Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Ever wondered what courtly manners have to do with tickets? The word etiquette comes from the Old French estiquette, meaning “label” or “ticket.” It originally referred to small notes or placards used to post public notices. In the royal court…
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, an iconic American author active primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adopted the pen name Mark Twain from his experiences working as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River. The phrase “mark twain” was…
The one-rupee note is the only Indian currency note issued by the Government of India, not the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Unlike other notes, which bear the RBI Governor’s signature, the one-rupee note carries the signature of the Finance…
At the northern edge of the Kashi Vishwanath temple complex in Varanasi stands the Gyan Vapi Well, a structure that has long shaped the identity of the precinct. The name comes from the Sanskrit jñāna (knowledge) and vāpī (well or…
The word ‘protocol’ refers to the rules and procedures governing official ceremonies, diplomatic interactions, and formal events—especially those involving VIPs and dignitaries. It includes the etiquette and established practices that ensure respect, maintain order, and facilitate smooth proceedings. But did…
A manager oversees the operations of a business or team, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and goals are met. Did you know this word has a strong connection with horsemanship? The word “manager” originates from the Italian verb “maneggiare,”…
Picador is the literary imprint of Pan Macmillan. But why the name “Picador”? In bullfighting, a picador is a horse-mounted assistant who uses a lance (called a “vara”) to weaken the bull by jabbing its neck and shoulders. This action…
The term “freelancer” originally referred to a mercenary soldier who was free from the obligations of serving any single lord or king. These soldiers were “free to offer their lance” to the highest bidder, enjoying independence and flexibility. Freelancers can…
Presenting the India Etymology Quiz #2. Here are six questions from my book EtymagIQ India. Take a shot and post your answers as comments at the end of this page.