Word for Wednesday: Referendum

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The word for today is ‘referendum’.

Used in 1847 with reference to Switzerland, from French or German, meaning "a submitting of a question to the voters as a whole" and the Latin referendum "that which must be referred".

It is perhaps the most effective type of vote, yes or no.

Tomorrow, the people of Scotland will vote to determine whether Scotland will remain part of The United Kingdom after a union of 307 years. The debate is viciously divisive, even tearing apart families, and recent polls have been incredibly close.

The United Kingdom faces uncertainty, and if Scotland votes ‘Yes’ there will be massive change in the UK, which is deeply integrated sharing currency, funding, and even… the national debt - *gulp*.

We won’t disclose our personal opinions on the matter but emotions are running high and even The Simpsons’ favourite Scottish groundskeeper has voiced his thoughts on Scottish independence (and the spelling of Whisky)!


17 Sep 2014
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"I would like to thank you so much for this great website. I have always been ashamed of my spelling but after a few lessons I am already better. It is filling in all the gaps. Thanks."

Student, France