Grace Tierney
@wordfoolery.bsky.social
Word history - books, blog, LMFMRadio
Comedyfic - Channillo
Love to read, craft, garden in Ireland
My Books - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
Weekly Word Blog - http://www.wordfoolery.wordpress.com/
Newsletter - subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers
Comedyfic - Channillo
Love to read, craft, garden in Ireland
My Books - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
Weekly Word Blog - http://www.wordfoolery.wordpress.com/
Newsletter - subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers
Pinned
Grace Tierney
@wordfoolery.bsky.social
· Nov 20
“Words Christmas Gave Us” festive history
“Words the Vikings Gave Us” Norse nouns
“Words the Sea Gave Us” nautical words
"Modern Words with Old Roots" avatar to zarf
“How To Get Your Name In The Dictionary” eponyms
#etymology paperback #Kindle
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
“Words the Vikings Gave Us” Norse nouns
“Words the Sea Gave Us” nautical words
"Modern Words with Old Roots" avatar to zarf
“How To Get Your Name In The Dictionary” eponyms
#etymology paperback #Kindle
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
This is your annual reminder that if it wasn't for the Vikings, we'd still be talking about coecel (Old English) instead of cake. Thank you, Old Norse. To read about the many other English words we "borrowed" from the Vikings, try "Words the Vikings Gave Us" wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/ 🎂🪓
November 26, 2025 at 10:19 AM
This is your annual reminder that if it wasn't for the Vikings, we'd still be talking about coecel (Old English) instead of cake. Thank you, Old Norse. To read about the many other English words we "borrowed" from the Vikings, try "Words the Vikings Gave Us" wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/ 🎂🪓
I'm totally here for Christmas puns.
Man from the security team walking through the train: I’m here to help. But if you do approach me I might tell you a dad joke.
A woman nearby laughs.
Man: Ok, you seem like a good audience. Everyone forgets about the other reindeer. But she’s in the song: ‘Olive the other reindeer…’
A woman nearby laughs.
Man: Ok, you seem like a good audience. Everyone forgets about the other reindeer. But she’s in the song: ‘Olive the other reindeer…’
November 26, 2025 at 10:05 AM
I'm totally here for Christmas puns.
Before the annual Book Sale comes the Great Culling of Books. I wish I could say that Linda helps with this task, but I’d be lying if I did.
She sits at the issue desk, nobly taking one for the team, or so she tells me.
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
She sits at the issue desk, nobly taking one for the team, or so she tells me.
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
a cartoon character is standing on a balcony in front of a library
ALT: a cartoon character is standing on a balcony in front of a library
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Before the annual Book Sale comes the Great Culling of Books. I wish I could say that Linda helps with this task, but I’d be lying if I did.
She sits at the issue desk, nobly taking one for the team, or so she tells me.
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
She sits at the issue desk, nobly taking one for the team, or so she tells me.
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
This week at the library Nina defeats a cunning plan by their local history bore. Subscribe to read hundreds of episodes of my librarian fiction serial at www.channillo.com/series/the-l...
#librarylife #irishfiction #serialfiction
#librarylife #irishfiction #serialfiction
The Librarian's Secret Diary
<p>Nina is the new librarian on the block. She’s learning the shelves with her buzzword-spouting boss and the senior librarian who hates reading and can’t wait to retire. She records the crazy reader ...
www.channillo.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:58 AM
This week at the library Nina defeats a cunning plan by their local history bore. Subscribe to read hundreds of episodes of my librarian fiction serial at www.channillo.com/series/the-l...
#librarylife #irishfiction #serialfiction
#librarylife #irishfiction #serialfiction
Reposted by Grace Tierney
New children’s podcast incoming! 👌🫡
DEAD FUNNY HISTORY
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Host: me
Produced by Dr Emma Nagouse & @Scriblit
Scripts by Dr Emma, @scriblit.bsky.social, @athenakugblenu.bsky.social, @JackBern.bsky.social
Audio editing by Emma Weatherill
Starring @jlukeroberts.bsky.social , Richard David Caine, & Mali Ann Rees
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Host: me
Produced by Dr Emma Nagouse & @Scriblit
Scripts by Dr Emma, @scriblit.bsky.social, @athenakugblenu.bsky.social, @JackBern.bsky.social
Audio editing by Emma Weatherill
Starring @jlukeroberts.bsky.social , Richard David Caine, & Mali Ann Rees
November 26, 2025 at 9:07 AM
New children’s podcast incoming! 👌🫡
Reposted by Grace Tierney
Best Christmas ad yet! Knocks John Lewis into a cocked hat.
November 25, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Best Christmas ad yet! Knocks John Lewis into a cocked hat.
It's that time of year again. If you'd like a signed copy (or a set of four) of my word history books for the history/language buff in your life please get in touch soon as orders close on December 1st to ensure delivery by 25th. All details at wordfoolery.wordpress.com/would-you-li... #giftideas
November 25, 2025 at 9:32 AM
It's that time of year again. If you'd like a signed copy (or a set of four) of my word history books for the history/language buff in your life please get in touch soon as orders close on December 1st to ensure delivery by 25th. All details at wordfoolery.wordpress.com/would-you-li... #giftideas
Reposted by Grace Tierney
"Lukewarm" actually has nothing to do with a guy named Luke. It comes from Middle English "lewk" (tepid) + "warm." It's like saying "warm-warm" 😄
#etymology
#etymology
November 25, 2025 at 8:47 AM
"Lukewarm" actually has nothing to do with a guy named Luke. It comes from Middle English "lewk" (tepid) + "warm." It's like saying "warm-warm" 😄
#etymology
#etymology
I chatted with Art on the Cozy #Christmas Podcast recently about "Words Christmas Gave Us" amzn.to/3XPdS4h my history of festive words, traditions, and folklore worldwide.
If you love this time of year, give it a listen. 🎄📚💙
cozychristmas.libsyn.com/scurryfunge-...
#Christmasgift print and #Kindle
If you love this time of year, give it a listen. 🎄📚💙
cozychristmas.libsyn.com/scurryfunge-...
#Christmasgift print and #Kindle
November 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I chatted with Art on the Cozy #Christmas Podcast recently about "Words Christmas Gave Us" amzn.to/3XPdS4h my history of festive words, traditions, and folklore worldwide.
If you love this time of year, give it a listen. 🎄📚💙
cozychristmas.libsyn.com/scurryfunge-...
#Christmasgift print and #Kindle
If you love this time of year, give it a listen. 🎄📚💙
cozychristmas.libsyn.com/scurryfunge-...
#Christmasgift print and #Kindle
This week I take a look at a word the #French gave us - bribe - and its connection to #food history - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2025/11/24/t... #etymology #bread
a person is cutting a loaf of bread with a knife .
ALT: a person is cutting a loaf of bread with a knife .
media.tenor.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:44 PM
This week I take a look at a word the #French gave us - bribe - and its connection to #food history - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2025/11/24/t... #etymology #bread
This week's gem from the Wordfoolery Archives is jacquerie - a revolutionary term from France whose roots lie in clothing. Read all about it in my 2015 blog - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/j... #etymology #history #WordsTheFrenchGaveUs
Jacquerie – the Jacks are revolting
Hello, This week’s word is jacquerie which I came across in Richard Killeen’s excellent “A Timeline of Irish History”. I’d highly recommend it for any student of Irish…
wordfoolery.wordpress.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
This week's gem from the Wordfoolery Archives is jacquerie - a revolutionary term from France whose roots lie in clothing. Read all about it in my 2015 blog - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/j... #etymology #history #WordsTheFrenchGaveUs
Took a trip to Dublin to visit Marsh's Library today, and to get started on some gift shopping. Found this lovely rose in bud in their small hidden garden. No idea of the variety but spirit-lifting to see in late November. #bloomscrolling
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Took a trip to Dublin to visit Marsh's Library today, and to get started on some gift shopping. Found this lovely rose in bud in their small hidden garden. No idea of the variety but spirit-lifting to see in late November. #bloomscrolling
Happy Book Birthday to my digital-only mini-book "Modern Words with Old Roots", launched in 2022. Everything from avatar to zarf is in here. This is the one Susie Dent complimented on "Countdown" so it will always have a special spot in my heart!
#Kindle at amzn.eu/d/4JGA1E6 📚💙 #booksky
#Kindle at amzn.eu/d/4JGA1E6 📚💙 #booksky
November 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Happy Book Birthday to my digital-only mini-book "Modern Words with Old Roots", launched in 2022. Everything from avatar to zarf is in here. This is the one Susie Dent complimented on "Countdown" so it will always have a special spot in my heart!
#Kindle at amzn.eu/d/4JGA1E6 📚💙 #booksky
#Kindle at amzn.eu/d/4JGA1E6 📚💙 #booksky
Explore the vibrant tapestry of Christmas through history with "Words Christmas Gave Us". Learn how Vikings, Tudors, and Dickens shaped seasonal traditions!
#History #Christmas #FunFacts #Kindle #etymology paperback hardback📚💙 🎄
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
#History #Christmas #FunFacts #Kindle #etymology paperback hardback📚💙 🎄
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
November 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Explore the vibrant tapestry of Christmas through history with "Words Christmas Gave Us". Learn how Vikings, Tudors, and Dickens shaped seasonal traditions!
#History #Christmas #FunFacts #Kindle #etymology paperback hardback📚💙 🎄
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
#History #Christmas #FunFacts #Kindle #etymology paperback hardback📚💙 🎄
wordfoolery.wordpress.com/my-books/
#OnThisDay 2007, the launch of the first Kindle ebook readers. They sold out in 6 hours.
Kindle entered English around 1200 spelled as cundel (to set fire to) probably either from Old Norse kynda (to light a fire), Old Norse kyndill (candle), or Swedish quindla (kindle). 1/2 🧵#etymology
Kindle entered English around 1200 spelled as cundel (to set fire to) probably either from Old Norse kynda (to light a fire), Old Norse kyndill (candle), or Swedish quindla (kindle). 1/2 🧵#etymology
November 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM
#OnThisDay 2007, the launch of the first Kindle ebook readers. They sold out in 6 hours.
Kindle entered English around 1200 spelled as cundel (to set fire to) probably either from Old Norse kynda (to light a fire), Old Norse kyndill (candle), or Swedish quindla (kindle). 1/2 🧵#etymology
Kindle entered English around 1200 spelled as cundel (to set fire to) probably either from Old Norse kynda (to light a fire), Old Norse kyndill (candle), or Swedish quindla (kindle). 1/2 🧵#etymology
“Hmph.” She took a tiny piece up with her wooden fork, tasted a tiny mouthful, and put the rest back in the bowl. “She hasn’t improved I see. Beats the eggs too much.”
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
November 19, 2025 at 11:46 AM
“Hmph.” She took a tiny piece up with her wooden fork, tasted a tiny mouthful, and put the rest back in the bowl. “She hasn’t improved I see. Beats the eggs too much.”
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
#1linewed "The Librarian's Secret Diary"
This week in Castle Bailey, Nina's senior librarian has a birthday with a zero in it. There shall be cake, but will Linda approve? www.channillo.com/series/the-l... #serialfiction #irishfiction #librarylife
The Librarian's Secret Diary
<p>Nina is the new librarian on the block. She’s learning the shelves with her buzzword-spouting boss and the senior librarian who hates reading and can’t wait to retire. She records the crazy reader ...
www.channillo.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:44 AM
This week in Castle Bailey, Nina's senior librarian has a birthday with a zero in it. There shall be cake, but will Linda approve? www.channillo.com/series/the-l... #serialfiction #irishfiction #librarylife
#Readers - this is a great way to donate the price of a book to those in need at this time of year - annual appeal from online Rick O'Shea Book Club. 🎄
Heya, this happens every year to be honest - we start really well over the first few days and then grind to a halt.
110 donations so far.
So, as it's payday for a few people in the next while, if you haven't seen the Xmas Appeal yet, maybe now is the time to make a donation.
🧵
110 donations so far.
So, as it's payday for a few people in the next while, if you haven't seen the Xmas Appeal yet, maybe now is the time to make a donation.
🧵
November 19, 2025 at 11:05 AM
#Readers - this is a great way to donate the price of a book to those in need at this time of year - annual appeal from online Rick O'Shea Book Club. 🎄
This week on Wordfoolery - the fiery history and meaning of lunting - an obscure word with Dutch roots. wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2025/11/17/t... #etymology
The Fiery History of Lunting
Hello, This week’s word is lunting, with thanks to a writing friend Maera Black, who suggested it to me years ago as an interesting obscure word. It made it to my list but never made it to th…
wordfoolery.wordpress.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:38 AM
This week on Wordfoolery - the fiery history and meaning of lunting - an obscure word with Dutch roots. wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2025/11/17/t... #etymology
Here's another fun word history from the Wordfoolery Archives - rambunctious - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2015/07/20/r... First used in 1830s Boston. #etymology
November 16, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Here's another fun word history from the Wordfoolery Archives - rambunctious - wordfoolery.wordpress.com/2015/07/20/r... First used in 1830s Boston. #etymology
#OnThisDay 1883 "Treasure Island" first published as a book (previously serialised in “Young Folks” a magazine for children).
Here's a fun fact about Long John Silver for your next nautical pub quiz. 🧵🏴☠️🦜
Here's a fun fact about Long John Silver for your next nautical pub quiz. 🧵🏴☠️🦜
a man with a beard and hat is smiling
ALT: a man with a beard and hat is smiling
media.tenor.com
November 14, 2025 at 5:28 PM
#OnThisDay 1883 "Treasure Island" first published as a book (previously serialised in “Young Folks” a magazine for children).
Here's a fun fact about Long John Silver for your next nautical pub quiz. 🧵🏴☠️🦜
Here's a fun fact about Long John Silver for your next nautical pub quiz. 🧵🏴☠️🦜
Reposted by Grace Tierney
Im looking to interview Irish women who will be celebrating #womenschristmas #littlechristmas this year. Please message me if you’re up for it or share! Thank you! #irish #ireland #irishwoman #nollaignamban
November 13, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Im looking to interview Irish women who will be celebrating #womenschristmas #littlechristmas this year. Please message me if you’re up for it or share! Thank you! #irish #ireland #irishwoman #nollaignamban
Reposted by Grace Tierney
Today is #RLSDay which marks the birthday of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson who would have been 175 today.
It's also a good day to remember that it is NOT actually his birthday because in 1891 he gave it away to a young girl because she didn't like her birthday. 🧵
It's also a good day to remember that it is NOT actually his birthday because in 1891 he gave it away to a young girl because she didn't like her birthday. 🧵
November 13, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Today is #RLSDay which marks the birthday of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson who would have been 175 today.
It's also a good day to remember that it is NOT actually his birthday because in 1891 he gave it away to a young girl because she didn't like her birthday. 🧵
It's also a good day to remember that it is NOT actually his birthday because in 1891 he gave it away to a young girl because she didn't like her birthday. 🧵
My newsletter Wordfoolery Whispers is out on Fri 14th Nov. Read about a Mystery Tour, Podcasting, Blog Highlights, Good Books and histories for opsimathy, ramfeezled, pettifogging, crenelate, and drench.
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
November 12, 2025 at 2:11 PM
My newsletter Wordfoolery Whispers is out on Fri 14th Nov. Read about a Mystery Tour, Podcasting, Blog Highlights, Good Books and histories for opsimathy, ramfeezled, pettifogging, crenelate, and drench.
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology
Subscribe at subscribepage.io/wordfoolerywhispers & remember to confirm email. #etymology