes*, my thoughts begin to wander etymologically. The etymology of distraction isn’t overwhelming, but the origins of ‘focus’, … Continue reading →

I’m going to warn you now, this post will disappoint you. I’m going to introduce you to something amazing, you’re going to get very excited, you might even get a little carried away, and then you’re going to discover it … Continue reading →

Yesterday I was walking past Stepney Green City Farm, speculating on how the various animals we could see inside thought about each other. The enormous and amazing cows (which I have since discovered are set to be slaughtered this month, … Continue reading →

The lucky ones among you will already know about my lust for food history. I went to a lecture this week by awesome historian Steven Shapin, and discovered that I am in good company; over the past few years he has … Continue reading →

Now before you say anything, a medieval historian told me this so I believe with all my heart that it’s true. ‘Encumber’ has its roots in the story of a medieval saint, known in England as ‘Uncumber’ and by several … Continue reading →

Are there any English words of Hungarian origin? You may well ask yourself on a frosty winter’s evening. I know I did. The answer to your question would be: not many, not many at all. (Paprika, Goulash, and Sabre are … Continue reading →

Some lovely historical misconceptions that have become embedded in our medical language. Both ‘malaria’ and ‘influenza’ are vestiges of a time before the contagion and vector-borne theories of disease. At certain points in time, it was noticed that entire communities … Continue reading →

Why is the thing on your wrist* called a watch? In medieval monasteries, time was punctuated by the regular ringing of bells – prayer bells, dinner bells, curfew bells… This signalled time to not only the monks but also those … Continue reading →

More gems from Margaret Visser… She discusses the role of cultural rituals/ ettiquette in putting us at ease; cultural norms giving us the abilty to predict the behaviour of others, and so to feel more comfortable about the immediate future. … Continue reading →

What does the ‘board’ mean in room and board? It normally means a slightly unappetising breakfast buffet – but why does board mean food or meal in this context? Well it’s to do with the origins of domestic furniture in … Continue reading →