The Rudiments of Anglo-Saxon

Years ago, I think in Surprised by Joy, I read about the English education of C.S. Lewis.   Unfortunately, Evernote didn’t exist at the time.  As a result, I can’t source what I am about to say. Anyway, at some point, and somewhere, I read about the...

Olde English…

Lately, I’ve been tinkering around with Old English.  This is something I have wanted to learn for a long time. I’ll be reviewing a book I’ve been reading on the subject this coming Friday. Meanwhile, pronunciation has been a bit of a problem for me....

Thee, thou, and all that.

Words change.  Languages change. English shifted dramatically over the years. Here is an interesting lesson on the development of you. http://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/history-of-you.html Often you will hear people say things like, “I can’t read...

The Flu

Influenza: an epidemic catarrh. Naturally, you know what a catarrh is. Neither did I. A catarrh is an inflammation of the nose and throat. It is from the Greek κατάρροος, which is basically a “head cold”. Kατάρροος means, “I flow down.” Just use your imagination....

Butterfly is a strange word…

I was wondering this morning… Why in the world is a butterfly called a butterfly?  Found out more than I ever wanted to know.  Personally, I like the German theory. These insects are actually milk-stealing undercover witches. In Middle English, Butterfly was...