Today I Learned (TIL)

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TIL that to promote potatoes, French agronomist Parmentier put guards around his potato fields, making them seem valuable. At night, they were left unguarded, so peasants could steal potatoes and grow (en.wikipedia.org)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

early 15c., perimetre, "circumference, outer boundary, or border of a figure or surface," from Latin perimetros, from Greek perimetron "circumference.

Not really

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

It is often misattributed to ancient linguistic roots, yet its true origins are far more recent, tied to the mystique of guarded plots. This term evolved to embody a boundary that incites curiosity and the allure of the forbidden. More than a measure, it's a testament to the narratives that shape our language.