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10 Words with Interesting Origins (Etymology) | English Vocabulary Lesson

English with Lucy

175K views 9 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you learn a new English word, do you ever wonder where it originally came from?
Which sounds more interesting to you: studying grammar rules or studying word origins (etymology)? Why?
Can you think of any English word you know that has a surprising history or origin?

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Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

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10 Words with Interesting Origins (Etymology) | English Vocabulary Lesson

What is etymology? + Word #1: sandwich (00:00 – 02:35)

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1. What does the speaker say etymology is?

The best way to pronounce difficult words
The history of a word and how its meaning develops over time
The correct spelling of a word
A list of modern slang words

2. Why did the 4th Earl of Sandwich want food between two slices of bread?

Because he didn’t want to dirty the game pieces/cards with greasy fingers
Because he wanted to eat while walking outside
Because it was cheaper than using plates
Because he didn’t like knives and forks

3. According to the speaker, what is also true about the word “sandwich”?

It comes from a French cooking term
It originally meant “bread and butter”
It was invented in Scotland
There is a place in the UK called Sandwich

10 Words with Interesting Origins (Etymology) | English Vocabulary Lesson

Words #2–#7: nice, muscle, addict, clue, jargon, avocado (02:35 – 04:50)

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1. What did the word “nice” originally relate to, according to the speaker?

Beauty
Strength
Not knowing / ignorance
Expensive taste

2. Why is the word “clue” connected to a ball of thread?

Thread was used to sew secret messages into clothing
A ball of thread could guide someone out of a maze/labyrinth
Balls of thread were a common prize in old games
Thread was used to measure distances on old maps

3. What does the speaker say the Aztec-origin word behind “avocado” meant?

Good luck
Testicle
Green fruit
Tree butter

10 Words with Interesting Origins (Etymology) | English Vocabulary Lesson

Words #8–#10 + Wrap-up: whisky, vagina, oxymoron, and why etymology helps (04:50 – 07:21)

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1. What does the speaker say the Gaelic roots of “whisky” mean?

Fire of the mountains
Water of life
Sweet drink
Strong spirit

2. The word “vagina” is derived from a Latin word meaning what?

River
Stone
Flower
Sheath/scabbard

3. Why is the word “oxymoron” itself an oxymoron?

Because its roots mean “sharp” and “blunt,” which contrast
Because it describes words that are too long
Because it comes from Latin and Greek at the same time
Because it is spelled in a confusing way

10 Words with Interesting Origins (Etymology) | English Vocabulary Lesson

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1. What is the main purpose of the lesson?

To compare British and American pronunciation
To teach advanced cooking vocabulary
To explain etymology through ten words with interesting origins
To teach learners how to write academic essays

2. What does the speaker suggest etymology can help you do?

Expand vocabulary quickly and speak more meaningfully
Memorize irregular verbs faster
Translate perfectly between languages
Learn only informal slang

3. How does the speaker generally present the words in this lesson?

By explaining each word’s historical origin and how meaning relates
By giving synonyms only
By testing spelling with dictation
By focusing only on pronunciation rules

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

10 Words with Interesting Origins (Etymology) | English Vocabulary Lesson

Which word origin from the video surprised you most, and why?
Do you think learning word origins helps you remember vocabulary better? Explain with an example from your own learning.
Some origins are connected to culture (games, food, social class). How can culture change the words we use?
Choose a word in your language (or English) and explain its origin if you know it—or guess what its origin might be.