Why You Swear in Anglo-Saxon and Order Fancy Food in French: Registers

http://tomscott.com – @tomscott – Why is an “odour” classier than a “smell”? Why is a “beverage” fancier than a “drink”? The answer lies in English history – and in the way we automatically know which ‘register’ of language to use. (Includes bonus medieval advice for constipation!)