CHARLATAN

PRONUNCIATION: (SHAHR-luh-tuhn)

MEANING: noun: One making false claim to having a certain expertise; a fraud or quack.

ETYMOLOGY: From French charlatan, from Italian ciarlatano, from cerretano (an inhabitant of Cerreto). Cerreto is a village in Umbria, Italy, once known for its quacks. Another etymology pins the origin of the term on the Italian ciarlare (to chatter), of imitative origin. Perhaps the word charlatan is a blend of the two, as charlatans are known for chattering. Earliest documented use: 1607.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The ideal scientist thinks like a poet and only later works like a bookkeeper. -E.O. Wilson, biologist (b. 10 Jun 1929)

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CHARLOTAN - a brown spider who weaves words into her web

CHARLATIN - Virgil's cleaning lady