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Quiz about Word Origins From History
Quiz about Word Origins From History

Word Origins From History Trivia Quiz


Here are some questions about word origins that derive from History.

A multiple-choice quiz by robert362. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
robert362
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
17,450
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
3791
- -
Question 1 of 10
1. There is a phrase that refers to someone who will 'out-herod Herod'. This is a reference to the ancient ruler who was known for what trait? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. It is often said that one 'crosses the Rubicon' when one makes a key decision and acts on it. Which Roman literally crossed the Rubicon and thereby gave rise to the phrase? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Another word for traitor is 'quisling'. In what war did Quisling collaborate with the enemy? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. Certain literary works are today described as 'bowdlerized', due to the influence of Thomas Bowdler. What does the term imply? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. It's common today to speak of a defeat as 'meeting one's Waterloo'. Who was the principal architect of the victory there against Napoleon? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. The term 'gerrymander' originates with the practices of Elbridge Gerry. Under which President did he serve as Vice-President? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. The phrase 'pyrrhic victory' is used to describe a victory that is incredibly costly. It originates with King Pyrrhus - who fought just such a battle against what enemy? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. The term 'billingsgate' originates with the coarse language that was commonplace at a particular fish market area. Where was it located? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. The word 'stentorian' means loud; it originates with a figure named Stentor. In what war did he fight? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. The term 'hector' today refers to a bully or braggart. Who killed Hector in the Trojan War? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. There is a phrase that refers to someone who will 'out-herod Herod'. This is a reference to the ancient ruler who was known for what trait?

Answer: Cruelty

A great legacy: to be known forever as a tyrant.
2. It is often said that one 'crosses the Rubicon' when one makes a key decision and acts on it. Which Roman literally crossed the Rubicon and thereby gave rise to the phrase?

Answer: Julius Caesar

The terminology commemorates an act by Julius Caesar.
3. Another word for traitor is 'quisling'. In what war did Quisling collaborate with the enemy?

Answer: World War II

He collaborated with the Germans in World War II.
4. Certain literary works are today described as 'bowdlerized', due to the influence of Thomas Bowdler. What does the term imply?

Answer: Editing and Censorship

Bowdler tried to 'clean things up'.
5. It's common today to speak of a defeat as 'meeting one's Waterloo'. Who was the principal architect of the victory there against Napoleon?

Answer: Wellington

It was the legendary Wellington that saved the day.
6. The term 'gerrymander' originates with the practices of Elbridge Gerry. Under which President did he serve as Vice-President?

Answer: James Madison

Politics has always been a 'gentleman's' game.
7. The phrase 'pyrrhic victory' is used to describe a victory that is incredibly costly. It originates with King Pyrrhus - who fought just such a battle against what enemy?

Answer: Romans

There have been many such battles throughout history.
8. The term 'billingsgate' originates with the coarse language that was commonplace at a particular fish market area. Where was it located?

Answer: England

Merry olde England.
9. The word 'stentorian' means {loud;} it originates with a figure named Stentor. In what war did he fight?

Answer: Trojan

A Greek against the Trojans.
10. The term 'hector' today refers to a bully or braggart. Who killed Hector in the Trojan War?

Answer: Achilles

It is both a noun and verb.
Source: Author robert362

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor LadyCaitriona before going online.
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