Wait, I thought we were an anarcho-syndicalist commune.

The problem with language by committee is amply illustrated by the Académie Français. A more out of touch band of old foggies, trying to dictate how and what French is, does not exist. They were founded under Cardinal Richelieu fer cryin out loud!

http://www.academie-francaise.fr/

Oh, and as for roots: cardinal < Latin cardo (cardinis) 'hinge; turning point'.

"There's some lovely filth over here."