Here's the story:
* The Chimera: This mythical creature was said to be a combination of different animals, typically a lion (head), a goat (middle), and a serpent (tail).
* Origin of the word: The word "Chimera" itself comes from the Greek word "khimaira," meaning "she-goat."
* Meaning: The word "chimerical" came to be used to describe something that is fantastically unreal or impossible, referencing the impossible combination of animals in the Chimera.
Over time, the word's meaning evolved to encompass:
* Fantastical or imaginative: This often refers to something creative or imaginative but unrealistic.
* Unrealistic or impossible: This usage refers to something that is completely impractical or impossible to achieve.
Therefore, to call something "chimerical" is to suggest it is a product of wild imagination, impossible to exist in reality, or perhaps even a bit nonsensical.