A Christmas Carol Based on the story by Charles Dickens

1. A Christmas CarolBased on the story by Charles Dickens Word Origins Connienaegle@clovisusd.k12.ca.us

2. Did you know? • Dickens’ Christmas Carol created a new noun: A Scrooge has come to refer to anyone who is ill-tempered or unhappy. Many other words in our language have originated form the proper names of people.

3. Boycott • To refuse to deal with a person or a group. • Named for Charles Boycott (1832-1897), a land agent ostracized by Irish tenants for his harsh treatment

4. Braille • A system of printing text in raised dots for the blind • Invented by Louis Braille (1809-1852), a blind Frenchman

5. Derby • One of several annual horse races • Named for twelfth Earl of Derby, who started the Epsom derby in 1780

6. Derrick • Machine for hoisting • Named for Derrick, surname of a 17th-century English Hangman • Word originally referred to hangman or gallows

7. Guillotine • Machine for beheading • Invented by Joseph Guillotine (1738-1814) • French physician, as a less painful form of execution

8. Mackintosh • Lightweight raincoat • Named for Charles Macintosh (1766-1843) a Scottish Chemist who invented rubberized cotton used in these raincoats

9. Sandwich • Slices of bread filled with meat and cheese, etc. • Named for the fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792), said to have asked for such a meal

10. Shrapnel • Shell containing lead fragments that explode • Invented by English general Henry Shrapnel (1761-1842)

11. Silhouette • Outline of figure filled in solid with color • Named for Etienne de Silhouette (1709-1767) French finance minister known for petty economics

12. Watt • Standard unit of power • Named for James Watt (1736-1819) Scottish engineer who refined the steam engine