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Archiver > ABOUT-WORDS > 2004-04 > 1080845106


From: hens <>
Subject: Re: [ABOUT WORDS] titbits
Date: Thu, 01 Apr 2004 13:45:06 -0500
References: <004b01c416b0$a66468f0$0cf8eb18@wordcruncher><5.1.1.6.2.20040401132441.00a21700@pop.netcarrier.net>
In-Reply-To: <5.1.1.6.2.20040401132441.00a21700@pop.netcarrier.net>


At 01:30 PM 4/1/2004, Lee Quinn wrote:

>Titbit and tidbit do not seem to evolve from the same root.

Bill Bryson in his book "Mother Tongue" claims the original was titbit, but
it got changed to tidbit in the late 19th century by overly prudish Americans.

Considering the conflicted attitude of even modern day Americans regarding
tits, I believe he is probably right.




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