Huh…
According to several dictionaries, “alas” is derived from the Latin lassus, which they translate as “wretched” but my dictionaries give as “fatigued” (which is more likely, considering which other modern words lassus has inspired).
I always thought it (and the related Dutch helaas and French hélas and whatnot) was derived from eiulo, meaning “I bemoan” (from the verb eiulare; possibly through some other form, like eiulatus), which seems more sensible.
Now I’m confused and it annoys me.
I’m probably more bothered about etymology than most people.
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