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Reflects on trend of stealing terminology from scientific uses for use in common trendy speech. Perspectives from biophysicists on use of the word 'organic' incorrectly describing naturally produced food; Views from geologists on incorrect use of the word 'epicenter' as an intensification of center; Use of 'exponential' and 'geometric' as qualitative rather than quantitative terms; Others.

Presents the etymology and lexicography of several words, including 'livid,' the barnyard epithet 'bull,' 'rigamarole,' and 'hooey.' Also offers observations on the electronic books, and Internet publishing.

Focuses on the origin and common usage of the word 'adventurer' and its derivatives, as well as the word hellmouth. The Latin root of adventurer; Evolution of the term from disreputable to heroic and romantic; Origins of the term 'hellmouth'; Strategies of etymology, the study of word origin.

The article discusses linguistic usage of the phrase "at the pleasure of" in reference to the president of the United States, as well as the phrase "you're welcome." The author notes the historical origins of the phrase, and questions the appropriateness of its modern usage. The author suggests that "You're welcome" has fallen out of usage.

The article discusses etymology and trends in language. The origins of the word "lollygag" are traced. Television networks and movie studios have taken to replacing titles with increasingly incomprehensible abbreviations. Responses to readers comments on the meaning of "furball" and the usage of "fraught" without the word "with" are included.

The article reports on the etymology of the term "exotic dancer." The term was used in print in 1918 to describe Doralinda, an actress and dancer from Spain. A reader of the "New York Times" complains that the term erotic dancer should be used when describing strippers, but the long use of exotic dancer by the press to describe strippers shows that the phrase is valid.

Focuses on the etymology of English words and phrases. Uses of the word "raunch"; Reference to the book "Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture," by Ariel Levy; Use of the word "raunch" to describe the motion picture "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"; Claim that the word "raunch" is the byword of those disapproving of bawdiness, smuttiness, licentiousness and other manifestations of blatant sexual arousal; Uses of the word "twee," meaning "overly dainty, quaint, or too cute for words."

Comments on the etymology of English words and phrases. Review of the use and meaning of the word "mishegoss". Comments on situations and occurrences for which there is no English word; Comments on the use of the term "creep" in phraseology, such as in the terms "bracket creep" and "mission creep"; History of the phrase "exit strategy".

Discusses the etymology and use of the two English words 'troop' and 'capitulation.' 'Troop' which refers to a small group; Plural of the word which means a group of smaller groups; 'Troops' which has taken the meaning of a group of individuals; 'Capitulation' which is compared with surrender.

Examines the etymology of the phrase "hide-and-seek". Origin and first use of this figure of speech; Use of hide-and-seek as a game metaphor in military language; Simplicity of the hide-and-seek game.