Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing The pirate history of ‘scallywag.’ ‘Used to’ versus ‘use to.’ Cheese grits.
Sep 16, 2025
Discover the surprising origins of the word 'scallywag,' connected not to pirates, but possibly to Shetland ponies! Unravel the distinctions between 'used to' and 'use to' in language, with expert insights on their grammatical usage. Plus, tantalize your taste buds with a dive into the preparation of cheese grits, a beloved regional dish. This episode brings together linguistic curiosities and culinary delights for an entertaining exploration of language.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Schnauzer Name Traces To Snout
- The name Schnauzer traces to German schnauz meaning snout or muzzle and may have intermediate senses like growl or mustache.
- The etymology is uncertain but ties to the dog's distinctive facial area.
Scallywag’s Surprising Scottish Roots
- Scallywag is actually an Americanism first recorded in 1839, not a golden-age pirate term.
- It may derive from Scottish Scalags or Scalaway, linked to Shetland islands and ponies.
Scallywag As A Civil War Slur
- During and after the U.S. Civil War, scallywag was a derogatory label for white Southerners who supported Reconstruction.
- The term shifted from a general 'bad guy' to a political insult in that era.
