Where would we be without electricity? If you ever have a blackout it is a reminder of how reliant we are on plugging things in!
Early scholars like Thales of Miletus (600 BC) and Pliny (AD 70) made the observation that amber, when rubbed, had the power to attract light objects like bits of straw [more…]
This describes a heavy cloudburst and there are different theories as to how the expression came to be, the first of which is from Norse mythology.
The cat was supposed to have great influence on the weather and witches that rode on storms were said to assume the form of cats. The dog and wolf, [more…]
Is it the Real McCoy? – Is it the genuine article?
This phrase stems from a story about the world class welterweight boxing champion Charles ‘Kid’ McCoy. Supposedly he was at some time challenged to prove that he was who he said he was and so he knocked out the inquirer! When the man came [more…]
This phrase sounds like it has its origins in crosswords but it originated from the early days of radio broadcasting of football matches.
So that listeners could follow the match more easily, a diagram of the pitch was published in the radio programme.
The diagram was divided into numbered squares and of course, the numbers started [more…]
Thanks to all who have participated in the Give Us A Clue contest in Crossed Wires over the past few months. We’ve been offered hundreds of excellent suggestions. Remember to look out for your definitions as clues in upcoming crosswords. We’re giving you a well-deserved break but we may bring back Give Us A [more…]
Codswallop!
If something is a load of old codswallop it is nonsense or of no value. Where does this odd word come from?
One theory speaks of Hiram C Codd, who in the 1870s, went into business selling lemonade in green glass bottles with marble stoppers.
‘Wallop’ was a nineteenth century slang term for beer and [more…]
The word ALPHABET is derived from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, ALPHA and BETA.
When it was first introduced into English, some purists, or nit-pickers, thought that the word should be used purely to describe the Greek version. The English version should be referred to as the ABC, or the abece. An [more…]
A cravat is a wide neckband and was the forerunner to the modern tie. It is still occasionally worn but where did it come from?
Many people associate the word cravat with France but in fact it originates in Croatia.
Croatian mercenaries in the French army in the 17th century wore linen neckcloths.
The word cravat comes from [more…]
“The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.”
Mark Twain
The month of April derives its name from Aprilis, the name given to it by the Romans. It has its origins in the name of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. For the Romans [more…]
