Eddie and I were talking with the student living with us - she's from Catalan - during dinner the other night (we were eating fish). We discovered Spanish has a different word for human bones as opposed to fish bones. Bones (for humans or chickens) is hueso, but for a fish it is espina which also means "to prick" or "thorn" - which is rather what fish bones do/are during a meal.
Another event happened the other day while reading a good book - the word Parleyment, which obviously means Parliament, which extends the meaning. Parliament is a house of law or conference for public affairs, where as Parley, to talk, discuss, confer. If you've ever seen the British Parliament, they do a lot of discussion... not sure how effective they are at the law portion - but then again, I'm not sure the US version isn't a bit too effective.
An interesting note about the US Congress - the word Congress comes from the 14th century meaning a body of attendants. So, you'd think they were in some degree there to follow the wishes of their constituents. Not sure they understand that meaning of the word. In the 18th century (at the time of our constitution) the word also took on the meaning of sexual intercourse. You might say Congress is f***ing about with the country - and you wouldn't be far off.
Then there is this comic which is a great take on polical speak.
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