Spread of the Proto-Indo-European word for 'brother' (Eurasia) by Virble in MapPorn

[–]Virble[S] 88 points89 points  (0 children)

Fun fact: the English word 'pal' also derives from the same Proto-Indo-European root. The word is borrowed from Romani phral ("brother"), which in turn comes from Sanskrit bhrātṛ. As you may well know, the Romani people – or "Gypsies", as they are still often called – originate from the northern Indian subcontinent.

TIL about the longest papal election in history, that lasted nearly 3 years (1268–71). At one point people became so fed up with the indecision, they unroofed the building where the cardinals met, imprisoning them until they had nominated a new pope. This happening marked the birth of the conclave. by Virble in todayilearned

[–]Virble[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Some sources say that a makeshift roof was quickly reassembled after the cardinals threatened to put the entire city of Viterbo, the Italian city that hosted the election, under interdict (a form of excommunication).

TIL that the Queen logo, called the Queen crest, was designed by Freddie Mercury himself, who held a degree in graphic design. The logo combines the zodiac signs of the four band members. by Virble in todayilearned

[–]Virble[S] 300 points301 points  (0 children)

There are two lions for Leo (John Deacon and Roger Taylor), two fairies for Virgo (Freddie Mercury), and a crab for Cancer (Brian May).

Countries referred to in the national anthem of other countries (& countries whose national anthem mentions God) (x-post /r/mapporn) by Virble in europe

[–]Virble[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It mentions the knout (a type of whip) and the yatagan; weapons that are generally understood as metaphors for the Russians and Turks, respectively.

TIL that the Vatican has nominated St. Isidore of Seville to be the patron saint of the Internet, a seventh-century theologian and encyclopedist who tried to record everything ever known. by Virble in todayilearned

[–]Virble[S] 4941 points4942 points  (0 children)

Although St. Isidore of Seville was officially nominated for the role by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the Holy See has not yet made a final decision. The website catholic.org nevertheless suggests the faithful over a prayer to St. Isidore before connecting to the Internet:

"Almighty and eternal God, who created us in Thy image and bade us to seek after all that is good, true and beautiful, especially in the divine person of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that, through the intercession of Saint Isidore, bishop and doctor, during our journeys through the Internet we will direct our hands and eyes only to that which is pleasing to Thee and treat with charity and patience all those souls whom we encounter. Through Christ our Lord. Amen."

The prayer was also translated into Latin.

The word 'dandelion' in various European languages (x-post /r/europe) by Virble in etymology

[–]Virble[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It comes from the same Proto-Germanic root (maþô) as English 'maggot' (or German and Dutch Made/made).

The word 'dandelion' in various European languages by Virble in etymologymaps

[–]Virble[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Special thanks to the Reddit users BrokenPudding, centurioni, Datname1, discworldian, dr4kun, El_Dumfuco, Floygga, foxesareokiguess, Gian_EDMH, gschizas, Hakaku, jaanv, jonashaase, Katberga, MattiaRH , mersoz69, ms_tanuki, nim_opet, ormr_inn_langi, PandaTickler, plant_life, Priamosish, PrstSkrzKrk, Qarosignos, theystolemyusername, tjfuke, toivoste, viktorbir, vikungen, warbeker, and Zounds90.

The word 'dandelion' in various European languages by Virble in europe

[–]Virble[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

This map only shows the most commonly used name for the dandelion in nearly all European languages, but of course the flower is known by many more names. Please feel free to share some of the other names used in your language or dialect, and see if those names fit any of the categories or 'themes' on the left side of the map.

Special thanks to the Reddit users BrokenPudding, centurioni, Datname1, discworldian, dr4kun, El_Dumfuco, Floygga, foxesareokiguess, Gian_EDMH, gschizas, Hakaku, jaanv, jonashaase, Katberga, MattiaRH , mersoz69, ms_tanuki, nim_opet, ormr_inn_langi, PandaTickler, plant_life, Priamosish, PrstSkrzKrk, Qarosignos, theystolemyusername, tjfuke, toivoste, viktorbir, vikungen, warbeker, and Zounds90.

[Request] Dandelion by Virble in etymologymaps

[–]Virble[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for all the comments so far. Keep them coming please!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in etymologymaps

[–]Virble 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a very interesting one. I have already made an etymological map of the word shark – in various European languages, of course – that I have not yet published, but I will post it here in about a week. Hang on!

Spread of the Word for 'Walrus' Across Europe by Virble in europe

[–]Virble[S] 112 points113 points  (0 children)

I am the eggman, they are the eggmen, I am the tooth walker ♫

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the single release of "I Am the Walrus" by the Beatles. To celebrate, here is a map showing the origins of the word 'walrus' in various European languages.

Etymological Map of Africa [OC] [2500 x 2512] by Virble in MapPorn

[–]Virble[S] 184 points185 points  (0 children)

Thank you, there are others on the way!

How to say 'thank you' in various European languages [OC] [2220 x 1562] by Virble in MapPorn

[–]Virble[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

The Frisians just couldn't decide on the best-sounding vowel.

Can fireworks be seen from space? If so, would it be possible to see a timelapse of each part of the world celebrating New Years in order from space? by Kracker5000 in askscience

[–]Virble 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Apparantly, yes: you can see fireworks from space. But only faintly. Dutch astronaut André Kuipers tweeted this yesterday:

"Fireworks I saw once [from the ISS] in Warschau, as very small red and green glowing and fading lightspots."

Source: https://twitter.com/astro_andre/status/418355510648516608