Court Cantrell prefers not to7h ago

Typed "I'm delighted" in a text to a friend -- and stopped short, looking at the word "delighted."

I used "delighted" to mean that I am pleased, joyful, content, happy.

But delighted. De-lighted.
Wouldn't that mean "darkened"? Illumination removed?

If "de-" indicates that "light" is removed, how does that jive with the emotions of pleased, happy, or content?

Looked up the #etymology.

And voilà.

"light" <-- leoht (#MiddleEnglish) <-- lēoht (#OldEnglish) <-- *leuhtą (#ProtoGermanic)

1/

Karen Conlin14h ago

https://mashedradish.com/2025/10/15/calliope-word-origin/

If you ever take a trip on a paddle wheel steamboat like the Natchez of the Riverboat Twilight, you'll get to hear a calliope for yourself. Me, I enjoy it, but I don't sit right beside the pipes. Other passengers flee at the first note. To each their own.

#etymology #GUMmyStuff

The bemusing etymological muse of “calliope”

The calliope makes a music perhaps out of tune with its literal roots.

Mashed Radish
Sharing the best of humanity with the world, one story at a time.23h ago

24 English words that mean the complete opposite of what they originally meant

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.upworthy.com/words-that-had-opposite-meanings

Alliterative/Endless Knot1d ago
The #ConnectedAtBirth #etymology of the week is CEASEFIRE/SUCCEED #wotd #ceasefire #succeed
Ken1d ago
No. 16 in my photo collection of signs of unique Spanish-language business names ending in –ería: CERRAJERÍA

The Spanish word "cerrar" means "to close" and the suffix "-dura" is used to indicate the means or instrument of an action. Putting those together, we get "cerradura" as the Spanish word for "lock." A locksmith is a "cerrajero/a" and the shop where a locksmith works, or where one can buy locks and keys, is a "cerrajería" like this one in Mexico City.

January 2023 | Mexico City, Mexico

#spanish #language #signs #streetphotography #urbanexploration #urbanwalking #graphicdesign #etymology
Wordorigins.org1d ago

emoji

https://www.wordorigins.org/big-list-entries/emoji

#etymology #wordorigins #language

espero1d ago
#Etymology #TIL 原來Grenze來自斯拉夫語言
Show threadMaj - 🇨🇦1d ago

@Alice cause "salad" originally meant anything chopped and sprinkled with salt long before it meant specifically lettuce, etc.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/salad

#etymology

Salad - Etymology, Origin & Meaning

Late 14c. "late" originates from Old French salade and Medieval Latin salata, meaning "salted vegetables," from Latin sal "salt," reflecting its meaning of season...

etymonline
Getzler Lab at KenyonCollege1d ago
There's a restaurant in Columbus called Rooh, always capitalized in their branding, & I always read it as an organic peroxyalcohol. I was explaining this to my sister, and that the solo R is unclaimed on the periodic table. I said it indicated an arbitrary organic thing and then instantly wondered if R is related to arbitrary. Anyone have any idea where this designation stated? I do so love #etymology and I think this fits the bill. #chemistry #nomenclature EDIT: answered below by @ElwoodCity !
Abie2d ago
Etymology of the day: Endeavour vient de "en dever" ~ "par devoir"
https://www.etymonline.com/word/endeavor
#etymology
Endeavor - Etymology, Origin & Meaning

Originating in the early 15th century from Old French and Latin roots meaning "duty," endeavor means to put forth utmost effort or pains to attain a goal.

etymonline