The etymology of mistletoe — a plant with small, oval evergreen leaves and waxy white berries — may strike some as repugnant. From bird droppings to holiday kisses: How we ended up under the mistletoe ...

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Stealing a smooch under the mistletoe is a time-honored holiday tradition — but the word itself has an origin that invokes the exact opposite of romance. As part of NPR's "Word of the Week" series, we ...