The Vagaries of the English Language

A few will be aware I have been known to speak on various subjects over the years. Fundamentally these all revolve around my favourite subject of etymology. Have always enjoyed bringing this fascinating subject to others. It’s not for me to say whether the audiences have, although many have asked me to return.

Thought it might be worthwhile sharing a snippet or two from these etymological presentations, continuing with The Vagaries of the English Language. English is an odd language. Those on the west of the Atlantic Ocean will look bemused at their counterparts washed by the waters on the eastern side of the ocean and vice versa. In truth both forms are oddly different from other languages. Not just the words but the grammar, syntax and usage which seemingly have no fixed rules.

English has acquired the largest vocabulary of all the world's languages, perhaps as many as two million words, and has generated one of the noblest bodies of literature in the annals of the human race. Nonetheless, it is now time to face the fact that English is a crazy language.

I mean ‘flammable’ means ‘burns readily’ but ‘inflammable’ doesn’t mean the opposite it means the same thing.

Why does night fall but never break and day break but never fall?

Send something by land it’s called a shipment, but send it by ship and it’s cargo.

Men get HERnias and women HISterectomies

We pack suits in a garment bag – but garments go in your suitcase.

Anyone in the army? Privates eat in the General Mess and Generals in the Private Mess.

Why do we call it ‘newsprint’ when it contains no printing but when we put print on it we call it ‘newspaper’.

If you think you know someone who would like to hear me speak on this subject, drop me a line.