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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9.8 | Chapter 9.9.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Mencken, how do the English pronounce "been?"
(a) Bean.
(b) Bein.
(c) Bin.
(d) Bain.

2. Which double negative word is primarily found in Shakespeare?
(a) Not.
(b) Never.
(c) Nor.
(d) No.

3. In what language does Mencken state the double negative was once "quite respectable?"
(a) Spanish.
(b) Russian.
(c) Anglo-Saxon.
(d) French.

4. What does Sayce say that language is composed of in 1879?
(a) Sounds.
(b) Meanings.
(c) Words.
(d) Letters.

5. What word was "coatee" used as a diminutive for?
(a) Beard.
(b) Coat.
(c) Hat.
(d) Shawl.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Mencken, the name of what game puzzles etymologists?

2. In what sort of languages are double negatives "perfectly allowable"?

3. In what language did the American derivative "coyote" originate?

4. What purpose does the double negative primarily serve?

5. Which word do Americans use for "angry" that was once an English provincialism considered base?

(see the answer key)

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