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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 10, 2006 The French, English gave us 'picnic,' and 'knife' I must have too much time on my hands. I have been wondering about the origin of two common words: knife and picnic. "Knife" seems like it must have been Scandinavian in origin (although "knight" is a common English word) but "picnic" is puzzling. Do you have any idea where these words came from? -- JD, via e-mail Sure, JD. "Knife" is from the Middle English knyf or knif, which come from the Old English cnif. "Picnic" is from the French piquenique, from the Old French piquer, meaning to pick or peck. Don't know about you, but when we find ourselves with too much time on our hands, we like to take a loaf of bread, a jug of wine and our knyf and go on a piquenique. Don't forget your blanquet. And watch out for antes. And bring your Oxford English Dictionary. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to [email protected] . We're sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews