19 Sep /13

Rucksack

The word rucksack derives from the German ruck (back) and sack (pack) It was introduced into the English language by Charles Boner.Continue reading Rucksack

13 Sep /13

Yo-Yo

Children who think of their yo-yo as a modern invention may be surprised to learn that their Chinese counterparts were playing with a form of the toy approximately 3,000 years ago.Continue reading Yo-Yo

11 Sep /13

Vodka

“The relationship between a Russian and a bottle of vodka is almost mystical” (Richard Owen) The word vodka first appears in English in 1780 in William Tooke’s translation of Russia: A complete historical account.Continue reading Vodka