Potion Master’s Prüfung: Week 7 Answer Key
Greetings, Wise Apprentices!
The veil has lifted, and the truth has been revealed! Were you tricked by the tangled tales of word origin myths, or did you uncover the real stories? Let’s find out…
The Answers
Posh
Myth
The idea that posh stands for “Port Out, Starboard Home” is false. While this myth is widely believed, there’s no historical evidence to support it. The actual origin of posh is unclear, but it likely comes from 19th-century slang for money or luxury.
Siren
Fact
The word siren does indeed trace back to Greek mythology, where sirens were mythical creatures who lured sailors to their doom with enchanting songs. Over time, the term evolved to describe anything dangerously alluring — including warning alarms.
Butterfly
Myth
The idea that butterfly comes from witches disguised as butterflies stealing butter is pure folklore. The word actually originates from the Old English term butorflēoge, possibly because butterflies were often seen around butter churns or dairy products.
Golf
Myth
The claim that golf stands for “Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden” is entirely false. The word golf actually comes from the Scots language, evolving from the medieval Dutch word kolf or kolve, meaning “club.”
Ring Around the Rosie
Myth
Although widely believed to describe the Black Death, this theory isn’t backed by solid historical evidence. Ring Around the Rosie is more likely a simple children’s rhyme with no direct ties to the plague — though the eerie symbolism has kept the myth alive.
How Did You Do?
If you uncovered the truth behind these linguistic legends — congratulations! If a myth fooled you, don’t worry… even the wisest potion masters can be enchanted by a good tale.
Until next time, may your mind stay sharp, your quill steady, and your words ever powerful.