Category Etymology

How “triage” shapes modern medicine

Triage is one of the most important concepts in modern medicine, though its origins lie far outside a hospital corridor. In simple terms, the term refers to the process of prioritizing patients based on the urgency of their condition. A…

Why we call the hottest days “Dog Days”

The expression “Dog Days” refers to the hottest stretch of summer, now considered from about July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere — a time symbolizing heat, lethargy, and restless weather. The origin lies not in real dogs…

How a cow’s blister saved humanity

Did you know the word vaccine traces its roots to the Latin vaccinus, meaning “of or from cows.” Ever wondered why? This connection goes back to the late 18th century, when English doctor Edward Jenner noticed that milkmaids who caught…

Why “Happy Hour” started at Sea, not in a Bar

Did you know the term “happy hour” as used today for late-afternoon or early-evening discounted drinks and snacks in bars and restaurants traces its roots back to an unexpected source: the U.S. Navy? Around 1913–1914, the U.S. Navy began hosting…

Decoding “Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam” in Tirumala

Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam is a purification ceremony undertaken at the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. The term literally means “cleaning of the holy shrine” in Tamil, with Koil signifying holy shrine, Alwar meaning devotee/sanctified ones, and Thirumanjanam referring to an…