Language misuse is a burning issue
In the recent controversy surrounding bonfires in our streets, it is noticeable many speakers refer to bonfires as "bone" fires.
Thinking this could not be correct, I went to the dictionary. It turns out the word bonfire derives from a contraction of "beacon fires", with the bon part coming from the Danish word baun, meaning beacon.
But Danish? Oh, yes. Ireland and England have had a few visits from the Danes in the past. People like Canute.
He became king of Denmark, Norway, and England in the 11th century. He remains famous for correcting mistaken notions.
Some people today should bone up about what they mean and say.
FREDERICK CARROLL
Enniskillen, Co Fermangh
Most Read
- Shankill Road church will close next month after 144 years serving community
- Derry bonfire: Sinn Fein mayor condemns ‘disgraceful’ scenes as PSNI probes reports of shots fired in Bogside
- Feile an Phobail: Director defends ‘popular’ Wolfe Tones concert as DUP hits back at claims of funding ‘carve up’
- 19th century Shakespear House in south Belfast goes on the market for £895k
- Former Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh dies aged 41
Top Videos
Play
Play
Latest
- Police searching for alleged offenders on electric bikes after fatal stabbing
- Grant Shapps considering creating 20mph speed limits for cyclists
- Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman seen for first time in Netflix’s Wednesday
- Aries August 17 today's free daily star sign horoscope by Russell Grant
- Aquarius August 17 today's free daily star sign horoscope by Russell Grant