Why do chefs wear tall hats?
Did you know the tall white hat worn by chefs is called a toque blanche, French for “white hat?” It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the culinary profession, but its origins are rooted in both history and…
Murali Duggineni
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Murali Duggineni
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Category BackStory
Why is a carpenter called carpenter?
The word carpenter has a history that stretches back nearly 2,000 years. It comes from the Late Latin word carpentarius, meaning “wagon maker” or “cart builder.” This, in turn, is derived from carpentum, a two-wheeled carriage or wagon commonly used…
How one wooden barrier gave us two very different “bars”
The word “bar” has the same surprising origin in both law and hospitality. It comes from Old French barre, meaning a barrier or rod, which in turn derives from Late Latin barra. In medieval courtrooms, a low wooden rail separated…
Why is the Pacific Ocean called “Pacific”?
The Pacific Ocean owes its name to the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan during his historic circumnavigation expedition in 1520. After battling fierce winds, towering waves, and dangerous currents while navigating the treacherous waters at the southern tip of South America,…
The greatest pilgrimage is the one within
Every full moon, thousands of devotees undertake girivalam around Tiruvannamalai. Across India, countless others travel to famous temples, perform elaborate rituals, and undertake arduous pilgrimages believing these acts will erase their bad karma and ultimately grant moksha. Sacred places have…
The lesser-known story behind the word “bistro”
The word bistro is synonymous with cozy French eateries known for serving simple, freshly prepared meals in a relaxed setting. While the term is deeply rooted in French culinary culture, one of its origin stories points to an unexpected Russian…
Why Is 404 the code for “page not found”?
If you have spent any time on the internet, you have almost certainly encountered the message “404 Page Not Found.” It has become so familiar that it appears in jokes, T-shirts, and even popular culture. But why 404? Is there…
Why do coins have ridged edges?
If you look at any coin, you will notice tiny ridges around its edge. Ever wondered why they’re there? The feature, known as reeding, dates back to the 17th century when coins were made from precious metals such as gold…
Why are courtrooms draped in green cloth?
Walk into an old courtroom almost anywhere in the Commonwealth, and you may notice something curious. The judge’s bench, lawyers’ tables, and even witness stands are often covered with green cloth. It may seem like a decorative choice, but the…