My study of Latin has given me a life-long love of etymology; in fact the three dictionaries that are never far from my side are the C T Onions Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, my big fat Collins Latin Dictionary, and the essential Collins Robert Anglo/French Dictionary. If they're not nearby, I panic!
Anyway, I say all that because I recently made a small discovery which amused me.
I was reading a book (in French) when I came across the description of a room which, it claimed, contained a collection of ancient dames-jeannes.
I had no idea what these were, so consulted my Anglo/French dictionary, and was amused by what I found.
Dames-jeannes translates as 'demijohns'; those large round bottomed glass containers, often used in the UK (and elsewhere) for wine/beer making.
On reflection the etymology was obvious, but as I'd never seen the words actually written down before, the translation came as a very pleasant surprise.
So, if I ever hear someone using the word 'demijohn', I shall nonchalantly, and confidently, inform them of the word's origin.... Little things, eh?
I understand your delight! My mum used to have a fund of sayings, most of which were altered, either by her personally or by time and usage. I have been reading Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin seafaring novels and it's amazing how many expressions come from a nautical context. And now of course I can't think of a single example ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI recently finished reading that series! I found I needed my dictionary quite close. Mr O'Brian had an amazing vocabulary.
DeleteI'm always amazed at the stuff that I don't know. Just last week I discovered that the word "limelight" comes from the time when they used lime to make stage lights. Never thought about it before. Doh!
ReplyDeleteMake a note of 'Dames Jeannes', Sue. It might come in handy.
DeleteI just looked up demijohn in Webster's Dictionary online: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demijohn
DeleteThey show a picture and say the etymology is from the French dame jean, literally Lady Jane, first use 1769.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the 'Demijohn' also contained another type of 1970 vintage? Sounds plausible.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteA Lady Jane. I thought at first it was going to be something rude in translation. But just a Lady Jane
ReplyDeleteI did Latin at school for 4 years, and passed the exam at " O" level. I loved it, but could never understand why the girls in the year who were deemed not bright enough to learn Latin had to do " domestic science" instead.
ReplyDeleteAs a child I lived next door to a Dame Jean. She was damed due to her high office in the navy. She was retired when I knew her and took us for walks as pseudo grandchildren. She was a proper lady. The thought of a roomful of Dame Jeans makes me quiver.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I bought a book recently which explains the origins of well-used phrases. Also a book of 18th century slang. You would be amazed to know what 'nincompoop' means.
ReplyDeleteOther than 'A Milliband supporter', I imagined it was just a fool; i.e. nin (non) comp (compus) oop (no idea). I suppose I'll now have to go and look it up!
DeleteLike you Cro, I have all my reference books on a shelf by my chair. I am an avid cryptic crossword doer (have won The Times crossword several times) and I also set them for a competition regularly for our local Nature Reserve. I have Chambers, Larousse, Roget and a dozen variations all ready for grabbing at a moments notice - all have seen better days as they are much used, but sentimentally I wouldn't change them for new ones.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I love discovering the origins of words. Here Demijohns are also called carboys.
ReplyDelete....and I would simply say 'Cheers' :-)
ReplyDeleteI had a moment of enlightenment when reading a novel in French. I came across Croque Mort. I translated it as dead cheese on toast......That was very silly as the toast was riding a motorbike with an apple green tank. It turned out it is French for undertaker and French slang for Hells Angel. I enjoy reading books in different languages they are much better value for money.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know it was also a term for a Hell's Angel.... thank you!
Delete