Phrases and Names, Their Origins and Meanings

by Trench H. Johnson

Cavendish. Tobacco pressed into plugs for chewing, from the name of the first maker.

Cavendish Square. After Henrietta Cavendish, second wife of Lord Harley, the ground landlord.

Centennial State. Colorado, admitted into the American Union one hundred years after the Declaration of Independence.

Ceylon. Called by the Portuguese Selen, an abbreviation of the Sanskrit Sinhaladwipa, “Island of Lyons.”

Chadwell Street. After the name of the source of the New River in Hertfordshire. The well was anciently dedicated to St Chad.

Chaff. A corruption of chafe, to make hot with anger, as heat may be produced by friction.

Chalk Farm. Originally “Chalcot Farm,” a noted resort for duellists of a past day.

Chalk it up. In allusion to the drink score chalked on a slate against a customer at a country ale-house.

Champagne. A light wine, from the French province of the same name, which expresses a plain, from the Latin campus, field.

Champs de Mars. Expresses the large open space or “Plain of Mars,” in Paris, set apart for military reviews.