Dr Danny Bate
@dannybate.bsky.social
"That etymology guy". Linguist, broadcaster (formerly on Czech Radio), writer, researcher, language fanatic. Get 'Why Q Needs U' here: https://geni.us/WhyQNeedsU. Host of ALILI podcast. Website: https://dannybate.com/. Inquiries: jaime@jpmarshall.co.uk
Pinned
Why does Q always need a U? A quirky guide to the alphabet
The letter A was once an ox’s head and O was an eye — you’ll never look at a keyboard the same way after reading Danny Bate’s fascinating linguistic history
www.thetimes.com
The Times, specifically @jamesmcconnachie.bsky.social, has in this joyful review kindly bestowed on my book Britain's highest description: "lovely"
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
www.thetimes.com/culture/book...
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Incidentally also _cappuccino_ comes from this same source!
It's some fairly well known etymology that we owe some everyday words to Martin of Tours (d. 397).
The most famous episode of his life is when he selflessly cut his cloak (in Latin: 'cappa') in two. That cloak was later venerated in Frankish lands, from which come the words 'chapel' and 'chaplain'.
The most famous episode of his life is when he selflessly cut his cloak (in Latin: 'cappa') in two. That cloak was later venerated in Frankish lands, from which come the words 'chapel' and 'chaplain'.
Since today is Saint Martin's Day, here's a humble image of the popular saint that I recently encountered on Veliki Brijun, Croatia. Carved for a church in Senj c. 1330, it has "Sveti Marъtinъ" written in Glagolitic letters around the saint's head – part of Croatia's long tradition of Glagolitic.
November 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Incidentally also _cappuccino_ comes from this same source!
It's some fairly well known etymology that we owe some everyday words to Martin of Tours (d. 397).
The most famous episode of his life is when he selflessly cut his cloak (in Latin: 'cappa') in two. That cloak was later venerated in Frankish lands, from which come the words 'chapel' and 'chaplain'.
The most famous episode of his life is when he selflessly cut his cloak (in Latin: 'cappa') in two. That cloak was later venerated in Frankish lands, from which come the words 'chapel' and 'chaplain'.
Since today is Saint Martin's Day, here's a humble image of the popular saint that I recently encountered on Veliki Brijun, Croatia. Carved for a church in Senj c. 1330, it has "Sveti Marъtinъ" written in Glagolitic letters around the saint's head – part of Croatia's long tradition of Glagolitic.
November 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
It's some fairly well known etymology that we owe some everyday words to Martin of Tours (d. 397).
The most famous episode of his life is when he selflessly cut his cloak (in Latin: 'cappa') in two. That cloak was later venerated in Frankish lands, from which come the words 'chapel' and 'chaplain'.
The most famous episode of his life is when he selflessly cut his cloak (in Latin: 'cappa') in two. That cloak was later venerated in Frankish lands, from which come the words 'chapel' and 'chaplain'.
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
When I was digging in Canterbury, I noticed, a couple years in a row, that there were always a few warm days around now. I was delighted to learn other people had noticed, and it was called 'St. Martin's Summer.'
Since today is Saint Martin's Day, here's a humble image of the popular saint that I recently encountered on Veliki Brijun, Croatia. Carved for a church in Senj c. 1330, it has "Sveti Marъtinъ" written in Glagolitic letters around the saint's head – part of Croatia's long tradition of Glagolitic.
November 11, 2025 at 11:44 AM
When I was digging in Canterbury, I noticed, a couple years in a row, that there were always a few warm days around now. I was delighted to learn other people had noticed, and it was called 'St. Martin's Summer.'
Since today is Saint Martin's Day, here's a humble image of the popular saint that I recently encountered on Veliki Brijun, Croatia. Carved for a church in Senj c. 1330, it has "Sveti Marъtinъ" written in Glagolitic letters around the saint's head – part of Croatia's long tradition of Glagolitic.
November 11, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Since today is Saint Martin's Day, here's a humble image of the popular saint that I recently encountered on Veliki Brijun, Croatia. Carved for a church in Senj c. 1330, it has "Sveti Marъtinъ" written in Glagolitic letters around the saint's head – part of Croatia's long tradition of Glagolitic.
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
there's a moment in PARADISE LOST where Satan arrives in Eden and realizes Hell isn't a place; it's a thing he carries within him and it'll follow him wherever he goes. and i think about that when i see these awful rich men whose monstrous wealth has enriched them not at all
“whatever club he’s invited to join has been devalued by the invitation”
November 11, 2025 at 6:31 AM
there's a moment in PARADISE LOST where Satan arrives in Eden and realizes Hell isn't a place; it's a thing he carries within him and it'll follow him wherever he goes. and i think about that when i see these awful rich men whose monstrous wealth has enriched them not at all
It's not unusual in our modern world for a book to be found on more than one continent. Mine has joined a more exclusive intercontinental club, though, now that there's a copy in the library of the UK Research Station in Antarctica!
November 10, 2025 at 11:06 AM
It's not unusual in our modern world for a book to be found on more than one continent. Mine has joined a more exclusive intercontinental club, though, now that there's a copy in the library of the UK Research Station in Antarctica!
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
I opened this week’s Economist and what did I see? A review of @dannybate.bsky.social ‘s “charming” new book! Huzzah!
November 9, 2025 at 10:48 PM
I opened this week’s Economist and what did I see? A review of @dannybate.bsky.social ‘s “charming” new book! Huzzah!
The German word for 'first', erste, is unsurprisingly unrelated to English's, but I like how each has a current cognate in the other language.
The English word is related to German Fürst 'prince' (the 'foremost', like Latin princeps), while the cognate of German erste can be found in 'erstwhile'.
The English word is related to German Fürst 'prince' (the 'foremost', like Latin princeps), while the cognate of German erste can be found in 'erstwhile'.
November 9, 2025 at 6:29 PM
The German word for 'first', erste, is unsurprisingly unrelated to English's, but I like how each has a current cognate in the other language.
The English word is related to German Fürst 'prince' (the 'foremost', like Latin princeps), while the cognate of German erste can be found in 'erstwhile'.
The English word is related to German Fürst 'prince' (the 'foremost', like Latin princeps), while the cognate of German erste can be found in 'erstwhile'.
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
I was delighted to review @dannybate.bsky.social's excellent "Why Q Needs U" in this week's Economist.
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
November 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
I was delighted to review @dannybate.bsky.social's excellent "Why Q Needs U" in this week's Economist.
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
Cara was a word for 'face' in everyday Latin, very rare in ancient writings, but it took off in Romance languages like Spanish.
Cara became chiere in Old French, and via the Normans, it took on new meanings in English, going from 'facial expression' to 'happiness' and 'loud shout' – namely, cheer.
Cara became chiere in Old French, and via the Normans, it took on new meanings in English, going from 'facial expression' to 'happiness' and 'loud shout' – namely, cheer.
November 7, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Cara was a word for 'face' in everyday Latin, very rare in ancient writings, but it took off in Romance languages like Spanish.
Cara became chiere in Old French, and via the Normans, it took on new meanings in English, going from 'facial expression' to 'happiness' and 'loud shout' – namely, cheer.
Cara became chiere in Old French, and via the Normans, it took on new meanings in English, going from 'facial expression' to 'happiness' and 'loud shout' – namely, cheer.
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Made a site where you can practise Old English scansion. You get given a half-line and have to select which of Sievers's five types it belongs to.
Just Beowulf for now, but that's 6364 half-lines to be getting on with: dgplacenames.github.io/scansion/
[Data: clasp.ell.ox.ac.uk/]
Just Beowulf for now, but that's 6364 half-lines to be getting on with: dgplacenames.github.io/scansion/
[Data: clasp.ell.ox.ac.uk/]
November 7, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Made a site where you can practise Old English scansion. You get given a half-line and have to select which of Sievers's five types it belongs to.
Just Beowulf for now, but that's 6364 half-lines to be getting on with: dgplacenames.github.io/scansion/
[Data: clasp.ell.ox.ac.uk/]
Just Beowulf for now, but that's 6364 half-lines to be getting on with: dgplacenames.github.io/scansion/
[Data: clasp.ell.ox.ac.uk/]
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
BBC really burying the lede there
November 7, 2025 at 12:07 PM
BBC really burying the lede there
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Had to dig this up.
November 7, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Had to dig this up.
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
I'm in PastsImperfect! along with a lot of very cool and exciting news 😍
November 6, 2025 at 5:09 PM
I'm in PastsImperfect! along with a lot of very cool and exciting news 😍
"A delightful history of a mongrel language" – so says The Economist about my book, with a lovely graphic too.
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
Why Anglophones use the alphabet so oddly
A delightful history of a mongrel language
www.economist.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:35 PM
"A delightful history of a mongrel language" – so says The Economist about my book, with a lovely graphic too.
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
www.economist.com/culture/2025...
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
A delightful history of a mongrel language
Why Anglophones use the alphabet so oddly
A delightful history of a mongrel language
econ.st
November 6, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A delightful history of a mongrel language
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Took the cats out for a walk with my brother and accidentally created a 90s Britpop album cover
November 5, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Took the cats out for a walk with my brother and accidentally created a 90s Britpop album cover
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
Elon Musk is boosting the British right - and this shows how
news.sky.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Vital piece of investigative reporting from Sky. They've uncovered the X algorithm which feeds users extremist right wing material from the moment they join the site. It is a far-right radicalisation engine, by design.
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
“In 1096, a group of monks were kicked out (again) from their monastery, on account of being monks the wrong way. This is the kind of deeply medieval debacle that leaves modern souls perplexed and yawning.”
Following instructions to "write like crazy" on a range of topics, I broadened my authorial horizons and wrote this long piece on medieval, religious and Czech history. Hardly out of character, I know.
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
Sázava and the Consolidation of the West
Central-Bohemian towns with 4,000 inhabitants rarely star as the headline destinations of travel vloggers and guidebooks to the Czech Republic. Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, Olomouc, Český Kru…
dannybate.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:50 PM
“In 1096, a group of monks were kicked out (again) from their monastery, on account of being monks the wrong way. This is the kind of deeply medieval debacle that leaves modern souls perplexed and yawning.”
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
“Such was the fame of this Bohemian recluse (who died in 1053) that he was joined by other hermits.
See how the eremitic life, done well, is self-defeating, in that the exemplary hermit soon attracts company.”
Lol
See how the eremitic life, done well, is self-defeating, in that the exemplary hermit soon attracts company.”
Lol
Following instructions to "write like crazy" on a range of topics, I broadened my authorial horizons and wrote this long piece on medieval, religious and Czech history. Hardly out of character, I know.
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
Sázava and the Consolidation of the West
Central-Bohemian towns with 4,000 inhabitants rarely star as the headline destinations of travel vloggers and guidebooks to the Czech Republic. Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, Olomouc, Český Kru…
dannybate.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:29 PM
“Such was the fame of this Bohemian recluse (who died in 1053) that he was joined by other hermits.
See how the eremitic life, done well, is self-defeating, in that the exemplary hermit soon attracts company.”
Lol
See how the eremitic life, done well, is self-defeating, in that the exemplary hermit soon attracts company.”
Lol
Following instructions to "write like crazy" on a range of topics, I broadened my authorial horizons and wrote this long piece on medieval, religious and Czech history. Hardly out of character, I know.
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
Sázava and the Consolidation of the West
Central-Bohemian towns with 4,000 inhabitants rarely star as the headline destinations of travel vloggers and guidebooks to the Czech Republic. Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Plzeň, Olomouc, Český Kru…
dannybate.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Following instructions to "write like crazy" on a range of topics, I broadened my authorial horizons and wrote this long piece on medieval, religious and Czech history. Hardly out of character, I know.
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
The piece isn't primarily about language, though, so that's growth.
dannybate.com/2025/11/05/s...
November 5, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Looking forward to running a stall all about ancient alphabets at the public Read Between the Lines fair in Oxford next week (Cheney School, Tuesday 11th). Come by to learn all about the history of writing — plus a short play about emojis!
@TheIrisProject @RumbleMuseum
pub.marq.com/40443503-03d...
@TheIrisProject @RumbleMuseum
pub.marq.com/40443503-03d...
Read Between The Lines Brochure
pub.marq.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Looking forward to running a stall all about ancient alphabets at the public Read Between the Lines fair in Oxford next week (Cheney School, Tuesday 11th). Come by to learn all about the history of writing — plus a short play about emojis!
@TheIrisProject @RumbleMuseum
pub.marq.com/40443503-03d...
@TheIrisProject @RumbleMuseum
pub.marq.com/40443503-03d...
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
The German word ‘Pferd’ and its Dutch cognate ‘paard’ are horses of mixed breed parentage.
Their common ancestor came from Latin ‘paraverēdus’ (substitute post-horse), a word composed of an Ancient Greek element and a Gaulish one.
Zoom in on my new infographic to learn everything about it:
Their common ancestor came from Latin ‘paraverēdus’ (substitute post-horse), a word composed of an Ancient Greek element and a Gaulish one.
Zoom in on my new infographic to learn everything about it:
November 4, 2025 at 6:40 PM
The German word ‘Pferd’ and its Dutch cognate ‘paard’ are horses of mixed breed parentage.
Their common ancestor came from Latin ‘paraverēdus’ (substitute post-horse), a word composed of an Ancient Greek element and a Gaulish one.
Zoom in on my new infographic to learn everything about it:
Their common ancestor came from Latin ‘paraverēdus’ (substitute post-horse), a word composed of an Ancient Greek element and a Gaulish one.
Zoom in on my new infographic to learn everything about it:
Reposted by Dr Danny Bate
Academics in Assyria in the 7th c BC complain that admin is preventing them from doing research and teaching
November 3, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Academics in Assyria in the 7th c BC complain that admin is preventing them from doing research and teaching