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Words and Numbers Trivia

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The word saltcellar comes from the French salière for “salt dispenser,” and so literally means “salt salter.”

The saying "waiting till the cows come home" is about 400 years old and refers to the early morning hour when cows line up at gates, ready for milking.

The fullest part of a ship's bow is called a luff.

Someone who is eager or ready to shed blood is “sanguinary.”

The second-best student in a graduating class, whose job it is to give an introductory speech, is called the salutatorian.

The generic name of the drug methadone is dolophine. It was named in honor of Adolph Hitler.

Someone who thinks constantly and anxiously about his or her health can be called a "valetudinarian."

The German name Hans is the rough equivalent of the English names John or Johnny.

Someone who tries hard despite money problems is called a "battler" in Aussie slang.

Something consisting of eight parts is said to be "octuple."

"Almost" is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order.

"Bushranger" is the Aussie term for an outlaw or highwayman.

"Capnomancy" is the observation of smoke to tell the future. Often the smoke is from the burning of poppy seeds.

"Cryptozoology" is, literally, the study of hidden animals. Examples include the study of such creatures as Bigfoot, the chupacabra, and the Loch Ness monster. Cryptozoology is not a recognized branch of the science of zoology. Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans coined the term to describe his investigations of animals unknown to science.

"Diddle for the middle" is a slang expression used for the start of a darts game. Opposing players each throw a single dart at the bull's eye. The person who is closest starts the game.

"E" is the most frequently used letter in the English alphabet, "Q" is the least.

"Fine turkey" and "honeycomb" are terms used for different qualities and textures of sponges.

"Go" is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

The word SILENT contains exactly the same letters as the word LISTEN.

"Guddling" was the act of fishing with one's hands by reaching under stones along river banks — it is now an outdated term.

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