History of words and phrases

GROG: English Admiral Edward Vernon was known as "Old Grog" because he wore a grogram cloak in stormy weather. He started the practice of diluting his sailors' rum with water to reduce drunkenness. The disgruntled seamen named the watered-downed drink after their commander: Grog.

MOUNT VERNON: George Washington's half-brother, Lawrence, was an officer under Admiral Vernon (see above).  Lawrence was so impressed with Vernon that he renamed the family plantation, Mount Vernon.

CROISSANT: The croissant is not French. Legend has it that in 1683, Turkish attackers were tunneling under the besieged walls of Vienna, Austria. Bakers working through the night heard the digging sounds and raised the alarm. To celebrate the end of the siege they copied the crescent moon from the enemy's flag into a commemorative pastry!