Hi :)

Learning about the origins of words and phrases is so interesting. For instance, did you know that the word clue is a variant of the word clew which refers to a ball of thread or yarn? Unwinding a ball of yarn as you go is a handy way to find your way back out of a labyrinth, and looking for clues can help us find our way through puzzling situations (https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/interesting-etymologies-everyday-words). 

Also, the “Dog days of summer” has nothing to do with overheated canines. It actually comes to us from the ancient Greeks (https://www.history.com/news/why-are-they-called-the-dog-days-of-summer).

Some interesting words are closer to home. If you ever listen to the Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips podcast, you have probably heard her talk about “familects.” This is a way of speaking that is unique to a family. For instance, growing up, I always heard my grandparents refer to spaghetti as “pasghetti” because the son of their neighbor always called it that when he was a little boy.

What are some of your favorite word origins? Come share them with us today. 📚

The Wednesday Writers Whatchamacallit will meet today starting at 12 PM Eastern, 11 AM Central, 10 AM Mountain and 9 AM Pacific. Hope to see you there.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/929875141?pwd=clBnazhKYlljMmY5UTVxaG9HbTlUUT09

Meeting ID: 929 875 141

Password: 2020

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,929875141# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,929875141# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

    +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

    +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

    +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

    +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

    +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 929 875 141

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ojGjA6aL

Remember, you can always find the details for the Whatchamacallit here: www.coachnikkib.com/whatchamacallit.

Create a great day!

Coach Nikki B.

The Author’s Ally

www.coachnikkib.com