Are you intrigued by the meaning and origin of words and idioms in English, particularly the less familiar or quirky ones?

If so, you may be interested in joining this  group which started in July 2024.  We meet on the third Monday afternoon of each month  for an hour and a half in central Bath, to share and discuss examples on an agreed theme (including a "free choice"), which group members have researched. No particular knowledge of "etymology" is required, atlhough anyone with some expertise will always be welcome.

Apart from various books on etymology, the Internet is a very fruitful source of information, including words and phrases on which there is some disagreement!

In addition to "free choice" sessions, specific themes so far have included aspects of colour, living creatures, parts of the body, the Christmas season, seasons in general, time, weather, clothing and buildings. We take it in turns to contribute a word or idiom, and what makes it so fascinating is that this never fails to prompt  discussion, with one point leading to another.

Here are examples of the record kept of each session, to make it easier to follow up individually something which catches our interest:

There is a parallel group running on the first Wednesday  of each month, which you can opt to join as well, or instead, space permitting.

We  welcome enquiries from interested members. If you'd like more information, u3a members can contact us via the Enquiry link at the top of this page. Non-members should contact the Groups Advisers for more information.