TED-Ed: Birth of a nickname - John McWhorter

The video explores the quirks and evolution of the English language, focusing on how certain words and nicknames have developed over time. It explains the origins of nicknames like Ned for Edward and Nellie for Ellen, tracing them back to Old English and the influence of misheard phrases. The video also highlights how words like 'nickname' and 'apron' evolved from 'ekename' and 'napron' due to phonetic shifts. Modern examples, such as the phrase 'a whole nother,' illustrate ongoing language changes. The video emphasizes that language is dynamic and constantly evolving.

Which of the following words does not have a direct opposite in English?

• Couth

• Ruth

• Kempt

• Uncouth

How did the nickname 'Ned' for Edward originate?

• It was a common abbreviation in Old English.

• It derived from the phrase 'my Ed' sounding like 'my Ned'.

• It was a popular name in medieval times.

• It was a mistake in a famous literary work.

What does the word 'ekename' originally mean?

• A nickname

• An additional name

• A formal name

• A shortened name

Which of the following words evolved from 'napron'?

• Napperon

• Napper

• Nape

• Apron

What is the phrase 'a whole nother' an example of?

• A spelling mistake

• A regional dialect

• A grammatical error

• A linguistic evolution