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This blog is about the fascinating, fun, and challenging things about the English language. I hope to entertain you and to help you with problems or just questions you might have with spelling and usage. I go beyond just stating what is right and what is wrong, and provide some history or some tips to help you remember. Is something puzzling you? Feel free to email me at wordlady.barber@gmail.com.
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Friday, February 17, 2012

Halibut

Next Wednesday, February 22nd, marks the beginning of Lent, a time when many people eat fish rather than meat for religious reasons. This practice is at the origin of the word “halibut”. Various kinds of flatfish were called “butt” in the Middle Ages, possibly because their heads had a blunt shape like the butt end of something. At the time, the word “holy” was pronounced HALLY or HOLLY. A “hally butt” was, therefore, a flatfish eaten on holy days, a “holy flatfish”.
Holy flatfish, Batman!
















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About Me

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Canada's Word Lady, Katherine Barber is an expert on the English language and a frequent guest on radio and television. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Her witty and informative talks on the stories behind our words are very popular. Contact her at wordlady.barber@gmail.com to book her for speaking engagements; she can tailor her talks to almost any subject. She is also available as an expert witness for lawsuits.