The hottest Etymology Substack posts right now

The Gramsci Gap

Breaking Smart • 94 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25

The 'Gramsci Gap' talks about a time when old systems are fading and new ones are struggling to emerge. It's a confusing period filled with strange and troubling events.
It connects ideas of power and control, showing how rulers and the rules they create influence society. Both individual actions and larger systems can produce negative effects.
Understanding this gap helps us recognize how both personal decisions and structural issues can create problems, pointing to the need for change in how we govern and relate to one another.

Indo-European Linguistics with Lin-Manuel Rwanda

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1100 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

🚌 Education Linguistics Archaeology Genomics Etymology

Linguistics helps understand prehistory by offering a unique set of evidence.
Indo-European migration occurred in stages by closely related cultures.
Studying Proto-Indo-European provides insights while challenges persist in understanding other language families like Bantu and Afro-Asiatic.

So Here's a "thing"

So Here’s a Thing • 1592 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23

🎨 Art & Illustration Creativity Etymology Language Literature Writing

Engagement in posts should be a pleasure and not a chore, focusing on quality over quantity to prevent overwhelming the audience.
Consider offering a paid subscription for those who want to support content and provide exclusive features for those subscribers.
Etymology reveals the evolution of words like 'thing' over time, showcasing how meanings shift and adapt in language.

Words Washed Clean

David Friedman’s Substack • 143 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24

🎭️ Culture Language Linguistics Society History Etymology

Words can change in meaning over time due to overuse or intentional group efforts.
Pejoratives like 'fascist' or 'socialist' may lose their original meaning through political shifts and overuse.
Words like 'geek' and 'hacker' have evolved from negative connotations to positive interpretations over time.

An Enigmatic Beast

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23

🔬 Science Biology Ecology Conservation Etymology Evolution

Mountain goats have an interesting history of naming, starting from their scientific name, Oreamnos americanus, which links them to mountains and lambs.
Despite extensive research, scientists still struggle to figure out mountain goats' closest relatives, making them a bit of a mystery in the animal kingdom.
There's a growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge, especially from Indigenous peoples, which can greatly enhance our understanding of animals like mountain goats.

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Germanic vs Latinate Words in Writing

Arjun Panickssery • 78 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23

📚 Literature Writing Language Etymology Style Grammar

Prefer simple Germanic words in writing over complex Latin ones.
Skilled writers may not always follow the advice they give about word choice.
Balancing Germanic and Latinate words in writing can impact the tone and style.

Suffering So Long for this Woman!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23

📚 Literature Ancient Texts Etymology

Ancient texts offer different perspectives on Helen's role in the Trojan War, ranging from blaming her for causing suffering to providing a more complex context for her behavior.
There is a debate about Helen's character that includes discussions about her name's etymology and rhetorical defenses of her actions.
Modern linguistics and historical inscriptions shed light on the evolution of Helen's name and its potential origins, ranging from links to Greek digamma to suggestions of connections to Vedic goddesses.

A List of Words of Science

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23

🔬 Science Words Etymology Studies

Aedoeology is the science of generative organs.
Aerolithology is the study of meteorites.
Catacoustics delves into echoes and reflected sounds.

Another Antiquarian Abecedary

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23

📚 Literature Vocabulary Etymology Languages

Different unique and lesser-known words are presented along with their origins and meanings.
The post encourages subscribing for more content and to support the author's work.
Words from various languages and historical periods are shared, showcasing linguistic diversity and evolution.

Short Thoughts on Authenticity

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23

📖 Philosophy Authenticity Etymology Truth Imagination Responsibility

Authenticity is about being genuine and true to oneself; it carries a sense of uniqueness and originality.
The term "authentic" is often intertwined with trustworthiness; it implies that what is seen is what truly exists, fostering confidence.
Being authentic involves taking ownership of one's actions and appearances, which can feel vulnerable but ultimately leads to living truthfully and embracing one's uniqueness.

Antiquarian Abecediary Annex

Autoscriptorium • 19 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23

📚 Literature Vocabulary Languages Poetry Definitions Etymology

Words like 'Acarprous,' 'Borborygmic,' and 'Clepsydra' are interesting terms with unique origins, adding depth to language.
Learning about words such as 'Horripilation,' 'Ichneumon,' and 'Plangently' provides insight into fascinating phenomena and historical references.
'Syncope,' 'Usufruct,' and 'Tumulous' introduce us to specific concepts and legal terms worth exploring further.

A List of Old Words

Autoscriptorium • 0 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23

📚 Literature Etymology Words

Anarchivette shares a list of old, obscure words and their origins.
Some interesting words include acrasial, aeipathy, and algorithmotechny.
The words come from various languages like Greek, Arabic, Latin, and Italian.