People Who Became Words - 5 Trivia Quiz

Answer: A King of Denmark

Bluetooth is a communication protocol used mainly in cellular/mobile phones. This technology helps to connect devices like mobiles, computers, PDA's, etc and transfer data. This technology surprisingly is named after Harald Bluetooth (also known as Harald Blaatand), a tenth century ruler of Denmark. King Bluetooth was known for his role in unifying various Danish tribes; similarly the bluetooth technology unifies various devices. Also, the technology was invented in the same part of the world from where Harald ruled. Thus, his name was used for the technology.

Answer: An Egyptian God

Ammonia is named after the Egyptian God Amun. The Romans were among the first to find deposits of Ammonium chloride. They called it 'sal ammonicus' as it was found near the temple of the God Amun in ancient Libya.

Answer: A Persian mathematician

The word algorithm is named after a Persian mathematician named Al-Khwarizmi. He wrote a mathematical treatise in the 9th century AD titled 'Calculation with Hindu Numerals'. This when translated into Latin read 'Algoritmi de numero indorum'. The word algorithm was derived from this translation of Al-Khwarizmi's name.

Answer: Cereal

Ceres was the Roman Goddess of agriculture. She was the daughter of Saturn and she is depicted as carrying a basket of fruits and a garland of corn ears. Thus grains are named as cereals after her.

Answer: Because of the quibbling nature of Duns and his students

John Duns Scotus was a scholar of theology and philosophy in the 13th century. He authored books on logic and theology. He and his students were known for their quibbling and hair splitting nature over various theological and philosophical subjects. Their obstinate behaviour led their opponents to call them dunses (later renamed as dunces).

The word dunce is thus used to denote a dim-witted person. Also, Duns Scotus reportedly believed that wearing conical shaped hats would funnel knowledge to its wearer.

Hence, the use of 'dunce caps' for dull students!

Answer: Frigg

The day Friday is named after Frigg or Frige, who was the Goddess of love. In Norse legend, she is believed to be the wife of Odin. She is also known as Frea or Fria and is referred to as the Goddess of 'married love'. Frigg's day or Friday is how this word originated.

Answer: It is named after a Danish queen

A gun is weapon that fires a projectile. The word is believed to have originated from the name of Gunhilda, a Danish Queen who was the daughter of the legendary Canute and wife of the Roman Holy Emperor Henry III. The word Gunhild means 'war sword', denoting a weapon. Thus the weapon gun was named after Gunhilda.

Answer: From the name of a Greek being named Hermaphroditus

Hermaphroditus, in Greek mythology is believed to be the son of Hermes and Aphrodite. He loved a maiden named Salmacis. Their love was so strong that she prayed to the Gods to unite them physically, thus creating a being that was half male and half female.

In nature different types of organisms including some fishes, snails, etc. are hermaphroditic in nature, possessing both the male and female sex organs.

Answer: Because he fell in love with his own reflection

According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a handsome youth. A nymph named Echo fell in love with him. Echo had been cursed by the wife of Zeus and could not speak; she could only repeat what others said. When Echo followed Narcissus, she could only repeat what he said.

This irritated him and he spurned her, breaking her heart. Narcissus later saw his own reflection in water and, thinking it to be another person, fell in love with it. It is believed that this happened because of a curse by the Goddess Nemesis. Thus, a narcissist is a person who is self-centred and egoistical.

Answer: He was an acrobat

Jules Leotard was a French acrobat who lived in the 19th century. He was known for his daredevil acrobatic stunts. He used to wear a skin-tight one-piece dress that helped him to move freely and also show off his muscles. This garment was later named after him. Today leotards are commonly worn by gymnasts, dancers, circus artistes, etc.