Comments on: 30 Words Inspired by 29 People and An Elephant

By: Brian Willey

Brian Willey — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:08:44 +0000

There is a statuette known as an IVOR – so named in memory the ot the actor, playwright and composer, Ivor Novello (1893-1951). Awards are presented annually for merit in the British music industry, has been in existence since 1955 and is the copyright of The British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA).

By: Heather Thiessen

Heather Thiessen — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:43:08 +0000

Question: does the term “eponym” cover all words derived from proper names, or just those derived from people and places? I am searching for the term that covers words (like “utopia”) derived from names other than those of people and places.

By: Jerry Binder

Jerry Binder — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:40:18 +0000

From fiction: “babbitt” from Sinclair Lewis’ fictional character, George Babbitt.

And those self-styled lover boys called Valentinos from the movie actor Rudolph Valentino.

People will ask the big spender, “What are you–a Rockefeller?”

“Palooka”–a not-too-bright third rate boxer from the comic strip character Joe Palooka

By: Jerry Binder

Jerry Binder — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 19:27:13 +0000

Add “pull a Profumo.” After a British diplomat, John Profumo, who was caught in an indiscretion and had to resign.

And “don’t bogart that joint” after the actor Humphrey Bogart referring to treating something roughly.

By: Uslifepost

Uslifepost — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:13:58 +0000

Very interesting post. XD