Today I learned ...

[chris_notts]

Not today, but recently I learned that Yimas has two kinds of NP structure.

https://chrisintheweeds.com/2024/01/24/ ... rsive-nps/

"In any case, one interesting thing about Yimas is that it has two kinds of noun phrase structure, a tightly integrated but non-recursive structure, and a much looser, more appositional structure."

[eldin raigmore]

This week I found out tangerines are named after Tangiers!

[Khemehekis]

TIL that the candytuft did not get its name from a visual resemblance to sweets. Rather, it was named after Candy, the older name for Crete.

[lurker]

TIL that the phrase "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" is actually only the first part of a quote by Oscar Wilde: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness."

For what it's worth, I actually disagree with that second part. Everyone imitates. It doesn't make you mediocre. Just look at Shakespeare.

Truncated phrases like this are the bane of my existence. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear." is another one I learned recently.