Namely, 50

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

50: billingsgate: vile profanity, cursing (from the Billingsgate fish market in London, near Billingsgate, one of the old gates of the city, an area known for the profanity of the vendors; first known use of word, 1652)

“I cannot stand this billingsgate!”

The teacher said to us.

“Our language is so beautiful—

So why do you all cuss?”

“We really don’t mean to be rude,”

I answered honestly.

“It’s just … things happen way too fast—

We need efficiency!”

“Well, I’ll be damned!” the teacher cried.

“You all have taught me well.

Now take your books out—yes, right now!

Or you can go to hell!”