Namely, 37

NAMELY

eponyms (EP-uh-nimz)

words based on or derived from a person's name.

First Known Use: mid-19^th century

“What’s in a Name?”

Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, 2.2­­

37: teddy bear: a soft toy bear filled with stuffing (from Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, 1858–1919, from a cartoon depicting the president sparing the life of a bear cub while hunting; first known use of word, 1905)

So Teddy saved a cub one day—

And for that act we get to see

A Build-a-Bear where people may

Create a teddy (he or she)

And honor Teddy Roosevelt—

Although I wonder how he’d feel

If he were here. Would his heart melt

At Build-a-Bear? A bear—piecemeal!

Or would he wonder what he’d done—

An industry! A teddy bear!

Perhaps he’d think it harmless fun—

Or maybe he’d tear out his hair?