When you tip a cab driver or waitress, what are you doing? According to some sources, the word “tip” is an acronym that means “To Insure Promptness.”
Category: English
Finding Out Why People Say “Ain’t”
American taxpayers’ money, in the amount of $121,000, was spent on a scientific study to find out why people say “ain’t.”
European Men
European men used to be vain about their legs – to the point where they knew which leg was the best looking. These men would place their “best foot forward.”
The Flu
Where did the flu, influenza, get its name? At one time people thought the sickness was caused by the ‘influence’ of the stars and planets.
Mr. 1069
There is a man whose official name has been legally changed to Mr. 1069.
Sandwich
In the eighteenth century, John Montague, the Earl of Sandwich invented a small meal that could be eaten with one hand while he continued his nonstop gambling.
Salary
The word ‘salary’ came from the word ‘salt’ in Roman times. Salt was used as a trading medium as money is used today.
The Ends of a Fork
Here’s a puzzle for you: What do you call the long thin things on the end of a fork? Can’t remember? Highlight the green section below to find out.
The things on the end of a fork are called tangs. If you thought they are tines, you are right, also.
Old Story
I found the following in a book published in 1858: “An English gentleman, traveling some years ago in Ireland, took a hammer and tacks with him, Continue reading “Old Story”
The Difference Between Screws and Bolts
Many people think the difference between screws and bolts is that screws are driven with a screwdriver, and bolts have hexagonal heads. Not so. The actual difference is that bolts engage a threaded counterpart, generally a nut, while screws make their own threads.