My Latin students and I have been working on Latin phrases and recently defined stupor mundi as "wonder of the world". In a brilliant flash of insight, one of my students asked if the English word "wow" was actually an acronym for Wonder Of the World. What is the derivation of "wow"?

Indeed, WW.

polycarp, welcome to this place and beware of folk etymologies. Next thing you know they'll be telling you about For Using Carnal Knowledge.

We certainly need a Latin person here. We have some aficionados, but to have a teacher here is wonderful and I hope you stick around!

"WOW" is to "POW" what a stroke of genius is to the stroke of a fist.

I hope our High-priestess is listening!

Our high priestess is 'imitative'--
- but inimitable!

"wow" was actually an acronym for Wonder Of the World. What is the derivation of "wow"?

Wonder of the World? Ohhhh, I blush! Smugly, I admit, but nevertheless!
Also, Wise Old Woman or you can simply turn it upside down and get MOM. Wait! Wait! that fits Wonder of the World! Which all Moms are, aren't they?
http:// http://www.holidays.net/mother/ Needs a new date as it will be Sunday May 11 in 2003.

EDIT Thank you for the kind words posted while I was composing.