The word "autophagy" was invented by Christian de Duve, the discoverer of lysosomes, who also initiated the first experiments that provided clear biochemical proof of the involvement of lysosomes in this process. I recently had an opportunity to speak with de Duve and some of his former coworkers about their reminiscences of these events, and am pleased to share what they had to say with the readers of this journal, many of whom may not be familiar with this historical background to their field of interest.