• tetris11@lemmy.ml
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        7 hours ago

        The odd and doubtful construction probably accounts for the absurd folk-etymology (attested by 1640 but originally, and in 18c. usually, in jest-books) that claims it to be an abbreviation of north east south west, as though “information from all quarters of the compass.”

        To be fair to her, its an old myth

        https://www.etymonline.com/word/news