Metaphor

Metaphor: a short similitude; a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object.  For example: The soldier was a lion in combat.   From Greek μεταφερω (to transfer), which further derives from μετα (over) and φερω (carry).  Mixed metaphors are fun. ...

Acrophobia

Acrophobia: fear of heights. There is nothing to fear, but fear itself. And heights. And public speaking. And spiders… especially spiders. Acrophobia comes from Greek ἄκρον (height, summit, peak), and and φοβία (fear).

Agony

Agony – extreme physical or mental suffering. Or… A one armed man, with an itch, hanging from a cliff. Or… a waiting room with one tv looping old episodes of the Knight Rider. Or… Learning Latin from most textbooks. From Greek ἀγωνία...

Online Class enrollment

Learn Latin, Greek, or English vocabulary derived from Latin and Greek. That is a mouthful. Online class enrollment begins this Friday! Just like HealthCare.gov, enrollment will remain open for a while. UnlikeHealthCare.gov, I will not force you to join a class...

Pedagogue

Pedagogue: A teacher of children; one whose occupation is to instruct young children; a schoolmaster.  These days a pedagogue carries a negative connotation.  A pedagogue is a strict teacher, or a pedant.  Dolores Umbridge.  Pedagogue comes from the Greek παιδαγωγός...

Exodus

Exodus: a mass departure. Exodus is also is the name of the second book of the Bible, which, of course, describes a mass departure.  Sick of lousy working conditions, the Hebrews head for the beach. Exodus comes from the Greek ἔξοδος, pronounced éksodos, which further...