Category Archives: Etymology

Why do I say Sleep tight? Origins of Sleep Tight

Good night, sleep tight, Don’t let the bedbugs bite, Wake up bright In the morning light To do what’s right With all your might. – Nursery Rhyme “Sleep tight!” is an oft-heard wish before bedtime, but why do we say … Continue reading

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Why do people go on Honeymoons? History and Origin of the Honeymoon

After the wedding bells have rung, the cake has been eaten, and the celebratory rice has been swept up, tradition dictates that it’s honeymoon time for the happy couple. But why do people go on honeymoons? What is the origin … Continue reading

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Jet Black: What is Jet Black?

“The breeze-tousled strands of her jet-black hair, shimmering and gleaming in the sunlight, whilst her dog bounced enthusiastically beside her, his coat shining like polished jet…” If you’ve read a fair bit of fiction, you’ll have come across the phrase … Continue reading

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Meaning of Pitch Black: Why do we say something is Pitch Black?

An inky night, a deep echo-y cave, or a look at the final frontier that is space, could all be described as “pitch black”. The phrase “pitch black” may date back to Homer’s Iliad around 850 BC, if not earlier, … Continue reading

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Why is zero called “love” in tennis?

Why do we say “love” and not “zero” when someone has zero points in tennis?

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What does OK stand for?

Have you ever asked yourself: Why do we say OK? What does OK mean? Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Etymology | Tagged | 8 Comments