WORD HISTORIES X

From The Mensa Book of Words 

          Dr. Abbie Salny

 

TOXIC

From the Greek for "poisoned arrow"

VAUDELVILLE

A place name given to songs composed by Olivier Basselin in Vau de Vire - Normandy, France in the 15th century

 

VAIN

From the Latin vanus, "empty" 

VERMICELLI

From the Latin - "little worms" 

YACHT

Originating in 14th century Netherlands, from the Dutch meaning "hunt". Originally small, fast vessels they were used by the Navy to hunt pirates and criminals. They quickly became popular among wealthy merchants who used them for celebrations and pleasure cruises.

 

ZEAL 

From the Greek - "to boil"