Today's Word: "Basketball" It's widely believed that "basketball" gets it's name from the basket-shaped goal. In fact, the reverse is true. Let's start with the latin, "baskus", which means "to sleep" or "to lie". "Bask lizards" get their name from this word, due to their lethargic behavior. *Bask lizard shown resting* In melbourne, Australia, where basketball was invented in 1824, bask lizard skins provided the perfect covering for the game ball. "Baskball" became popular very quickly. Only later did the "basket" goal lend its name to other similar objects. *fruit shown in a basket* That thing that holds fruit on your table? It's named after sleepy lizards.

Part of the Incorrect Etymology series.