Are names of chemicals not proper nouns? - English Language
Apr 22, 2024 · Product names which are derived after an inventor's name will often remain capitalized, though not always (e.g. the petroleum distillate used to power trucks and …
Throttle is to slow down, but full throttle is max speed?
Dec 19, 2023 · Originally, throttle meant throat. So "full-throttle" for a motorized vehicle is like a lion's full-throated roar - the throttle/throat is opened as wide as possible (for maximum …
Origin of the phrase, "There's more than one way to skin a cat."
Jun 30, 2011 · There are many versions of this proverb, which suggests there are always several ways to do something. The earliest printed citation of this proverbial saying that I can find is in …
"If it works, it works" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
Mar 20, 2025 · I've always hated the phrase If it works, it works. I know it's trying to say that if something already functions as intended, then there's no reason to change it. But is that …
"Particulate" vs. "particle" [closed] - English Language & Usage …
What’s the difference between particulate and particle? Should it be diesel particulates or diesel particles, and why? Could you provide three or more examples where it should use particulate …
When did the insult “up yours” come into existence?
Sep 14, 2023 · The movie Blazing Saddles used everything and anything to get a laugh. When the African American sheriff, newly assigned to a rural town, patrolled the main thoroughfare …
Same adjective for two nouns - English Language & Usage Stack …
May 17, 2015 · The government placed restrictions on both diesel fuel and diesel engines. Here I dont want to repeat the diesel. I cannot write: The government placed restrictions on both …
meaning - "Flammable" versus "Combustible" - English Language …
Gas is flammable, diesel vapour combustible. In England I was always taught that the difference between flammable and inflammable was that inflammable required a flame to permit burning.
"on time" in Chess Jargon - English Language & Usage Stack …
Mar 12, 2025 · Note there is a much more common non niche meaning of 'on time' (with stress on both words "Please be on time for work in the morning." meaning arrive at a specific clock …
what is the origin of the phrase "gimme a break"?
Jul 3, 2024 · The meaning is easily found, but per Etymonline, while it probably comes from cue sports (billiards of some sort), the exact origin isn't totally clear. So this seems a valid …