WSJ: Word on The Street Column

One of my favorite regular gigs is the Word on The Street column by Ben Zimmer for the Wall St Journal. Every week a word or phrase in the news is featured and Ben talks about the origins for the word. I’ve joked to him it’s basically Electric Company for adults. This column has also turned into a nice diary of current events for the year.

Impeach: Originally from a Latin Word which means to ensnare by the foot.
Exonerate: To lift a burden
Spam: It’s origins for a world describing email came from early programmers who were Monty Pyton fans.
Anchorman: A figure of stability.
Wackadoodle: Originally from a concept for out of whack.
Snowplowing: When parents try to clear all obstacles.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This