What is the only word in the English language that when capitalized is changed from a noun or a verb to a nationality?
Several English words can act as both as a nationality when capitalized and a noun OR verb when uncapitalized. Examples are:
- afghan [noun] a knitted or crocheted blanket or shawl
- basque [noun] a woman's long corset or jacket extension
- english [noun] rotary motion given to a ball
- french [verb] to cut in thin strips before cooking
- dutch [noun] (slang) a man's wife
- welsh [verb] to fail to fulfill or honor an obligation
Yet, the intent of the puzzle was to provide a nationality, when uncapitalized, has the spelling of both a noun AND a verb in the English language. There are actually (at least) two, even though both of the following are demonyms for the same nationality:
- polish [verb] to make smooth or shiny [noun] a substance used to make something smooth or shiny
- pole [noun] a long rod of wood, metal or other material; [verb] to propel with a long rod of word, metal or other material
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Posted by Dej Mar
on 2008-07-24 10:56:53 |