I'm glad YouTube recommended this channel to me. It's a great resource that I plan on using for...Halloween, Christmas, and, of course, English Language Day. Those entries will be fun!Watch as Words Unravelled asks What's the 'were' in werewolf? | SPOOKY ETYMOLOGY.
In this episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess dig into the spooky origins of Halloween words. From 'ghosts' and 'ghouls' to 'warlocks' and 'witches', they uncover the hauntingly fascinating roots of supernatural lingo.Jess and Rob promoted her book Words from Hell. I found another podcast video by Grammar Girl about it, which I might use next year. I'm an environmentalist, I conserve my resources.
What is the 'were' in werewolf?
Why is there a 'monster' in 'demonstrate'?
What does 'vampire' literally mean?
These creepy questions answered and many more. Join us... if you dare
In the middle of talking about hoaxes and ghost words, Jess made an aside about the hoaxes purporting to explain the origin of the word cocktail. Shake Stir & Mingle almost certainly included some of them in The Origins of the Word Cocktail.
The term "cocktail" for mixed alcoholic drinks has an interesting and somewhat debated history, with several theories on its origin. One popular theory dates back to the 18th century in the United States, where mixed drinks became popular. Here are a few stories that have circulated about the term's origin:Horse Dealers and Ginger:I don't know which, if any, to believe, although a corruption of the French "coquetel" appeals to me.
One theory suggests that the term originated from horse dealers in the 18th century who would put ginger up a horse's derriere to make it appear more lively and spirited, thus artificially "cocking" its tail up. This practice was known as "cocktailing," and by extension, drinks mixed to make spirits more lively or palatable were called "cocktails."Cocktail as a Decoration:
Another theory suggests the term comes from the custom of placing a feather (often from a cock's tail) in the drink as a decorative garnish, indicating that the drink was mixed or adorned.French Influence: Some believe the term derives from the French word "coquetel," which was a drink served to French soldiers during the American Revolution. This theory posits that Americans adopted the term from their French allies.
The Tavern Tradition: Another story involves a tavern keeper named Betsy Flanagan, who during the American Revolution, is said to have served French soldiers an alcoholic drink garnished with feathers from a rooster's tail, leading to the drinks being called "cock tails."Cock-Ale:
There's also a reference to a drink from the 17th century called "cock-ale," which was made by steeping a cock in ale, along with other ingredients to add flavor.
However, this concoction is quite different from what we consider cocktails today.While these stories offer colorful origins for the term "cocktail," the true source remains somewhat of a mystery, enveloped in the mists of history. What's clear is that the term was firmly established by the early 19th century to refer to a mix of spirits with various ingredients to enhance or complement their flavors.
Speaking of cocktails, I'm taking inspiration from today being National Cat Day for The Purr-fect Halloween Cocktail? Meet the Black Cat Martini!
A Little Cat-titude for Your Halloween Cocktail!Drink responsibly and stay tuned for more Halloween posts through the end of the month plus a bonus Day of the Dead entry. Trick or treat!
Dark, fruity, and dressed to impress! The Black Cat Martini combines blackberry liqueur, vodka, cranberry, and lemon for a deliciously smooth cocktail with a deep purple color, sparkling black sugar rim, and fresh blackberry garnish.
*Black Cat Martini Recipe*
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur
- ½ oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- Ice
- Optional: Fine black cocktail sugar for the rim
- Garnish: 2 fresh blackberries
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