ON BEING BAMBOOZLED
WHAT A funny word “bamboozle” is. At first glance, it reminds me of that rude noisemaker blown at World Cup matches. (No, that’s the vuvuzela. On the other hand, if … Continue reading
ETYMOLOGY CONTINUED: DEMAGOGUE
FOR ONCE in my continuing Etymology for Today series (see chaos, mendacity, and the like), I’ve come upon a difference in my two primary sources, one dated 1971 and the … Continue reading
WITCH HUNT? I’LL SHOW YOU A REAL WITCH HUNT
THE TERM “witch hunt” is appearing with increasing regularity in the news, and this has encouraged me to investigate the real thing, not just in relation to cornered politicos such … Continue reading