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

The Dangerous Creation of 'Limelight,' & More

Words With Remarkable Origins, Vol. 2

Eavesdrop, Fiasco, and 8 More Words with Surprising Origins

Including some trivia on ‘trivia’

Quick: Read This!

'Quick' once had a very different meaning

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

It's kind of like "endorsing" a check

Etymologies for Every Day of the Week

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

14 Words Inspired by Dogs

A lexicographer's best friend

7 Good Stories That Just Aren't True

No, that's not where that word comes from

What does 'at large' mean?

A holdover of an ancient meaning

Much Ado about ‘Folie à deux’

From French psychiatry to the silver screen

10 Common Words with Military Origins

'Skedaddle', 'ginormous', and more

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

As chosen by you, the social media scroller!

Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather 'Macaroni'?

What's with his feathered cap?

Compound Words That Used to Make a Lot More Sense

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

7 Run-Down Words That Have Seen Better Days

They've taken a hit but are still standing.

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Words for uncommon fears

13 New Words for Old Things

When did 'mail' become 'snail mail'?

Where does 'hello' come from?

Don't answer the phone with 'ahoy'

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

Language evolves

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Heads up: one is 'vulgar'

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first
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