I’m not a big fan of inspirational quotes, but there is one that I really like: “Why not go out on a limb? That’s where all the fruit is.” I’d always thought this was by Mark Twain, but when I Googled it, I found a couple of sites that attribute the very similar “Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?” to Frank Scully (whoever that is) or Will Rogers. Hmm. In any case, I’ve seen a number of other funny and/or clever quotes by Mark Twain recently, including “Names are not always what they seem. The common Welsh name Bzjxxlwcp is pronounced Jackson.” :-] I may have to go to the library soon and pick up some of Mark Twain’s books.
Language
Good vs Well
The English words good and well are often confused by native and non-native speakers of English – this is a good lesson that will put you well on your way to understanding the difference: Good vs Well
Philanthropist vs Philanderer
Does anyone else mix up these words? They have completely different meanings, but whenever I see either one I have to think for a minute about which one it is. Of course I know what they mean, it’s just that the “philan” at the beginning of both words throws me off, so I thought I’d take a look at the etymology.
A philanderer is a man who has lots of affairs. The word philander, meaning lover, comes from Philander, a former literary name for a lover, from philandros (Greek) meaning loving/fond of men, from the root phil (loving/fond) + andr (man). Interesting… the etymology kind of makes it sound like it should be synonymous with homosexual.
A philanthropist is someone who assists charitable causes. Philanthropy is from philanthropia (Latin) from philanthropos (Greek) meaning humane/benevolent, from the same root phil + anthropos meaning mankind.
Very interesting. So a philanderer is a man who loves men (or rather women), while a philanthropist loves mankind. A rather subtle but important distinction, no?
Le Mouv’ and Mots fléchés
My favorite French radio station is Le Mouv’. I started listening to it when I lived in Toulouse, and before I left I managed to find it on the internet. It’s a fairly good mix of music, mainly alternative rock (which they call indé, an apocope of indépendant), about half in French and half in English, with the occasional song in another language. Unfortunately, the connection can be a bit spotty. 🙁
I tend to put Le Mouv’ on in the morning while doing a mots fléchés, which I’ve become addicted to – I have to do one every morning – and then keep listening while doing non-work stuff.
It’s vs Its
These two English words are very often used incorrectly by native speakers. It’s important that you understand the difference between it’s and its.
Borrow, Lend, Loan
What’s the difference between borrow, lend, and loan? Two of them are synonyms and the third is the opposite – lend me your eyes and I’ll tell you about them: Borrow, Lend, Loan