Only true brainiacs know the hidden meaning of these words

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What do capuchins and cappuccino have in common? And mice and muscles? Read further to find out!

Every word has its history. Knowing a word's etymology, one can better understand its deep meaning. It widens your horizons and adds a special flavor to every word, creating unique images and associations in one's mind. Let's find out what lies beneath the present meaning of some words.

#1

A new kind of coffee had a color similar to that of Capuchin monks' robes, so was named accordingly.

#2

To the first doctors observing muscles they looked like mice running under the skin. So they called it "musculus" which meant "little mouse".

#3

Eavesdrop was originally intended to direct rain water away from the buildings. Since they turned out to be useful for secret listening to other people's talking, the word obtained another meaning.

#4

Native American Lenape word "tuxedo" meant "crooked river". That gave name to Tuxedo Park in New York, where dinner jackets became popular and started to be referred to as tuxedos.

REKLAMA

#5

Origin of this word is Latin "candidus", meaning "bright white". That was the color of Roman politicians' togas which showed their genuine and fair-minded nature

#6

The word "salary" comes from the Latin "salaria", which was salt paid as a part of salary to Roman soldiers.

#7

Huron-Iroquois word "kanata" means "village" or "settlement". That's where Canada takes its origin from.

#8

The reason for such names is that letters of uppercase and lowercase for the first printing machines were kept in different cases.

#9

Latin prefix "pen" means "almost" and word "insula" - island. Put together it gives us almost an island.

#10

"Day's eye" in Old English. Open during the day and closed at night. Those who named this flower believed it functions as an eye - opening when the day comes and closing at night. So they called it a "days-eye", which was later transferred into modern state.

#11

Propeller is "helico" and wing is "pter". It's a flying machine with a propeller instead of a wing.

#12

Word of French origin. Meant "foolish" or "clumsy" in Old French. Evolved into its present meaning with time.

#13

Original meaning - "content". Changed its meaning to "serious" in Middle English and later - to "sorrowful".

#14

"Water" in Russian is "voda" and suffix "ka" means "something cute". So, vodka is "cute water"

What do you think about these words? Did you confirm your knowledge or did you realize there are still things to learn?