Mavericks

We all know how much Sarah and John like to call themselves mavericks. It's one of their favorite words/phrases. Well, the family who is descended from the original Maverick, isn't so pleased. The NYT has a piece about the origin of the term, and the current family's feelings towards our self-proclaimed mavericks running for high political office.
The term originated when Samuel Augustus Maverick of Texas refused to brand his cattle. Unbranded cattle, then, became known as "Mavericks." The term literally means "unbranded," from this origin. The Maverick family is still alive and well, living in San Antonio. But they are not Republicans. In fact, they are progressive liberals, and resent that John McCain and Sarah Palin have adopted the term. One member of the family fumes, "they are branded. They're Republicans." Just another Republican move pissing people off.
So there's your etymology lesson for today.