Shuffle and Add "U" Trivia Quiz

Answer: menu

Adding U to the back of the word "men" forms the new word "menu."

The word "men" is most commonly used to describe a group of adult human males. The word "menu" has its origins in French. It can be traced back to the 1700s where it was used in English to refer to a detailed list or a summary. It originated with the phrase "menu de repas" which literally translated means "list of a meal". The use of the term in the context of a restaurant or a formal list of dishes available for a meal became widespread in the 19th century. Menus are usually offered in two forms, "a la carte" where a diner chooses a dish from a list of available options, or, "table d'hote" which usually refers to a set menu of dishes.The use of the word has expanded to other areas to refer to a list of options, for example, a program menu on your computer.

Answer: utensil

Shuffle "tinsel" about and add U to the beginning of the word and you get "utensil".

"Tinsel" refers to a type of decorative material that is often used during the holiday season, particularly on Christmas trees. It is a shiny, metallic, or reflective material that comes in thin strips or strands, and it's designed to add a sparkle or glitter to the decorations.

The term "utensil" is derived from the Latin word "utensilia," meaning "fit for use" or "useful". It is used to refer to any tool or implement that is typically used for a particular purpose, especially in the context of cooking, eating, or serving food. Utensils can include items such as knives, forks, spoons and other tools used in the kitchen. The word is broad and encompasses a wide range of implements that aid in various tasks and activities.

Answer: usher

A shuffle of "hers" and the addition of U gives you "usher."

"Hers" is a pronoun that indicates possession or ownership and used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a female person or thing.

Not to be confused with the Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Usher Raymond IV, the word "usher" comes from the Old French verb "uschier," which means "to lead" or "to escort." The original sense of the word was to describe someone who assisted or guided people, especially in a formal or ceremonial context. Over time, the term evolved, and today an usher is typically associated with someone who helps people find their seats in a theater, church, or other public event, or who performs other similar duties such as escorting guests.

Answer: emu

Add U to the back of "em" and you get "emu".

An "em" is a unit of measurement. In typography, it is a unit of measurement used to define the horizontal width of a font. In printing and typesetting it is sometimes used as a unit of measurement for horizontal spacing.

An "emu" is a large flightless bird native to Australia. It is the world's second-largest bird by height, after the ostrich. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with long legs and neck, and small, vestigial wings. The emu and the kangaroo were both chosen as symbols of Australia because they are both native to the continent, and they are incapable of moving backward, symbolizing progress and a forward-looking nation. A famous emu was the obstreperous puppet that appeared with Australian entertainer Rod Hull.

Answer: unit

Adding U to the front of the word "nit" forms the new word "unit."

As with so many English words, the term "nit" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is being used. It is the egg of a louse, particularly the eggs of head lice or body lice. In the field of optics and display technology, a "nit" is a unit of luminance, which measures the brightness of a display screen. One nit is equivalent to one candela per square meter. In British English, the term "nit" is sometimes used as a slang or informal word for a foolish or silly person.

The word "unit" has its origin in Latin. It comes from the Latin word "unitas," which means "oneness" or "unity." The precise meaning of "unit" also depends on the specific context in which the term is being used. Generally, a "unit" refers to a single entity or individual considered as a whole, often forming part of a larger whole. For example, a person might say "a single brick is a unit in the construction of a wall." It can also refer to a standard quantity used to express an amount or degree or in a military context, a "unit" refers to a group or organization within a larger military structure.

Answer: adieu

Shuffle "idea" around and then add a U, you get the French word "adieu" which is used as a farewell greeting.

Having an idea is to form an abstract concept or a plan in the mind. It is derived from the Greek word "idein," which means "to see." The term was later used in philosophical contexts by thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle to refer to the mental concept or form that represents the essence of something. It is also the word that makes my other half wince every time I say "I've got an idea!".

"Adieu" is a French word that means "farewell" or "goodbye." It is used to express a more final or permanent farewell, often with a sense of parting or departure. The term implies that the separation may be for a long time or even permanent. It comes from the Old French phrase "à Dieu vous commant" or "je vous commant à Dieu," which can be translated as "I commend you to God" or "I commit you to God." Over time, this phrase evolved and was shortened to "adieu."

Answer: umber

Anagram "berm" and add a U to get the word "umber".

In geography and landscaping, a "berm" refers to a flat strip of land, often raised or built up, that serves as a barrier or a separating feature. It is typically found in landscapes, gardens, or along bodies of water. In military terminology, a "berm" can refer to a raised bank or shelf, often constructed for defensive purposes to provide cover for troops or vehicles.

So beloved of Old Masters such as Peter Paul Rubens for its rich, earthy tones, "umber" refers to a natural brown earth pigment that is dark brown to reddish-brown in color. The word comes from the Latin word "umbra," meaning "shadow" or "shade."

Answer: lieu

Add a U to the word "lie" and you come up with "lieu".

"Lie" is another of those very useful English words whose meaning changes depending on the context in which it is being used. It can mean false statement made with the intent to deceive; an intentionally false statement. In this context it originates from the Old English word "lyge" meaning to tell a falsehood. However, it can also mean to be in a horizontal or reclining position as in "I went to lie down to rest".

The word "lieu" comes from the Old French word "lieu," meaning "place" or "stead." It has its roots in the Latin word "locus," which also means "place" or "location." In modern terminology, "in lieu of" means "in place of" or "instead of." An example would be "she attended the meeting in lieu of her manager." It is also used in legal circles to refer to a legal right or claim against a property, often in the phrase "in lieu of dower," which relates to a widow's right to a share of her deceased husband's estate.

Answer: tutu

Exclaim "tut", add a U and you will have a "tutu" in which to pirouette your annoyance away.

"Tut" is an informal expression commonly used to indicate mild disapproval or to show that someone finds a situation or someone's behavior frustrating. The origin of "tut" is uncertain, but it is likely an example of onomatopoeia. It's a short, sharp sound that people make when clicking their tongue against the roof of their mouth to express disapproval or irritation.

A "tutu" refers to a classical ballet costume worn by female dancers. It typically consists of a stiff, bell-shaped skirt made of multiple layers of tulle or other lightweight fabric. The tutu is a distinctive and iconic part of ballet attire. It originated in France in the 19th century. The credit for its creation is often given to Eugène Lami, a French painter and lithographer who designed the costumes for the ballet "La Sylphide" in 1832. The word "tutu" itself is believed to be derived from the French nursery word "cucu," meaning "bottom" or "derrière."

Answer: urban

Shuffle around "barn", pop a U in front and you have "urban".

A "barn" is a large, typically wooden building on a farm used for storing grain, hay, or other agricultural products, and often for housing livestock or machinery. The word "barn" has Germanic origins and can be traced back to Old English where original meaning referred to a place to store barley, with "beren" being related to "bere," the Old English word for barley. It is also used informally to denote ineptness as in "he couldn't hit the side of a barn at ten paces."

The word "urban" is an adjective that refers to cities or characteristics associated with city life. It is often used to describe things that are related to or typical of cities, such as urban development, urban culture, or urban planning. The word "urban" has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word "urbanus," which means "of or pertaining to a city" or "citified." As a complete aside, there have been eight Popes who have adopted the word "Urban" as their regnant name. The reason for this choice seems to be the subject of wide debate.