….a Box of Words. this popular series is for all of you out there that love the English language as much as I do. Especially stumbling over a word I have never heard or used. I am fascinated with the origin of words such as:
Cracker, I’ve only heard it used as a derogatory term for Caucasian people. To imply an ignorant hillbilly or worse depending upon who was using it. (Well, yes, the obvious generic term for those tasty, crunchy squares that we can’t resist.) When in fact it is an endearing term used for the COWBOYS of Florida (past and present) who are adept at the use of a whip. The cattle in Florida are trained to obey the ‘crack’ of the cowboy’s’ whip and hence the term ‘cracker’. Did you know that Florida has the largest number of cattle in the USA? You’d of thought, Texas. But you’d be wrong.
Beeline, “I made a beeline for the car, for work, for the bus stop, for the beach.” 
When in fact, the word refers to how straight and true a bee (insect) flies to the hive, laden with nectar.
Stake out, This term was coined in the early days of land surveyors. To stake out the boundaries of land, or a house, or streets. 
Somehow, over the centuries, it more commonly brings to mind surveillance; usually by cops watching the bad guys for hours or days.
Panegyric, An oration or eulogy in praise of a person or achievement. A formal or elaborate speech of laudatory discourse.
Uxorial, Dotingly fond of or servilely submissive to; when referring to a wife. Maybe that’s where I went wrong, I have never been known to be uxorial. Grin.
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