What's In a Name

by Eugene Ehrlich

Venn diagram, Möbius strip, and Achilles' heel are all phrases that clearly derive from the names of the persons who described, discovered, or inspired them. But a lot of English words one would never know had originated in proper names. So knowing, however, enriches one's understanding of the word, whether the person behind it is real or imagined, historical or literary, a scientist or a mythical figure. The next time you see a maverick (Samuel Augustus Maverick, Texas cattle rancher) epicure (Epicurus, Greek philosopher) whisk up a tantalizing béchamel sauce (Marquis de Béchamel), don't hector (Trojan hero) him about his sideburns (Union general Ambrose Everett Burnside) or his cardigan (James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of). Just grab a sandwich (also Earl of), your favorite teddy bear (President T. Roosevelt), and a copy of Eugene Ehrlich's wonderfully entertaining What's in a Name, for a laze under the bougainvillea (Louis Antoine de Bougainville). No Baedeker (German publisher) can recommend an afternoon better spent. --Jane Steinberg

Genres: Language, Nonfiction, Trivia, Linguistics, History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but best if read in the bathroom, one definition at a time. If you read it straight through, your brain WILL melt with information overload. Trust me.

[Alicia King Hatch · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author is so certain that everyone has the same depth of fascination that he has with the subject that he is comfortable wandering around in his own little world in each paragraph. The topic had so much potential! But it is not reader friendly or approachable. I'll have to find a different book that covers the subject.

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting, but overdue. These are arranged alphabetically & I made it to the P's. His comments are funny asides after the explanation of where the words come from.