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Facetiae
This word is the plural form of the Latin facetia, meaning a jest
or joke. According to the OED the English word means "witticisms" or
"humorous sayings." [JC] |
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Fiat
Literally means "let it be done" in Latin. However, in English it has
come to mean a command or decree. [TH] |
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Forte
From
Latin, "strong." Comes in English to refer to a person's area of special
ability or expertise. [JM] |
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Genius
The
Latin word genius refers to a person or place's guardian deity. In
English, the word comes to refer to a person's particular talent or
inspired power. [RR] |
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Gratis
This
Latin word means "free" or "for nothing" and has retained the same
definition in the English language, even today. [MD] |
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Hippopotamus
Greek hippos, "horse" + potamos, "river".
OED [JM] |
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Honorarium
An honorarium in Latin is a voluntary contribution to the treasury
or a compensation for services. Today honorarium means a reward or a
payment for services rendered.
OLD
OED [KD] |
Horror
A Latin word referring to bristling (as in having one's hair stand on
end), trembling (as in fear), terror, and dread. [RR] |
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Incubus
From
the Latin word incubare which literally means "to lie on," this
word means something that "lies on" someone. In English, it has also come
to mean a nightmare or a thing which weighs down upon an individual. It is
cited by the OED as occurring as early as 1205. [MD] |
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Innuendoes
Innuendo
is a Latin gerund literally meaning "by nodding." In English innuendo was
incorporated around 1564 for use in legal documents to introduce a
parenthetical explanation. By the 17th century, innuendo was used to
refer to any hint that implies more than it says (especially of a
derogatory nature).
OED [KD & RR] |
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