The word 'boycott' comes from one very unpopular land agent in 1880

Captain Charles Boycott managed Irish estates in County Mayo and evicted tenants during the Land War. His neighbours retaliated by refusing to work for him, trade with him, or even speak to him. Newspapers picked up his name within weeks, and 'boycott' entered English as an ordinary verb almost overnight.

— Standard etymological and historical accounts, Charles Cunningham Boycott — Irish Land War, 1880

One credited idea per card. No filler. Swipe the rest in Savvy.

Keep swiping — it's free Works right in your browser. No app store needed.

More Linguistics

All Linguistics cards →

Five ideas worth knowing, every week

The week's best cards and a puzzle, credited as always. Free, unsubscribe any time.