TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Fizzle - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explores the word 'fizzle', tracing its origins from the Old English 'fist', meaning stink, to its evolution into 'fisten', and eventually 'fizzle', which initially meant to break wind silently. By the 1800s, 'fizzle' described a sputtering sound, and later, it became slang for failure, especially in academic settings. Today, 'fizzle' signifies a weak ending or failure, widely adopted in modern language.

What was the original meaning of the Old English word 'fist'?

• To break wind

• To fail

• To end weakly

• To stink

Which word did 'fisten' eventually lead to?

• Fester

• Fist

• Fizzle

• Feisty

How did the meaning of 'fizzle' change by the 1800s?

• It meant to succeed

• It described a specific sound like sputtering

• It was used to describe a strong ending

• It referred to a loud noise

What does the figurative sense of 'fizzle' refer to?

• A successful outcome

• A strong beginning

• A weak ending

• A loud explosion

In what context did 'fizzle' develop its modern meaning?

• In scientific experiments

• In military operations

• In college exams

• In theatrical performances