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Few people in Scotland would know who you meant by Maria Stuart. To us she's Mary, Queen of Scots.fresh_42 said:
The English word that hasn't changed sound or meaning in millenia
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The discussion centers around the word "lox," which has remained phonetically unchanged for approximately 8,000 years, originally meaning salmon in Proto-Indo-European and now specifically referring to smoked salmon in modern English. Gregory Guy, a linguistics professor, highlights the historical significance of the word and its consistent pronunciation. The conversation also delves into the etymology of "lox," tracing its roots through languages such as Yiddish and German, where "lachs" also means salmon. Participants explore the similarities between "lox" and "lachs," noting their shared origins. The dialogue reveals varying familiarity with the term "lox" among British speakers, with some expressing surprise at its usage in American English, particularly in the context of bagels. The discussion touches on the broader implications of language evolution, the influence of cultural exchanges, and the complexities of linguistic borrowing.
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