Politics

[YoKatHere]

Where did we get the word Politics? I know that a lot of the english language originated from latin, so with that in mind, I was thinking that the word "politics" was accuratly named. Poly, in latin, means many; Tics is defined as blood sucking animals.

[Clanad]

Our knowledgable friends at Etymology OnLine indicate the wrod has had a long and laborius journey: "politic (adj.)
1427, from M.Fr. politique (14c.) "political," from L. politicus "of citizens or the state, civil, civic," from Gk. politikos "of citizens or the state," from polites "citizen," from polis "city" (see policy (1)). Replaced in most adj. senses by political (1551). The verb meaning "to engage in political activity" is first recorded 1917, a back-formation from politics. "

[heathfield]

I prefer YoKat's apt definition, Clanad !

[Clanad]

Agreed, heathfield... (I need to think outside the box a little better)...

[nightmare]

YoKatHere,
fyi,
poly-, meaning many, is Greek, not Latin. Multi- is the Latin equivalent.

Also, a tic is a nervous twitch. A tick is the blood -sucking parasite.

[webbo3]

dont think its right but its similar to what nightmare wrote.

think of our goverment.

poly.. meaning.. many
tics.. blood sucking parasites


Dave.