The Etymologicon

What does organised crime have to do with church organs? And what's the connection between blank cheques and check mate?The Etymologicon takes you on a journey through the hidden connections between words. Why is champagne the ideal drink for a campaign, what does shooting pool have to do with chickens, and why is black really white? There's always a connection. Sometimes, it's obvious: an actor's role was once written on a roll of parchment, and cappuccinos are the same colour as the robes of a Capuchin monk. Sometimes the connection is astonishing and a little more hidden: who would have guessed that your pants and panties are named after Saint Pantaleon, the all-compassionate?