On Twitter, Merriam-Webster lexicographer Peter Sokolowski reminded us:
The most remarkable etymologies are the ones that have been staring you right in the face your whole life.
— Peter Sokolowski (@PeterSokolowski) May 14, 2015
As he explained in subsequent tweets, Peter was wide-eyed over the origin and evolution of secular, including its French cognate, siècle. His remark was a resonant one, prompting many of us word lovers to offer our own instances. For me, his remark was right on the nose, shall we say, especially concerning some stronger language.
Strong Language 