Is English A Crazy Language?

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| By Belkis Yanes

Belkis Yanes, English langauge

Belkis is an English teacher from Venezuela with a strong enthusiasm for continuous learning. She enjoys a wide range of activities in the field of English education.

Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 292

Questions: 10 | Attempts: 292 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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This quiz is based on facts about the English language. Written by Richard Lederer, Crazy English makes us laugh at the oddities of this language. Let's have fun!

Questions and Answers

1.

What color is a blackbird hen?
- A.
  
  Blue
- B.
  
  Brown
- C.
  
  Black
- D.
  
  Beige
Correct Answer
B. Brown

Explanation
A blackbird hen is brown in color. While the name suggests that it should be black, the term "blackbird" actually refers to the species of bird rather than its color. The female blackbird, known as a hen, is typically brown in color with streaks of darker brown or black. This coloration helps the female blend into her surroundings and provides camouflage while nesting or foraging for food.

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2.

What is a horned toad?
- A.
  
  A reptile
- B.
  
  A marsupial
- C.
  
  A bird
- D.
  
  An amphibian
Correct Answer
A. A reptile

Explanation
A horned toad is an insectivorous lizard with hornlike spines on the head and spiny scales on the body from western North America.

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3.

What is a guinea pig?
- A.
  
  A marsupial from Australiasia
- B.
  
  A pig from Central Africa
- C.
  
  A bird from Asia
- D.
  
  A rodent from South America
Correct Answer
D. A rodent from South America

Explanation
A guinea pig is a rodent from South America. Guinea pigs are small, domesticated animals that are often kept as pets. They are not pigs, and they are not from Guinea. They are native to the Andes region of South America and are known for their social nature and gentle temperament. Guinea pigs have been domesticated for thousands of years and are popular pets worldwide.

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4.

What is an apiary?
- A.
  
  A place where apes are raised
- B.
  
  A place where beehives are collected
- C.
  
  A place where birds are kept
- D.
  
  A place where peas are grown
Correct Answer
B. A place where beehives are collected

Explanation
An apiary is a place where beehives are collected. This is where bees are kept and raised for the purpose of collecting honey and other bee-related products. It is a controlled environment designed to provide the necessary conditions for the bees to thrive and produce honey. Beekeepers often maintain apiaries to manage and monitor the bee colonies, ensuring their health and productivity.

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5.

What is a votary?
- A.
  
  A person who votes
- B.
  
  An electoral college
- C.
  
  An enthusiast of a cause
- D.
  
  A revolving tool
Correct Answer
C. An enthusiast of a cause

Explanation
A votary is someone who is passionate and dedicated to a particular cause or belief. They actively support and promote the cause they believe in, often demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment. This term is commonly used to describe individuals who are deeply involved in religious, political, or social movements, advocating for their beliefs and working towards their goals.

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6.

What is herpetology?
- A.
  
  The study of herbs
- B.
  
  The study of reptiles
- C.
  
  The study of female pets
- D.
  
  The study of herpes
Correct Answer
B. The study of reptiles

Explanation
Herpetology is the study of reptiles, which includes snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. This field of study focuses on their biology, behavior, classification, and conservation. It involves researching their anatomy, ecology, evolutionary history, and their role in ecosystems. By studying reptiles, herpetologists aim to understand their adaptations, reproduction, and interactions with other species. They also work towards conserving reptile populations and their habitats.

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7.

What is hippophobia?
- A.
  
  The fear of horses
- B.
  
  The fear of hippopotami
- C.
  
  The fear of getting fat
- D.
  
  The fear of hippies
Correct Answer
A. The fear of horses

Explanation
Hippophobia is the fear of horses. This phobia can cause individuals to experience anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors when they are around horses or even just thinking about them. It is important to note that phobias are irrational fears, and individuals with hippophobia may have difficulty understanding or explaining their fear.

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8.

What is capitonym?
- A.
  
  The use of capital letters instead of small letters
- B.
  
  The study of the cases of capitalization
- C.
  
  The origin of the origins of the capitals
- D.
  
  The change of pronunciation and meaning with capitalization
Correct Answer
D. The change of pronunciation and meaning with capitalization

Explanation
A capitonym refers to a word that changes its pronunciation and meaning when capitalized. This can occur when a word is both a common noun and a proper noun, such as "polish" and "Polish." When "polish" is written with a lowercase "p," it refers to a substance used for shining or cleaning. However, when capitalized as "Polish," it refers to the people, language, or things related to Poland. This change in capitalization alters the pronunciation and meaning of the word, making it a capitonym.

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9.

What is ecophobia?
- A.
  
  Fear of echoes
- B.
  
  Fear of spoiling the environment
- C.
  
  Fear of home
- D.
  
  Fear of economic problems
Correct Answer
C. Fear of home

Explanation
Ecophobia refers to the fear of home. This phobia can manifest as an intense and irrational fear of being at home or in familiar surroundings. Individuals with ecophobia may experience anxiety, panic attacks, and a strong desire to avoid being in their own homes. This fear can be triggered by traumatic experiences or feelings of insecurity and vulnerability associated with the home environment. It is important to note that ecophobia is a specific phobia and should be addressed through therapy and support to help individuals overcome their fears and regain a sense of safety and comfort in their homes.

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10.

What are oxymorons?
- A.
  
  Words made up from first letters
- B.
  
  Words that are the same when read backwards
- C.
  
  Words composed of two identical parts
- D.
  
  Words that mean the opposite used in the same term
Correct Answer
D. Words that mean the opposite used in the same term

Explanation
Examples: good grief, old news, spendthrift, mobile home

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Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

Current Version
Mar 21, 2023

Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team
Feb 12, 2010

Quiz Created by
Belkis Yanes

Is English A Crazy Language?

What color is a blackbird hen?

What is a horned toad?

What is a guinea pig?

What is an apiary?

What is a votary?

What is herpetology?

What is hippophobia?

What is capitonym?

What is ecophobia?

What are oxymorons?