PEOPLE
This word comes from the name of an English land agent in Ireland whose tenants refused to work his land, leading to a widespread refusal to deal with him.
What is Boycott?
This word for a health resort comes from the name of a town in Belgium known for its healing mineral springs.
What is "spa"?
This term for an outline portrait or shape comes from the name of a French finance minister known for his penny-pinching.
What is "silhouette"?
This adjective, meaning idealistic but impractical, is derived from the title character of a famous Spanish novel by Cervantes.
What is "Quixotic"?
Named after Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, this device became infamous during the French Revolution for its use in executions.
What is "guillotine"
This word for a nomadic people derives from the mistaken belief that they came from this North African country.
What is "Gypsy"?
Named after a U.S. president, this stuffed toy became popular after he refused to shoot a bear cub.
What is "Teddy Bear"?
This term for excessively harsh laws or measures comes from the name of a 7th-century B.C. Athenian lawmaker.
What is "Draconian"?
This term for a grand tomb comes from the name of a ruler of ancient Caria, whose burial place was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
What is "mausoleum"?
This word for a type of fragrance originates from the name of a German city where it was first produced.
What is "Cologne"?
This close-fitting garment for dancers and acrobats is named after a French trapeze artist who popularized it.
What is "leotard"?
This adjective describing a task that requires great strength or effort is named after a hero from Greek mythology.
What is "Herculean"?
Named after Jean Nicot, a French ambassador, this addictive substance is found in tobacco.
What is "nicotine"?
This popular fast food item takes its name from a German city known for its minced meat dishes.
What is "Hamburg"?
This type of engine is named after a German engineer who developed it.
What is "diesel"?
This term for the humorous misuse of a word comes from a character in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play "The Rivals."
What is "malapropism"?