Okay, grammar classes are over for a little while, and I can actually get a little bit of time to write. I'm working on a newer story that involves bullying. I got to wondering where the term 'bully' came from and how it evolved, so I went researching on the internet and discovered that nobody really knows. How strange. There is one main theory that the word bully actually started as a term of endearment! Here is how it is explained at The Online Etymology Dictionary (http://www.etymonline.com)
Bully. noun. 1530s, originally "sweetheart," applied to either sex, from Dutch boel "lover, brother," probably dim. of M.H.G. buole "brother," of uncertain origin (cf. Ger. buhle "lover"). Meaning deteriorated 17c.
Oh, how bizarre. I'll definitely be working this naming concept into the story. Too good to pass up.
But if anyone knows how bullying got its name...I'd be mighty appreciative if you'd send along any references.
1 comment:
I've been following your blog for a while, G, but somehow missed how you ended up in Zagreb. I envy your living abroad - I grew up overseas, and miss it.
Enjoy every second - even grammar class! :-)
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