Is English A Crazy Language?

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| By Belkis Yanes
Belkis Yanes, English langauge
Belkis is an English teacher from Venezuela with a strong enthusiasm for continuous learning. She enjoys a wide range of activities in the field of English education.
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 302
| Attempts: 302
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  • 1/10 Questions

    What is a guinea pig?

    • A marsupial from Australiasia
    • A pig from Central Africa
    • A bird from Asia
    • A rodent from South America
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About This Quiz


This quiz is based on facts about the English language. Written by Richard Lederer, Crazy English makes us laugh at the oddities of this language. Let's have fun!

Is English A Crazy Language? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What are oxymorons?

    • Words made up from first letters

    • Words that are the same when read backwards

    • Words composed of two identical parts

    • Words that mean the opposite used in the same term

    Correct Answer
    A. Words that mean the opposite used in the same term
    Explanation
    Examples: good grief, old news, spendthrift, mobile home

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  • 3. 

    What color is a blackbird hen?

    • Blue

    • Brown

    • Black

    • Beige

    Correct Answer
    A. Brown
    Explanation
    A blackbird hen is brown in color. While the name suggests that it should be black, the term "blackbird" actually refers to the species of bird rather than its color. The female blackbird, known as a hen, is typically brown in color with streaks of darker brown or black. This coloration helps the female blend into her surroundings and provides camouflage while nesting or foraging for food.

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  • 4. 

    What is an apiary?

    • A place where apes are raised

    • A place where beehives are collected

    • A place where birds are kept

    • A place where peas are grown

    Correct Answer
    A. A place where beehives are collected
    Explanation
    An apiary is a place where beehives are collected. This is where bees are kept and raised for the purpose of collecting honey and other bee-related products. It is a controlled environment designed to provide the necessary conditions for the bees to thrive and produce honey. Beekeepers often maintain apiaries to manage and monitor the bee colonies, ensuring their health and productivity.

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  • 5. 

    What is herpetology?

    • The study of herbs

    • The study of reptiles

    • The study of female pets

    • The study of herpes

    Correct Answer
    A. The study of reptiles
    Explanation
    Herpetology is the study of reptiles, which includes snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. This field of study focuses on their biology, behavior, classification, and conservation. It involves researching their anatomy, ecology, evolutionary history, and their role in ecosystems. By studying reptiles, herpetologists aim to understand their adaptations, reproduction, and interactions with other species. They also work towards conserving reptile populations and their habitats.

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  • 6. 

    What is a votary?

    • A person who votes

    • An electoral college

    • An enthusiast of a cause

    • A revolving tool

    Correct Answer
    A. An enthusiast of a cause
    Explanation
    A votary is someone who is passionate and dedicated to a particular cause or belief. They actively support and promote the cause they believe in, often demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment. This term is commonly used to describe individuals who are deeply involved in religious, political, or social movements, advocating for their beliefs and working towards their goals.

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  • 7. 

    What is capitonym?

    • The use of capital letters instead of small letters

    • The study of the cases of capitalization

    • The origin of the origins of the capitals

    • The change of pronunciation and meaning with capitalization

    Correct Answer
    A. The change of pronunciation and meaning with capitalization
    Explanation
    A capitonym refers to a word that changes its pronunciation and meaning when capitalized. This can occur when a word is both a common noun and a proper noun, such as "polish" and "Polish." When "polish" is written with a lowercase "p," it refers to a substance used for shining or cleaning. However, when capitalized as "Polish," it refers to the people, language, or things related to Poland. This change in capitalization alters the pronunciation and meaning of the word, making it a capitonym.

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  • 8. 

    What is a horned toad?

    • A reptile

    • A marsupial

    • A bird

    • An amphibian

    Correct Answer
    A. A reptile
    Explanation
    A horned toad is an insectivorous lizard with hornlike spines on the head and spiny scales on the body from western North America.

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  • 9. 

    What is hippophobia?

    • The fear of horses

    • The fear of hippopotami

    • The fear of getting fat

    • The fear of hippies

    Correct Answer
    A. The fear of horses
    Explanation
    Hippophobia is the fear of horses. This phobia can cause individuals to experience anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors when they are around horses or even just thinking about them. It is important to note that phobias are irrational fears, and individuals with hippophobia may have difficulty understanding or explaining their fear.

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  • 10. 

    What is ecophobia?

    • Fear of echoes

    • Fear of spoiling the environment

    • Fear of home

    • Fear of economic problems

    Correct Answer
    A. Fear of home
    Explanation
    Ecophobia refers to the fear of home. This phobia can manifest as an intense and irrational fear of being at home or in familiar surroundings. Individuals with ecophobia may experience anxiety, panic attacks, and a strong desire to avoid being in their own homes. This fear can be triggered by traumatic experiences or feelings of insecurity and vulnerability associated with the home environment. It is important to note that ecophobia is a specific phobia and should be addressed through therapy and support to help individuals overcome their fears and regain a sense of safety and comfort in their homes.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 12, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Belkis Yanes
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