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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.

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

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

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

Generosity

Cruelty

Ambition

Lust

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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

Antony

Sulla

Pompey

Julius Caesar

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Question 3 of 10

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

World War II

Hundred Years War

World War I

War of the Roses

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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

Editing and Censorship

Special Care in Production

Prominently Displayed Illustrations

Use of a Particular Type of Print

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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

Petain

Marlborough

Wellington

Foch

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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

James Monroe

James Madison

John Adams

Thomas Jefferson

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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

Persians

Romans

Greeks

Mesopotamians

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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

Wales

Scotland

England

Ireland

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Question 9 of 10

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

Punic

Crusades

Pelopennesian

Trojan

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Question 10 of 10

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

Aeneas

Achilles

Odysseus

Ajax

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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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