The Evolution of Language

Scofflaw.

Boondoggle.

Snafu.

What do these words have in common?

They are all slang terms that came into existence in the last century.

The origin of these—and many other—words are examined in the article 45 Terrific Slang Terms From the Last Century.

Several of these words are familiar to me. Infact, I’ve used those at one point or another in my life.

But some words—like san fairy ann—I’ve never even heard of before. Although I find it’s origin in a familiar French phrase quite interesting.

The article isn’t a dumpster fire by any means. In fact, if you feel like a couch potato, the article is worth a read.

Once you’re done, I challenge you to find a way to use one of the words in conversation today.

PHOTO CREDIT: Pope, Amy Elizabeth. A medical dictionary for nurses. New York; London: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1914 (NLM: 26510240R). (by Wikmoz via Wikimedia)