One particularly intriguing phenomenon within the intriguing phenomenon of doublets is the distinction between w/gw in words derived from Proto-Indo-European, specifically those with Germanic descent. For example the Latin word 'strictus' evolved separately into the French word étroit (narrow) and strict (strict), which makes more sense when you remember that a word with an accent on the vowel usually evolved from an Old French equivalent, such as 'estroit' in this case. One particu Something I was recently reading about (not for the first time) is the concept of a doublet, i.e., two discrete words which originate from the same root but arrive at the language through different means. Something I was recently reading about (not for the first time) is the concept of a doublet, i.e., two discrete words which originate from the same root but arrive at the language through different means. The word is used in its general sense in a letter of Sir Walter Scott (1796).more

Anyone kissing the stone is supposed to become skillful in flattering and coaxing. 1766, Lady Blarny (for Blarney), a smooth-talking flatterer in Goldsmith's the Vicar of Wakefield, her name being a literary contrivance in allusion to Blarney Stone, a stone in a castle near Cork, Ireland. Sample entry from the Chambers Etymological Dictionary: blarney n.

First published as the Barnhart Etymological Dictionary, the Chambers Dictionary of Etymology offers a unique combination of approachability and authoritativeness in an accessible single-volume format, making it an essential etymological resource for the expert, and a fascinating reference for the general reader. For many years academics, wordsmiths, crossword lovers, and language enthusiasts of all stripes have turned to this celebrated volume as their reference of choice in lexical matters. Over 30,000 detailed entries trace words back to their Proto-Germanic or Indo-European roots, and include words borrowed from other languages, as well as the sources and dates of their first recorded use. This fascinating dictionary explores the development of meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of over 25,000 English words. This fascinating dictionary explores th How are the words 'door' German 'Tzr' and Sanskrit 'dvar' related? When did the word Blarney first appear in print? What's the linguistic history of the word 'history'? The Chambers Etymological Dictionary holds all the answers for any person curious about the origins of the words they use, and how these words have changed over time. How are the words 'door' German 'Tzr' and Sanskrit 'dvar' related? When did the word Blarney first appear in print? What's the linguistic history of the word 'history'? The Chambers Etymological Dictionary holds all the answers for any person curious about the origins of the words they use, and how these words have changed over time.

Chambers dictionary etymology