Word derivations

I (strange though it may seem) actually enjoy finding out about how words got "invented". Discovered, perhaps. I also love inventing strange and totally fictional stories about how words were invented/discovered also. Here will be a collection of both. If a story is true, I'll be sure to mention it.

I was quite suprised (happily suprised!) when I found people actually emailing me asking about word derivations they were interested in! I researched (well, searched would be better :-) ) into the words or phrases asked about, and have now added here the infomation too.

For all you questing derivation-adventurers out there, here are a few better-stocked links, which may be able to help you.

• The Word DetectiveLoads and loads of word-derivations
• World Wide Words A massive site full of derivations and similar facinating things!
• A Concise Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (Scanned)

	Art? From where is "art"? That sounds very philosophical! :-)
	Inflamable Have you ever wondered why english has both "flamable" and "inflamable" meaning the same? (joke)
	Kettle of Fish? 'Fishing for information in Massachusetts' asks "What's the derivation of the expression 'kettle of fish,'?"
	Shindig A request, but I hadn't even heard of the word!
	The Seven Seas Which seven seas? And why seven, anyway?
	Various other derivations Small answers which don't require a page of their own... Plutocratic

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