Etymology of Blackmail

Written by:

Barbara Mikkelson

April 16, 2012 Was blackmail so designated because letters of extortion were sent by mail?

Etymology of Blue Laws

Written by:

David Mikkelson

April 16, 2012 Were American 'blue laws' so named because they were originally printed on blue paper?

Where Did the Term 'Pink Slip' Originate?

Written by:

Barbara Mikkelson David Mikkelson

June 4, 2001 Another linguistic mystery over the origins of something everyone's heard about but has never ac ...

Etymology of Red Light District

Written by:

Barbara Mikkelson

March 12, 1998 Did 'red light district' come from railway brakemen leaving their lanterns on cathouse porches?