I think the #1 etymology guru here is samclem. For modern languages, it’d be matt mcl. Other linguistic issues, I know we have some experts, but I’m not sure offhand who they are. And I know that I’ve never confused me for any of them.
[QUOTE=Chronos]
even in theoretical physics (which is my specialty), there are a heck of a lot of things I don’t know.
[/QUOTE]
This puts me in mind of a Feynman quote: “If you think you understand quantum theory, you don’t understand quantum theory.”
We also have at least one world renowned word-puzzle author here, whose screen name eludes me, because whenever I see his posts, I think of his real name. (I’ll leave it to someone more familiar with his personal wishes to decide whether to “out” him)
[QUOTE=gigi]
Who’s that linguistics guru I must have you confused with??
[/QUOTE]
You may be thinking of Excalibre.
KP, that puzzle editor is, naturally, twickster.
Oh, author. I have no idea then.
[QUOTE=Q.E.D.]
Oh, author. I have no idea then.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah – me either – and color me curious. What’s the screen name? Or, if you’d be willing to email me, what’s the IRL name?
[QUOTE=Xema]
This puts me in mind of a Feynman quote: “If you think you understand quantum theory, you don’t understand quantum theory.”
[/QUOTE]
I don’t think I could even pretend to understand quantum theory; does that mean I understand quantum theory? 
If quantum mechanics hasn’t profoundly shocked you, you haven’t understood it yet. -Niels Bohr
Whoa, I share a birthday with Niels Bohr. I am profoundly shocked.
[QUOTE=AskNott]
… does that mean I understand quantum theory?
[/QUOTE]
No - only that it’s possible.