Despite its association with the crucifixion of Jesus, Good Friday is called "good" for a few possible reasons. "Good" may be a corruption of "God Friday," or reflect the older sense of "holy." Alternatively, it may refer to the belief that Christ's death, while tragic, ultimately brought salvation to humanity, therefore making it a "good" event. Finally, some suggest "good" refers to the good deeds performed by Christ throughout his life, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice.
Affixes.org is a comprehensive resource dedicated to English affixes (prefixes and suffixes). It provides a searchable database of these morphemes, offering definitions, examples of their use within words, and etymological information. The site aims to improve vocabulary and understanding of English word formation by breaking down words into their constituent parts and explaining how affixes modify the meaning of root words. It serves as a valuable tool for anyone interested in expanding their lexical knowledge and gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the English language.
Hacker News users generally praised the Affixes website for its clean design, intuitive interface, and helpful examples. Several commenters pointed out its usefulness for learning English, particularly for non-native speakers. Some suggested improvements like adding audio pronunciations, more example sentences, and the ability to search by meaning rather than just the affix itself. One commenter appreciated the site's simplicity compared to more complex dictionary sites, while another highlighted the value of understanding affixes for deciphering unfamiliar words. A few users shared related resources, including a Latin and Greek root word website and a book recommendation for vocabulary building. There was some discussion on the etymology of specific affixes and how they've evolved over time.
The "n" in "restaurateur" vanished due to a simplification of the French language over time. Originally spelled "restauranteur," the word derived from the French verb "restaurer" (to restore). The noun form, referring to someone who restores, was formed by adding "-ateur." The intrusive "n," present in older spellings, was likely influenced by the word "restaurant," but etymologically incorrect and eventually dropped, leaving the modern spelling "restaurateur."
HN commenters largely agree that the "n" pronunciation in "restaurateur" is disappearing, attributing it to simplification and the influence of American English. Some suggest it's a natural language evolution, pointing out other words with silent or changed pronunciations over time. A few users argue the "n" should be pronounced, citing etymology and personal preference. One commenter notes the pronunciation might signal class or pretension. Several simply express surprise or newfound awareness of the shift. There's a brief tangential discussion on spelling pronunciations in general and the role of dictionaries in documenting vs. prescribing usage.
UK Data Explorer created an interactive map showcasing common words across Europe in over 30 languages. Users can select a word from a list (e.g., "bread," "beer," "house") and see its translation displayed on the map, color-coded by linguistic similarity. The map highlights the diversity and evolution of languages across the continent, revealing interesting etymological relationships and regional variations. It serves as a visual tool for exploring language families and how words have spread and changed over time.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and potential issues of the European word translator map. Several commenters pointed out inaccuracies and oversimplifications in the data, particularly regarding dialects and false cognates. Some suggested improvements, like including IPA transcriptions to show pronunciation differences and adding more granular detail to regional variations. The map's visualization choices, such as using size to represent speaker numbers, also drew criticism for being potentially misleading. Others praised the project's overall concept and educational value, acknowledging its limitations while still finding it an interesting tool. There was also discussion about the difficulties of representing linguistic data visually and the complexities of European language families.
The blog post explores surnames derived from nicknames that have fallen out of common usage. It details how many last names originated as descriptive monikers referring to physical characteristics (like "Little," "Short," "Red," or "Black"), personality traits ("Good," "Wise," "Proud"), or occupations ("Cook," "Smith"). The post highlights the evolution of these once-common nicknames into hereditary surnames, illustrating how a person's defining characteristic or profession could become a family identifier passed down through generations. Now, these surnames offer a glimpse into the past, preserving nicknames that are rarely, if ever, used today.
HN users generally enjoyed the article about surnames derived from lost nicknames. Several commenters offered further examples, like "Micklejohn" (big John) and "Shanks" (long legs). Some discussed the difficulty of tracing surname origins, acknowledging that sometimes assumed etymologies are incorrect. One highlighted the surprising prevalence of nicknames as surnames, speculating that perhaps such names were more common in the past or that they were bestowed with more permanence. Another appreciated the nuance that not all -kin surnames are diminutives, citing "Wilkin" (desirable) as an example. The concept of "lost" nicknames resonated with users, prompting reflections on the fading of descriptive nicknames in modern times.
Summary of Comments ( 48 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43724870
Several Hacker News commenters discuss the etymology of "Good Friday," with most agreeing that "good" likely derives from archaic usages meaning "holy" or "pious." Some suggest alternative theories, like "God's Friday," but these are generally dismissed. One commenter points out the irony of calling a day commemorating a crucifixion "good." Another highlights regional variations in how the day is named, citing "Great Friday" in some areas. A few commenters lament the increasingly secular nature of modern society and the declining awareness of religious terminology and traditions. There's also a brief tangent discussing linguistic shifts and the evolution of word meanings over time.
The Hacker News post titled "Why is Good Friday called Good Friday?" generated a modest amount of discussion, with several commenters offering their perspectives on the etymology and meaning of the term.
Several commenters focused on the linguistic evolution of the term "Good." One commenter suggested "good" might derive from older usages, meaning "holy" or "pious," similar to the German "Gottes Freitag" (God's Friday). This explanation resonated with others, who added supporting examples of "good" being used in archaic ways to signify piety or holiness. One commenter specifically mentioned the archaic use of "goodman" and "goodwife" as titles. Another added to this by pointing to similar archaic uses of "good" in other phrases, solidifying the notion that "Good Friday" likely referred to a holy or sacred Friday.
Another thread of discussion revolved around alternative names for Good Friday used in other languages and cultures. Some examples given were "Holy Friday," "Great Friday," "Long Friday," and "Silent Friday," each reflecting different aspects of the day's significance. One commenter noted the prevalence of names related to mourning and sorrow, highlighting the somber nature of the day in Christian tradition.
Finally, a few commenters expressed their appreciation for the explanation provided in the linked article, while others mentioned their own prior understandings or misunderstandings of the term. One commenter admitted having previously assumed it referred to the "good news" of the resurrection, which is celebrated on Easter Sunday, indicating a common misconception.
While the discussion wasn't extensive, it offered several interesting points regarding the etymology and cultural variations in naming Good Friday. The comments generally converged on the idea that "Good" in this context likely derives from an archaic meaning of holy or pious rather than referring to positive connotations of "goodness" as understood in modern English.