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Every Day Words That Came from Greek Mythology

A small list for the etymology nerds

By Jennifer ChildersPublished 2 years ago 3 min read
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Chaos: Chaos was the name of the primordial deity who, according to Greek myth, was responsible for the beginning of everything: Space, darkness, the unknown beyond the physical realm.

Hypnosis: This word is derived from the name of the primordial deity, Hypnos. Like Chaos, Hypnos isn't quite a god, but more of a personification. As you might have guessed, he is the personification of sleep, or a sleep-like unconsciousness state.

A statue of Hypnos

Hermaphrodite: This word used to refer to individuals with both male and female sets of genitalia. We now refer to humans with this condition as "intersex", though the term "hermaphrodite" is still often used by biologists when discussing plants and animals who are ambiguously sexed. The word comes from the mythological story of Hermaphroditus, who won the heart of the nymph Salmacis. In the story, the Gods answer her prayer to be together forever with Hermaphroditus, and merge them together into one divine being--giving Hermaphroditus feminine features, but still keeping his male genitalia.

Aphrodisiac: An aphrodisiac is an object (usually food or drink) that raises the libido of whomever partakes of it. Unsurprisingly, this name comes from Aphrodite, the goddess of love, femininity, and sex. This isn't a relationship article, so I'm not here to list off the various aphrodisiacs. But now you have that bit of knowledge, at least. So do with it what you like.

Erotic: This word comes from the Greek god, Eros, whose specialty was--well, you can probably guess from the name. In early accounts, he is also considered a primordial deity along with Chaos and Hypnos. Though later accounts claim he was the son of Aphrodite and Ares (God of War). He is often depicted wielding a lyre, bow, and arrow. So it probably comes as no surprise that his Roman counterpart is the more popular Cupid.

Atlas: If you paid any attention in high school geography, you are likely well aware of what an atlas is. Atlas was a mythological Titan who was cursed with the everlasting task of holding the world upon his shoulders for the rest of eternity. If you haven't read Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, then you probably now have at least a vague idea of what the book is about, which saves you from having to read it. (You're welcome.)

Narcissist/Narcissism: This disorder characterized by excessive fixation and adoration of one's self, comes from the story of Narcissus. Narcissus was an excessively handsome man, but rejected all romantic advances--He knew he could never love anybody more than he loved himself. He spent the remainder of his life staring at his reflection in a river, transfixed with his own beauty.

Chronic and Chronological: Coming from Chronos, the personification of time. In most mythological accounts, it is said that he emerged at the beginning of time and produced the first primordial deities.

Echo: This is one word that has pretty much blended so well into our every day speech, that a lot of people don't realize that there is actually a story behind it. Echo was a mountain nymph, who was cursed by Hera to be able only to speak the last words spoken to her. Her story also ties in with Narcissus--unable to tell him she loved him because of her affliction--she was forced to watch instead while he fell in love with himself.

Nemesis: This is a word that ultimately means "villain" or "antagonist." Though, Oxford Dictionary words it in a more poetic way: "the inescapable agent of someone or something's downfall." The latter better describes the Goddess Nemesis. She wasn't so much a villain as she was a distributor of justice; especially with crimes of pride and arrogance.

Fury: This word--synonymous for "rage"--stems from the three Furies (or "Erinyes" as they were also called)--a trio of sisters who embody anger and vengeance. The sisters being Alekto (filled with endless rage), Megaera (the jealous type), and Tisiphone (intent on exacting revenge on those who may not even deserve it.)

Lethargy: This word for lack of enthusiasm, comes from River Lethe--one of five bodies of water in the underworld. Though, the River Lethe wasn't really the mythological version of "lazy river", but rather a forgetful one. Those residing in Elysium after death, were instructed to drink from Lethe to forget their mortal life.

Panic: The namesake of this word is the god, Pan. Pan was often a carefree figure who wandered through the woods playing his pipe. But, if awoken suddenly, he would cause such ruckus that caused nearby flocks to stampede. In medical terms, it has come to mean "sudden fear"--but when the word was conceived by Greek authors, they intended this "sudden fear" to be attributed to the presence of a god. Though, obviously that isn't the case anymore.

Historical
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About the Creator

Jennifer Childers

I just write thoughts on anime, games, music, movies, or other things that are on my mind. Occasionally a poem or short story might come up.

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