What's So Glamorous About Grammar?

Odd as it may sound, the word "glamour" (think movie stars, limousines, more money than sense) comes directly from our word "grammar." In the Middle Ages, "grammar" was often used to describe learning in general, including the magical, occult practices popularly associated with the scholars of the day. People in Scotland pronounced "grammar" as "glamour," and extended the association to mean magical beauty or enchantment. In the nineteenth century, the two versions of the word went their separate ways, so that our study of English grammar may not be quite as glamorous as it used to be. But we can still dream, can't we?

As discussed in our look at etymologies, every word has a story behind it. And yes, in case you were wondering, "composition" and "compost" did start out the same--as an old French word meaning "put together." But let's put that one on the pile for another day.