Mysteries of vernacular: Lady - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel
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TEDEd Animation
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Why do we call women ladies?
Well, etymologically-speaking, the word comes from the Old English
words for hlaf (bread) and daege (maid), which, combined, mean the female
head of the household and eventually indicated high social standing.
Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel follow the word to its contemporary
position simply describing a female.
What is the relationship between the Old English word hlafweard (bread keeper) and the Modern English word breadwinner?
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Meet The Creators
- Director Jessica Oreck
- Producer Rachael Teel
- Educator Jessica Oreck, Rachael Teel
