TCET


MouseMaster

Canadian Corner

Grammar Central

Crazy English

Terrible Teacher

Flashed ESL

American Stories



Etymology: a branch of linguistics that studies the origins of words or expressions



Words borrowed from other languages - English is not shy about borrowing words from other languages.


Boondocks

A place that is considered out-of-the-way or lesser in social status.

EXAMPLE: The hillbillies live in the boondocks.

"Boondocks" was borrowed from Tagalog (Philippines).




Garbage

Waste

EXAMPLE: The garbage should be placed on the curb once a week for collection.

"Garbage" has a long path to English from old Italian (garbuglio) to Italian (garbuzo) to Normand French (garbage).




Shampoo

A liquid used to clean one's hair and scalp.

EXAMPLE: The girl shampoos her hair.

"Shampoo" came to English from India.




Copyright © 2006 Centre for Education & Training. All Rights Reserved