Birth of a nickname - John McWhorter

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/birth-of-a-nickname-john-mcwhorterUploaded 24-09-13Where do nicknames come from? Why are Ellens called Nellie and Edwards Ned? It's all a big misunderstanding from the early days of the English language, a misunderstanding that even the word nickname itself derives from. John McWhorter tracks the accidental evolution of some familiar diminutives. Lesson by John McWhorter, animation by Lippy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices