Word Backstories Part 3 Quiz

“Influenza” was believed to be caused by the influence of stars and planets, reflecting medieval ideas about disease.

Derived from the Latin nescius, meaning ignorant, “nice” originally had a negative meaning before becoming positive over centuries.

Although coined earlier in literature, “robot” became strongly associated with mechanized labor during industrial and technological advancements.

“Sabat” refers to a wooden shoe. Workers were rumored to throw them into machinery to halt production, giving rise to the word “sabotage.”

“Tantalize” comes from Tantalus, a mythological figure punished by being placed near food and water he could never reach, symbolizing teasing temptation.

Atlas was a Titan in Greek mythology condemned to hold up the sky. Early mapmakers used his image on the covers of map collections, leading to the word “atlas” for a book of maps.

“Bullet” derives from the French boulette, meaning a small ball. Early bullets were round metal balls fired from primitive firearms.

In ancient Rome, political hopefuls wore white togas called toga candida. This custom gave rise to the word “candidate.”

“Diva” comes from the Latin word for goddess and was first used to describe celebrated female opera singers before gaining broader usage.

“Jeopardy” comes from Old French jeu parti, meaning a divided game or uncertain legal case, later evolving to mean risk or danger.