&gt; hysterical\n\nAccidental or clever pun? \n\nThe greek ὑστέρα, or 'hystera', means "womb". This is the root of the word 'hysterectomy' obviously, but also of the word 'hysteria'. This is because hysteria was thought to be a female complaint originating in the womb, hence the practice of using vibrators to calm down women in Victorian-era England. \n\nThe more you know :)