Master Index of Archived Threads


Word Origins

Frayed Knot May 24 2014 07:25 PM

This is like the 'Things I Didn't Know 'til Recently' thread, but more specialized. 18th century Scotsman John McAdam was the best of his time at building rock & gravel roads leading to the best roads being known as macadam roads. When, in the 20th century, the idea of spraying tar on roads was introduced they became tarmacadam roads or, [u:cfffyve8]tarmac[/u:cfffyve8].

RealityChuck May 26 2014 09:07 AM Re: Word Origins

And the substance used for the roads is called macadam.