Andy Hollandbeck

Senior managing editor and logophile Andy Hollandbeck reveals the sometimes surprising roots of common English words and phrases. Remember: Etymology tells us where a word comes from, but not what it means today. The United States’ 250th anniversary is fast approaching, and short-term fireworks stores are popping up all over. A 250th anniversary is also called a semiquincentennial, and though it’s a word, these seven syllables of Latinate goodness are secretly a mathematical formula.

Senior managing editor and logophile Andy Hollandbeck reveals the sometimes surprising roots of common English words and phrases. Remember: Etymology tells us where a word comes from, but not what it means today. Modern English spelling isn’t ruled by logic and consistency — that’s why winning a spelling bee is such an accomplishment. And near the top of every list of English’s worst spelling catastrophes is the word yacht, one of only three English words that contain a silent ch.

Senior managing editor and logophile Andy Hollandbeck reveals the sometimes surprising roots of common English words and phrases. Remember: Etymology tells us where a word comes from, but not what it means today. In some Christian traditions, infant baptism involves not only the parents, child, and church, but other people who sponsor the baptism and who promise to help guide the child’s spiritual growth. Today, we call these people godparents.