Incorrect Etymology 2
July 7, 2007
Today's Word: "Italy" The name of the nation of Italy comes from the Latin word, "itallus,", which means "to lean, slant or fall over." there are several theories as to how this became today's "Italy". *picture of the leaning tower of piza* One theory asserts the name stuck as a descriptor of the country's architecture *picture of a man tripping* Another theory suggests that ancient cartographers noticed italy's resemblance to the leg of a man tripping on the island of Sicily. Whatever the origin, there is modern usage of "itallus" that has survived, and that is in the name of the slanted font-stle used for emphasis: italics wow, crap, guys. does that sound real? I totally just made that all up.
Here's Incorrect Etymology 1
Part of the Incorrect Etymology series.
