Wordplay

Word History

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You

They all use this one weird trick (etymology)

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different

Including the secret history of 'secretary'

Funner, Stupider, and Other Words That Are in Fact Real

Don't argue with the dictionary

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Heads up: one is 'vulgar'

Quick: Read This!

'Quick' once had a very different meaning

'Handsome,' 'Geek,' and 8 More Words That Changed Their Meanings

Language evolves

Where does 'hello' come from?

Don't answer the phone with 'ahoy'

13 New Words for Old Things

When did 'mail' become 'snail mail'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Words for uncommon fears

7 Run-Down Words That Have Seen Better Days

They've taken a hit but are still standing.

Compound Words That Used to Make a Lot More Sense

How 'jack' met 'pot.' How 'wed' met 'lock.'

Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather 'Macaroni'?

What's with his feathered cap?

10 Words You Don’t Seem to Hear as Much These Days

As chosen by you, the social media scroller!

10 Common Words with Military Origins

'Skedaddle', 'ginormous', and more

Much Ado about ‘Folie à deux’

From French psychiatry to the silver screen

What does 'at large' mean?

A holdover of an ancient meaning

7 Good Stories That Just Aren't True

No, that's not where that word comes from

14 Words Inspired by Dogs

A lexicographer's best friend

Etymologies for Every Day of the Week

The sun, the moon, four gods, and a goddess.

What does it mean to 'endorse' a presidential candidate?

It's kind of like "endorsing" a check

Eavesdrop, Fiasco, and 8 More Words with Surprising Origins

Including some trivia on ‘trivia’

The Dangerous Creation of 'Limelight,' & More

Words With Remarkable Origins, Vol. 2
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