While this may just be the day before payday to most Americans, it’s Bastille Day and France is partying like it’s 1789. (Sorry.) Here’s some etymology for you (Don’t be too impressed with my French; I had to look it up):

  • Bastille is an alternate spelling of bastide: fortification.
  • Bastide comes from the Provençal word bastida: built.
  • There is also a verb embastiller: to establish troops in a prison.