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An Arabic word for dice (al zahr) has led to the word HAZARD

WRY, meaning humorous with a clever twist, originated as Middle English 'wrien' (to turn)

The verb CLEAVE has two opposite meanings. It can mean to adhere or to separate

The MARE of NIGHTMARE is an Old English word for a demon that suffocates you in your sleep. Much scarier than a female horse

Some unknown Irish street thug called Houlihan is responsible for the word HOOLIGAN

The expression EGG ON has nothing to do with eggs. It comes from an old Norse word 'eddja' taken to mean 'urge forward to the edge'

A SCUTTLEBUTT was a large cask of water kept on board ships, a place where sailors would gather to gossip

HOBSON'S CHOICE, meaning no choice at all, comes from stablemaster Tobias Hobson who insisted customers take the horse nearest the stall, or not at all

PARASITES started life as dinner guests from 'para' (beside) and 'sitos' (meal). Greek comedies featuring dinner guests who were hard to get rid of led to its present meaning

The dot over the letter 'i' is called a TITTLE