In honour of whatever's going on in the news, here is a link to an etymological map of Europe. You can zoom in and out just by clicking.I don't guarantee all their etymologies - my Oxford Dictionary of British Place Names has London down as place by an unfordable river - but most of them look right to me, and it's all rather fun.
In the spirit of hands-across-the-North-Sea and cuddling up to our continental brethren, I would like to direct you to this review of The Horologicon in Dutch. There is much that confuses me.
As they approached the T-junction, the Inky Fool explained the advantages and deficiencies of his map to the driver.
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The Dutch review is a very positive one, and not at all confusing to a native speaker.
ReplyDeleteHow delightful! I've recently returned from the Peloponnese. I shall always think of Sparta as Scatterton now. It sounds like a neighbouring town to Camberwick Green.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame they missed Snotfolkhome (Nottingham).
ReplyDeleteBjörk's County (Berkshire)
I am sure Carlisle is usually explained as Lugh's Castle, the derivation they have for Lyon. Cabo de Gata is explained as the Agate Cape, not Cat's Head. Cat is gato.
Unfordable river and unaffordable housing....
ReplyDeleteLaurie -
What a delightful map link - duly bookmarked...
ReplyDeleteLaurie -
Oh that's brilliant! I was only the other day wondering if something like this existed...
ReplyDeleteHaven't looked at the map yet too charmed by een
ReplyDeleteinstant glimlach( an instant smile according to Google translate)
Not just English that's wonderful