8 Nov /13

Stalker

The first use of the word stalker in the English language appears to be in Scottish legislation all the way back in 1424.Continue reading Stalker

Picnic
7 Nov /13

Picnic

The word picnic originated with the French phrase repas à piquenique (picnic meal) and may have derived from the verb piquer  (to pick/peck).Continue reading Picnic

6 Nov /13

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees were sighted by the Portuguese in Africa as early as the beginning of the 1500s, and one was presented to Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, in 1640.Continue reading Chimpanzee

Guy and Guy Fawkes
5 Nov /13

Guy and Guy Fawkes

When we hear people use the popular saying “nice guys finish last”, it is interesting to reflect that the famous “Guy” who gave us the word will not be remembered for anything particularly nice, and if he had finished his task European history might have been very different.Continue reading Guy and Guy Fawkes