WHY?

Lifelong Learning | FULL (Membership Required)

9000 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15237 United States
PSC 101
3/16/2026-4/27/2026
11:00 AM-12:30 PM EST on Mon

WHY?

Lifelong Learning | FULL (Membership Required)

Everything has a name. It's how we know things. It's how we know people.

But stop and think. WHY those names? WHY is something served "piping hot?' WHY do they call it a "Pap test?" WHY a "babushka?" WHY a "pea coat?" WHY? WHY? WHY?

Etymologies of words are "WHY." Word origins. This course will explore 250 of those "WHYS", with an origin and a back story for each.

So down the road, when someone asks you, "Why?", you can tell them........WHY.

Each week, we will discuss the word origins and back stories of 50 words (250 total over 5 weeks). Slides and a lecture will accompany each word on a list distributed at each meeting. Though the course is in lecture form, each word is invariably enhanced by learner comments or interaction. It is a collegial atmosphere for certain.

Dave Fortun

Dave Fortun retired from teaching English at Shaler Area High School after 36 years. He has continued teaching in Lifelong Learning programs in Pittsburgh for the last 16 years. Dave has also served as a docent at PNC Park, leading tours for 16 years.