Mysteries of vernacular: Keister - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

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Originally meaning a woven container, the word keister has roots all over the place. The devil’s tool box? Sure. A safe? That too. So, how did it become associated with the buttochs? Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel get to the bottom of the word keister.


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Meet The Creators

  • Director Jessica Oreck
  • Producer Rachael Teel
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Keister was the Random House word of the day back in 1997. Check out the article. Here's the entry in the Online Etymology Dictionary: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=keister There is a town in Virginia called Keister. Here's the anatomy of the rear quarters of a human being.
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Tell of a time when you used the word keister.
Why did you choose the word keister ,and what was the context in which you used it? If you've never used it, invent a situation in which you could use it.
08/09/2013 • 
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Customize this lesson

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Jessica Oreck
  • Producer Rachael Teel

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