Quote:
Originally Posted by omk3
Another example: Sycophant. I still can't get over this word.
In english it apparently means "A servile self-seeker who attempts to win favor by flattering influential people." (free dictionary)
Original ancient greek meaning, was someone who accused people publicly of even minor offenses. (it means something like 'he who reveals the (stolen?) figs')
|
The online etymology dictionary gives it a rather more "colourful" (and ruder) origin, which I won't quote here, but which you can see
here. The English meaning stems from that fact that ancient Greek politicians encouraged their followers to make this rude gesture to their (the politician's) opponents, hence if you did so, you were a servile follower of such a person.