From ‘Scientist’ to ‘Spam,’ the Surprisingly Playful Origins of English Words Time 1 hr ago © Getty Images: Nora Sahinun The history of words like blog is humorous and comic
During an 1833 meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, a spirited discussion took place about what to call those who toiled in different branches of their profession. In keeping with the evening’s lively spirit, William Whewell suggested
scientist. To make sure his colleagues realized this suggestion was facetious, the Cambridge University professor noted its similarity not only to
artist but to
atheist, and
sciolist (an ill-informed person who pretends to be knowledgeable). “The suggestion was obviously frivolous,” notes science historian Sydney Ross, “and could not have been considered seriously for a moment.” Some six decades later, the eminent biologist Thomas Huxley was still grousing that “to anyone who respects the English language, I think
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