#EngTrivia: English fun facts (4)

The word ‘Sheriff’ came from Shire Reeve. During early years of feudal rule in England, each shire had a reeve who was the law for that shire. When the term was brought to the United States it was shortened to Sheriff.
‘Blue Laws’, which regulate personal and public conduct on Sunday, got their name because they were originally printed on blue paper.
In England and American colonies the year 1752 only had 354 days. In 1752, the type of calendar was changed, and 11 days were lost.
The term ‘Mayday’ is used for signaling for help. It comes from the French term which is pronounced MayDay and it means ‘Help Me.’
Clinophobia is the fear of beds.
Number ‘4’ is the only number that has the same number of letters in its name as its meaning.
The name ‘Hippopotamus’ comes from Greek for “River Horse.”
Phrenology is the study of bumps on the head.
Hagiology is the branch of literature dealing with the lives and legends of saints.
Fortune cookies were actually invented in America on 1918 by Charles Jung.
The month of July is named in honor of Julius Caesar.

Compiled and written by @iisumarni at @EnglishTips4U on Thursday, September 12, 2013

@EnglishTips4U