Language Origins Trivia Questions
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The ultimate challenging quiz on Language Origins!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In Latin, the word "appendix" means "the part that" does what?
- A.
Is Useless
- B.
Hangs
- C.
Finishes
- D.
Comes Later
Correct Answer
B. HangsExplanation
The word "appendix" in Latin means "the part that hangs". This suggests that the correct answer is "Hangs".Rate this question:
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- 2.
What English word derives from a Greek insult meaning "babblers"?
- A.
Barbarians
- B.
Buffoons
- C.
Bums
- D.
Bushwhackers
Correct Answer
A. BarbariansExplanation
The English word "Barbarians" derives from a Greek insult meaning "babblers." In ancient Greece, the term was used to refer to people who did not speak Greek and were considered to have a less sophisticated language. Over time, the term evolved to describe any foreign and uncivilized group of people. Today, "barbarian" is used more broadly to refer to someone who is uncivilized or lacks refinement.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which word for a maddened warrior comes from the Old Icelandic for "bear shirt"?
- A.
Dervish
- B.
Fury
- C.
Janissary
- D.
Berserker
Correct Answer
D. BerserkerExplanation
The word "Berserker" comes from the Old Icelandic term "bear shirt." This term refers to a maddened warrior who would wear a bear's skin during battle. The term "Berserker" is used to describe someone who displays uncontrollable rage and ferocity in combat, similar to the characteristics associated with a bear.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The term "cab", used for a taxi, comes from the Old Italian word for which animal?
- A.
Cow
- B.
Goat
- C.
Dog
- D.
Horse
Correct Answer
B. GoatExplanation
The term "cab" used for a taxi comes from the Old Italian word "capra" which means goat. This is because in the past, goats were used as a form of transportation in Italy. The word "cab" was later adopted to refer to horse-drawn carriages for hire and eventually evolved to include motorized taxis.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The word "cantaloupe" translates in Italian to a "wolf" that does what?
- A.
Runs
- B.
Dances
- C.
Fights
- D.
Sings
Correct Answer
D. SingsExplanation
The word "cantaloupe" translates to "cantalupo" in Italian, not "wolf". Therefore, the question is incorrect or incomplete.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which liquid's name comes from the Latin for "sour wine"?
- A.
Sherry
- B.
Cordial
- C.
Whiskey
- D.
Vinegar
Correct Answer
D. VinegarExplanation
Vinegar gets its name from the Latin word "vinum" meaning wine and "acer" meaning sour. This is because vinegar is made through a fermentation process that converts alcohol into acetic acid, giving it a sour taste. The Latin term "sour wine" accurately describes vinegar, making it the correct answer to the question.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which Roman's name was the origin of the Russian word "Tzar"?
- A.
Julius Caesar
- B.
Trajan
- C.
Marcus Brutus
- D.
Marcus Aurelius
Correct Answer
A. Julius CaesarExplanation
Julius Caesar is the correct answer because the Russian word "Tzar" is derived from the Latin word "Caesar." In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar was a prominent figure and eventually became the dictator of the Roman Republic. His name, Caesar, became a title used by subsequent Roman emperors and eventually evolved into the Russian word "Tzar," which refers to the ruler or emperor. Therefore, Julius Caesar's name is the origin of the Russian word "Tzar."Rate this question:
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- 8.
The "trivia" comes from a Latin term for what?
- A.
A Crossroads
- B.
A Bureaucrat
- C.
An Inn
- D.
A Ledger
Correct Answer
A. A CrossroadsExplanation
The term "trivia" comes from the Latin word "trivium," which means "a place where three roads meet" or "a crossroads." In ancient times, crossroads were often gathering places where people would exchange news and information. Over time, the term "trivia" came to refer to unimportant or insignificant facts, possibly because the information exchanged at crossroads was often trivial in nature.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The word "tennis" was originally the word "tenez" from which language?
- A.
Dutch
- B.
French
- C.
Spanish
- D.
Arabic
Correct Answer
B. FrenchExplanation
The word "tennis" was originally derived from the French word "tenez." This suggests that the French language is the origin of the word "tennis."Rate this question:
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- 10.
The word "stool" derives from an Old English word for what other kind of seat?
- A.
Toilet
- B.
Throne
- C.
Chair
- D.
Bench
Correct Answer
B. ThroneExplanation
The word "stool" is derived from an Old English word for "throne". This suggests that in the past, a stool was associated with a seat of power or authority, similar to a throne. The connection between the two words implies that a stool was not just a simple chair or bench, but a significant and prestigious seat.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The word "sinister" comes from the Latin word for which direction?
- A.
West
- B.
East
- C.
Right
- D.
Left
Correct Answer
D. LeftExplanation
The word "sinister" comes from the Latin word "sinestra," which means left. In Latin, "sinestra" was associated with the left-hand side, which was often considered unlucky or ominous. Over time, this association with negativity led to the word "sinister" being used to describe something threatening or evil. Therefore, the correct answer is left.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The term "salary" originates from money given to Roman soldiers to buy what?
- A.
Salmon
- B.
Sandals
- C.
Salt
- D.
Slaves
Correct Answer
C. SaltExplanation
The term "salary" originates from the Latin word "salarium," which was the money given to Roman soldiers to purchase salt. Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times and was used as a form of currency. It was essential for preserving food and enhancing its flavor. The payment of salt to soldiers was a common practice, and over time, the term "salarium" evolved into the word "salary" that we use today to refer to regular payment for work.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which English word is borrowed from the Czech word for "worker"?
- A.
Fax
- B.
Machine
- C.
Robot
- D.
Computer
Correct Answer
C. RobotExplanation
The correct answer is "Robot." The word "Robot" is borrowed from the Czech word "robota," which means "forced labor" or "work." It was first used in the play "R.U.R." by Karel Čapek in 1920, where it referred to artificial workers. Since then, the term "robot" has become widely used in English to describe automated machines or devices that can perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The word "planet" comes for a Greek verb meaning what?
- A.
To Exist
- B.
To Hold
- C.
To Spin
- D.
To Wander
Correct Answer
D. To WanderExplanation
The word "planet" comes from a Greek verb meaning "to wander". This is because, in ancient times, the planets were observed to move across the night sky in a way that was different from the fixed stars. They appeared to wander among the constellations, hence the name "planet" was derived from the Greek word meaning "to wander".Rate this question:
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- 15.
The word "pedestrian" originally referred to the followers of which philosopher?
- A.
Aristotle
- B.
Epicurus
- C.
Plato
- D.
Pythagoras
Correct Answer
A. AristotleExplanation
The word "pedestrian" originally referred to the followers of Aristotle. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who believed in the importance of observation and empirical evidence in understanding the world. His followers were known as "peripatetics," which means "those who walk about" in Greek. This term eventually evolved into "pedestrian" in English, referring to something ordinary or lacking in creativity or imagination.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 13, 2015Quiz Created by
Thames
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