What's a snollygoster? A short lesson in political speak
1,864,402 views |
Mark Forsyth |
TEDxHousesOfParliament
• June 2012
Most politicians choose their words carefully, to shape the reality they hope to create. But does it work? Etymologist Mark Forsyth shares a few entertaining word-origin stories from British and American history (for instance, did you ever wonder how George Washington became "president"?) and draws a surprising conclusion.