Author Topic: The spurious etymology of the day (Read 8181 times)

Tante Shvester · « **on:** April 06, 2010, 11:37:12 PM »

European place names often have fascinating etymologies.

Germany, for instance, was so named because of frequent plagues, while Hungary was so named because of frequent famine. Russians were famous for being in a hurry, and Greece, obviously, led the ancient world in olive oil production.

England, as we all know, took its name from the tribe of the Angles, who invented geometry and used that knowledge to construct Stonehenge, which still stands, to this very day, in modern day England.

Annie Subjunctive · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:52:46 AM »

Fascinating!

And what is France? I mean, aside from the place where the naked ladies dance?

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2010, 09:16:34 AM »

Finland is so named for its preponderance of fishermen.

France was named after the Frankish tribe, whose love of hot dogs was legendary. At one time, France and Germany were sworn enemies, but the Frankish people got together with the folks from Hamburg for a barbecue summit, and had a wonderful time.

Annie Subjunctive · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2010, 10:13:44 AM »

I really want you to keep going with these, for the whole world, and write a children's book. Seriously. I'll illustrate it for you.

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2010, 01:24:26 PM »

Poland's name has an interesting story. The people there lived in a Country With No Name, and the leaders couldn't decide what name to use for their country. The list of possible names was winnowed down to ten, and public opinion polls were conducted to see which of these the people favored. While results were split, the people and government leaders were so enamored of the public opinion polls that they decreed that no politician should henceforth ever declare a political position without first taking a poll. And since this was the law of the land, the land came to be known as Poll-land.

Annie Subjunctive · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2010, 02:53:14 PM »

I can't wait to hear Moldova.

The Genuine · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2010, 03:33:46 PM »

Does GC recognize Sealand?

Jonathon · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2010, 03:56:37 PM »

I'm not sure what it would even mean for a web site to recognize an alleged nation.

The Genuine · « **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2010, 04:03:16 PM »

Given Sealand's tenuous legitimacy I think your recognition would mean quite a lot.

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:47:04 PM »

I recognize the Wikipedia link; I'd seen it before.

Does that count for anything?

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2010, 08:48:15 PM »

Quote

I can't wait to hear Moldova.

Moldova is so named for its damp basements. They do tend to get mold over the walls and stuff.

BlackBlade · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2010, 09:06:25 PM »

What about Israel? Loving the previous entrees btw.

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2010, 09:54:47 PM »

The founding of the State of Israel was controversial at the time. Other nations were reluctant to officially recognize the fledgling country, and the debate at the time was whether the state is real or isn't real. "Is real" won out in the end, though.

The Genuine · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2010, 08:17:08 AM »

"Syria" sounds like a bowel disorder.

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2010, 01:10:04 PM »

Kyrgyzstan, is the homeland of the Kyrgyzs, a people best known for cheating at Scrabble.

BlackBlade · « **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2010, 01:17:47 PM »

Quote

Kyrgyzstan, is the homeland of the Kyrgyzs, a people best known for cheating at Scrabble.

Perhaps that's why the opposition party has toppled the government. Best definition ever btw.

Corwin · « **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2010, 04:09:19 PM »

Those are awesome, Tante!

Brinestone · « **Reply #17 on:** April 09, 2010, 07:40:59 AM »

What about Haiti? China? Brazil?

(Trying to make you stretch here.)

The Genuine · « **Reply #18 on:** April 09, 2010, 11:08:38 AM »

I want to know why Iceland is warmer than Greenland.

pooka · « **Reply #19 on:** April 09, 2010, 04:27:35 PM »

Brazil was backformed from the SuperGasBras corporation.

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2010, 12:14:12 AM »

It is a very common misconception that the apostrophe in General Tso's chicken indicated a possesive. In fact, it actually indicates a contraction. General Tso, after ordering the famous army retreat of 1850, was widely mocked for his cowardice. Restauranteurs particularly enjoyed the sly dig of serving the general chicken (as in "you are what you eat") whenever he frequented their establishments. Of course, the other patrons insisted on ordering the same chef's special as the general was served ("I'll have what he's having"). And, of course, it was a hot riot to be able to say, "General Tso's chicken" right within earshot of the General himself. And when he'd get all enraged and stamp his feet and demand that they stop calling him that, they'd go all wide-eyed and innocent and say, "What? I was just ordering that tasty-looking fried chicken covered in gloppy sauce."

And the general knew that they were all mocking him, but he couldn't do anything about it.

pooka · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:28:34 PM »

But what about Peking Duck?

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:45:03 PM »

The unfortunate Flemish are prone to chest colds and allergies.

Tante Shvester · « **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2011, 02:47:30 PM »

OCD is remarkably prevalent among the Czechs.

pooka · « **Reply #24 on:** January 12, 2011, 05:12:36 PM »

That one took me a minute.