Wednesday 23 January 2013

Etymological Europe


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.

7 comments:

  1. The Dutch review is a very positive one, and not at all confusing to a native speaker.

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  2. How 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.

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  3. What a shame they missed Snotfolkhome (Nottingham).

    Björk'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.

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  4. Unfordable river and unaffordable housing....

    Laurie -

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  5. What a delightful map link - duly bookmarked...

    Laurie -

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  6. Oh that's brilliant! I was only the other day wondering if something like this existed...

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  7. Haven't looked at the map yet too charmed by een
    instant glimlach( an instant smile according to Google translate)
    Not just English that's wonderful

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