Word for Wednesday: Cup

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Some of you may be aware that a certain sporting event begins tomorrow in Brazil.

The word 'cup' originates from countries that could be mistaken for a group in the tournament itself: England, Italy, Germany and Holland.

In old and modern English 'cup' means 'a small bowl-shaped container for drinking from' and this derived from the popular Latin 'cuppa' (modern Italian 'coppa') and Latin 'cupa' meaning 'tub’, Middle Low German 'kopp' and Dutch 'kopje'.

The ironic thing is that the modern World Cup is not actually a 'cup' as also described in most dictionaries: 'a large cup-shaped metal vessel having a stem and two handles that is awarded as a trophy to the winner of a competition'. A chalice used in churches at the Eucharist is closer to this.

For some, football is a religion but if it is not your cup of tea, here at Spellzone we hope you can find some solace during the next month!


11 Jun 2014
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