Word Origins
“Within each word, a story is waiting to be told.”
— Saadman Firoz
Hindu:
The term “Hindu” was originally used by Arabs who used it to refer to anyone living east and south of the Indus River (modern day India). “Hindu” signified residence rather than religion. Calling someone from the Indus Valley “Hindu” was the same as calling someone from modern day New York a “New Yorker”.
Lunatic:
Once upon a time, people blamed the moon for madness. The Latin word "luna" means moon, and lunar cycles were thought to induce temporary insanity or "lunacy." During medieval times, full moons saw a rise in loony behavior - likely influenced by myths about werewolves! 🐺 The lunar link led to "lunatic asylums" for the mentally ill. Now we know better - the moon doesn't make you a howling mad beast! 🌝 But the name stuck for nutty behavior.
