Brief, often amusing stories about real incidents or people, typically shared to illustrate a point or entertain. These personal narratives are usually based on direct experience or reliable sources.
From Greek 'anekdota' meaning 'things unpublished,' from 'an-' (not) and 'ekdidonai' (to publish). Originally referred to unpublished writings, particularly Procopius's secret history of Byzantine court scandals. The meaning shifted to any brief, revealing story.
The journey from 'unpublished secrets' to 'brief entertaining stories' shows how words can completely flip their relationship to privacy and publicity. What once described dangerous, hidden knowledge now describes the most commonly shared form of casual storytelling.
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