Sum
mer English Trivia That Will Leave You Feeling Cool
Summer is the season of sun, sand, and surf, and while most of us enjoy the warm weather and long days, there are some things about this season that you may not know. Here are some lesser-known summer English trivia that may surprise you.
1. Ice cream was once considered a cure for melancholy
In the 18th century, physicians actually prescribed ice cream as a cure for melancholy and other forms of sadness. Today, of course, we don't need a prescription to indulge in this delicious frozen treat.
2. The word "July" comes from Julius Caesar
The month of July was named after Julius Caesar, who was born in that month. Before his birth, July was known as Quintilis, which means "fifth month" in Latin.
3. The longest day of the year is not always on the summer solstice
The summer solstice is the day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and it is usually considered to be the longest day of the year. However, this is not always the case, as it depends on where you are in the world. In some places, the longest day of the year may actually fall on a different day.
4. The word "popsicle" is a combination of "pop" and "icicle"
The popsicle was invented by an 11-year-old boy in San Francisco in 1905, and the name "popsicle" was coined by his mother. She combined the words "pop," because the frozen treat "pops" out of its mold, and "icicle," because of its shape.
5. The word "beach" originally meant "riverbank"
The original meaning of the word "beach" was "a sloping piece of land on the side of a river." It wasn't until the 18th century that the word came to be associated with the shore of the sea or ocean.
6. The first summer Olympic Games were held in Athens in 1896
The modern Olympic Games were revived in Athens in 1896, and they included a variety of events, including athletics, swimming, cycling, and fencing. Today, the Summer Olympics are one of the most popular and widely watched sporting events in the world.
7. The purpose of sunglasses wasn't always to protect the eyes
The first sunglasses were invented in China in the 12th century, and they were made of smoky quartz. Their purpose was not to protect the eyes from the sun, but rather to hide the eyes and the expressions of the wearer during court proceedings.
These are just a few of the many interesting English trivia about the summer season. They may not make you feel cooler, but they will certainly impress your friends and family with your knowledge. So go ahead and enjoy the summer, armed with these fun facts about the season.