The term "mantrap" is a closed-form compound word formed by joining "man" and "trap." It functions as a noun with multiple specific meanings and dates back to the early 17th century. The Oxford English Dictionary's earliest recorded use of "mantrap" is from 1716, found in the works of John Laurence, a gardening author. One meaning refers to a mechanical device: a physical trap, typically featuring steel jaws, that was historically used to capture trespassers or poachers.
This particular usage is mostly historical.
2. Hole
Answer: Man
This one is quite simple, both words man and hole are nouns, by joining them together we get the compound word "Manhole". The first recorded use of this word was in 1769 in a letter from J. Watt.
'"hole through which a person may pass," 1793, from man (n.) + hole (n.)."' All that needs to be said.
A manhole is a covered area, that usually has a metal or plastic cover in place. These access points are essential for maintenance and inspection of underground utilities, ensuring that the systems function efficiently. Properly secured manhole covers also play a vital role in safety, preventing accidents and unauthorised access.
3. Kind
Answer: Man
The Old English word "mann-cynn" is where the term "mankind" naturally emerged in the English language. In general, "Mann" signified "person", while "Cynn" indicated "kind". It is believed that "mankind" was put into print just before 1225.
Basically, mankind is the collective name for human beings. You could of course say 'humankind' and 'humanity'. These two words are nowadays more gender-neutral.
4. Hunt
Answer: Man
Manhunt is a closed compound word. Man and hunt are both nouns, but when formed together they become a verb. "Manhunt" was first recorded in print as a noun was in 1833, appearing in the works of Scottish historian and writer Thomas Carlyle. The meaning of the word is a coordinated effort, typically conducted by law enforcement, to locate a wanted individual or fugitive.
5. Rock
Answer: Bed
Bedrock is a compound word which is created by joining the two distinct words "bed" and "rock" to refer to the solid rock that lies beneath soil or sediment, such as granite or limestone.
The term "Bedrock" first appeared in print in 1932 in US Supreme Court records and briefs. The article discussed Sheridan-Kirk Contract Co. v. United States.
6. Room
Answer: Bed
The Old English words "rum", which indicates space or room, and "bedd", which denotes a place to sleep, were combined to form the word "bedroom". When it originally entered the English language in the late 16th century, it developed from earlier expressions like "bedchamber" to denote a particular sleeping room. Its use spread when houses began to reserve specific rooms for private use. It has been said "Bedroom" was first written in the play "Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare.
A bedroom is a place where you can sleep. Some bedrooms can have walk-in wardrobes and en suite bathrooms. Did you know that we spend more time in our bed than any other part of our house furniture?
Nowadays, bedrooms have become more than just a place to sleep. Many now use this room to get away for a bit of peace and quiet and privacy. Settees, bedside cabinets and other furniture are often in the bedroom. It is also common now to have TV and radio all connected in the bedroom.
7. Pan
Answer: Bed
One of the first known bedpans is on display at the Science Museum of London. The term "bedpan" first appeared in John Higgins' writings in 1572.
In general, a bedpan is used by someone who is bedridden or someone who is in hospital and unable to go to the bathroom. It doesn't mean just older people; anyone of any age may have to use a bedpan. The use of a pan reduces the need for individuals to move around unnecessarily, thereby minimising the risk of falls. This simple measure can significantly enhance safety for those vulnerable to accidents in both hospital and home settings.
8. Time
Answer: Bed
According to "The Oxford English Dictionary" (OED) the term "bedtime" originated in Middle English in the 13th century (1275), possibly in the poem "The Owl and the Nightingale". It evolved from older words like Old English 'bedtīd', 'bedtyme', 'bed-tyme', 'bedetyme', and 'bedde tyme', which are equivalent to 'bed' + 'time'.
Here is a line or two from the poem,
I sing in the eve at the proper time,
And again when it is bedtime;
At midnight is my third time.
Bedtime is when you go to bed to sleep. This can be at any time, as it depends on your circumstances. The majority of young children have a predetermined bedtime, which is essentially the time that their parents have determined they should go to bed.
9. Call
Answer: Cat
In the middle of the 1600s, the term "catcall" was first used as a noun. The earliest evidence comes from a 1660 journal entry made by Samuel Pepys. In his journal, Samuel Pepys wrote, "I went to the Pope's Head Alley, called Adam Chard, and paid two groats for a catcall." However, at this time, "catcall" was a kind of musical instrument that was used to show disapproval in a theatre.
The words "cat" and "call" combine to form the closed compound word "catcall". The term "cat" is derived from the super Old English word "catt". The word "call", which means "loud cry" or "outcry", dates back to the fourteenth century.
A catcall can be a call or comment made in public, such as on the street, that is typically loud, sexually suggestive, threatening, or harassing. It can also be a loud, boisterous shout or whistle-like sound used to voice discontent at a conference, theatre, etc.
In the UK, catcalling is now a criminal offence under the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023. The law is quite complex; while the "wolf whistle" in itself might not be illegal, it could be classed as street harassment or a public order offence. To be safe from breaking the law, maybe keeping quiet is the best thing.
10. Nap
Answer: Cat
The American newspaper the Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Journal published the word "catnap" as a noun for the first time in print in 1801. Later, in 1823, it was used as a verb for the first time. It refers to the way cats often get their rest in short spells, not long sessions of deep sleep.
A catnap is a short, light sleep, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes, that is intended to provide a quick energy boost without causing grogginess. These brief naps can improve alertness and give a burst of energy, and unlike longer naps, they end before the body enters deep sleep.
There is also a phrase called "catnapping", which refers to short sleep intervals that infants experience that are a normal aspect of their development.
11. Fight
Answer: Cat
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "catfight" was first used in print in 1824 when Ebenezer Mack used it as the title and topic of a mock-heroic poem. Benjamin G. Ferris coined the phrase "catfight" in 1854 to characterise women quarrelling over a shared husband.
An encounter between two women is often referred to as a "catfight", and it is sometimes described as a mixture of scratching, shoving, slapping, choking, punching, kicking, biting, spitting, and hair-pulling.
12. Walk
Answer: Cat
George Cartwright's writing from 1778 contains the word "catwalk". According to QED, this was the first time this word was used. In the 1880s, catwalks were initially utilised backstage in theatres and aboard ships.
Originally, the name "catwalk" described high, narrow walkways used in construction, which required agility similar to that of a cat for those who used them. It developed in the 1940s to refer to the fashion show runway, when models display their creations. Of these, catwalks are lower, less hazardous, and often extends into the crowd. This small stage draws viewers in by showcasing the grace and energy of the clothing in motion.
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