Showing posts with label etymology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label etymology. Show all posts

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Weird Words

Gladiolus

I read the etymology: small sword from gladius, Latin for sword.  So named for the shape of the leaves. 

But oh, Pliny, only a man could ascribe this name to such a flower, less weapon than petticoat.

Much better the Old English: gladdon. 

This bloom certainly put the glad on my day.