What I did learn today
The verb embarrass (as in "he will embarrass you") has, of course, two r's and two s's. What I didn't know was that the noun embarras (as in "he was an embarras to me") only has one s. I assume I didn't realise this because the latter form has largely been subjugated by embarrassment.
The etymology of both is from the Old French for 'to block, obstruct'. Ye olde border controls in Norman towns &c. were known as embarrases.
Yes, this does count as work. Piss off.
The etymology of both is from the Old French for 'to block, obstruct'. Ye olde border controls in Norman towns &c. were known as embarrases.
Yes, this does count as work. Piss off.