How did March get its name?
Did you know March, the third month of the modern calendar, derives its name from Latin Martius, meaning “month of Mars”? Mars was the Roman god of war, and March was originally the first month of the year in the…
Murali Duggineni
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Murali Duggineni
Storyteller, Quizzer, Marcom Pro.
Category Etymology
The story of February – A month born from ritual and renewal
February, the second month of the Gregorian calendar, derives its name from the Latin Februarius mensis, meaning “month of purification.” The name traces back to Februa, an ancient Roman festival involving purification rites, such as ritual washing, sacrifices, and offerings…
The story behind the word ‘Republic’ and what it means
As India celebrates its Republic Day every January 26, let’s explore the story behind the word “republic.” The word “republic” comes from the Latin rēs pūblica, meaning “public thing,” indicating that the state is governed by representatives chosen by the…
Loophole: The narrow opening that changed the rules
A loophole refers to a flaw or oversight in a rule/system that provides an unintended advantage to those who spot and exploit it. The term originates from the French word loupe, meaning “a narrow opening in a wall.” Originally, a…
What is seersucker, and how it got its name?
Seersucker is a lightweight fabric crafted from linen, cotton, or rayon. It owes its name to the Persian words “shir” (milk) and “shakar” (sugar), symbolizing its unique texture—smooth like milk in some areas and puckered like sugar in others. The…
King Kothi – A royal palace with a clever name
King Kothi, literally “King’s Palace,” is a historic palace in Hyderabad with an interesting story. The palace was originally owned by Mr. Kamal Khan, a wealthy aristocrat, who had his initials KK engraved on the building. In fact, the letters…
Siesta: The power of the afternoon nap and its roots
The word siesta refers to a short nap or rest taken during the afternoon, often after lunch. The practice is commonly associated with Spanish-speaking countries and regions such as Spain and Latin America, but is also observed in parts of…
The story behind January – a month of beginnings
The month ‘January‘ takes its name from the Latin word Januarius, inspired by Janus, a deity in Roman mythology. Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions, was often depicted with two faces: one looking ahead to the future and the…
How a tiny copper coin inspired the phrase “I don’t give a damn”
The phrase “I don’t care a damn” or “I don’t give a damn” is often used when someone means to say they don’t care at all. Ever wondered how this phrase came into use? According to a popular version, the…