Human Body

In ancient Greece, wealthy people who wanted to appear generous invited poor people to have a meal with them. These guests were called parasitos and earned their food by praising their guests, singing, reciting poetry, and telling stories. By the 1700s, the word meant "freeloader."

rate this fact


report this fact


by TimeWasters, LLC:
7,828 interesting facts by Facts&Co
180,527 famous quotes by Quotes&Co
62,947 proverbs from all over the world by Proverbs&Co

Traffic analysis by Web-Stat