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Josh

Lifer
Mar 20, 2000
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To take an oath, ancient Romans put a hand on their testicles & that's where the word "testimony" comes from.
 
K

kogase

Diamond Member
Sep 8, 2004
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From wordorigins.org:

"Testify
There is bit of folklore floating about that the word testify (with its associated forms like testimony and testament) derives from testicle. The legend has it that ancient Romans would hold their testes while swearing oaths. This is not true. The word does not derive from testicle, nor did Romans swear oaths on their private parts.

Testify, et. al., derives from the Latin testis meaning witness. Testicle also derives from testis. The testes are witnesses to a man's virility."

The point? If something sounds too ridiculous to be true, it probably is.
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
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Originally posted by: kogase
From wordorigins.org:

"Testify
There is bit of folklore floating about that the word testify (with its associated forms like testimony and testament) derives from testicle. The legend has it that ancient Romans would hold their testes while swearing oaths. This is not true. The word does not derive from testicle, nor did Romans swear oaths on their private parts.

Testify, et. al., derives from the Latin testis meaning witness. Testicle also derives from testis. The testes are witnesses to a man's virility."

The point? If something sounds too ridiculous to be true, it probably is.
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I disagree with this. Placing a hand under the testicles while taking an oath was a common ancient practice, and is even referenced in the Bible. Genesis 24 & 47.
 
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