13 Common Words That Actually Come From Someone’s Name

The cardigan got its name from a 19th-century war hero.
13 Common Words That Actually Come From Someone’s Name

Ah, the English language. It’s a complex and ever-evolving organism, full of nuances and surprises. But did you know that many of the words we use every day actually come from someone’s name? Not so much Ted and Tony. More from MacGyvering to Wyatt-ing, from boycotting to leotards, from galvanizing to lynching, many of the words we use on a daily basis have an interesting origin story. 

Throughout history, words have been used to describe and define the actions of individuals and the events of their time. They can tell us about the people who lived before us, and the things that they did. They have the ability to shape our world and our understanding of it. 

In this list, we’ll take a look at thirteen common words that actually come from someone’s name. We’ll explore the stories behind these words, and how they’ve become part of our everyday language. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the fascinating world of etymology and discover the origins of some of our most beloved words.

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MacGyvering: the art of making do.

CART - - - - MacGYVER verb In 2015, the word MacGyver was added to the Oxford Dictionaries. It means to be creative and use whatever you have to make or fix something, and it comes from the TV character MacGyver, an action hero who improvised solutions on the spot. CRACKED

Paramount Network Television

BBC

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