

Paul Anthony Jones
Joined: Jun 20, 2014
Paul Anthony Jones is a writer and musician from Newcastle upon Tyne. He is the author of word origins guide Haggard Hawks and Paltry Poltroons, and runs its tie-in Twitter account @HaggardHawks.


Map: American Cities With the Worst DMVs

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #45

The State Names That Are Hardest to Pronounce, Mapped
11 Words That Started Out As Spelling Mistakes
Language is a continual process of evolution, but these words—from pea to sherry—changed thanks to outright mistakes.
20 Baby Names at Risk of Going Extinct
Nickname-names like Ellie and Liam are in. Millennial and royal names are out. (Sorry Erin and William.)
Mapped: The States With the Most Tornadoes
One state had the lion’s share of tornadoes between 2020 and 2024—but a different state sustained the most monetary damage.
What’s the Difference Between Patriotism and Nationalism?
And how do chauvinism and jingoism factor in?
Mapped: The Cheapest European Destinations for an Aperol Spritz
If you love a good Aperol Spritz, you might want to put these countries on your travel list.
Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #44
The riddle below dates back to the 1890s—can you figure it out?
Mapped: The Fastest-Growing Cities and Towns in America
Some places grew by leaps and bounds—and the city in the top spot might surprise you.
Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #42
This riddle dates back to the late 1700s—can you figure out the answer?
Where Did the Phrase ‘Beat Around the Bush’ Come From?
Here’s a hint: It has a little something to do with hunting.
Tax Your Brain With These 5 Victorian Riddles
Are you smarter than a Victorian?
Mapped: The States With the Worst Road Rage
How did your state rank?
Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #41
The riddle below dates back to the mid-1800s—can you figure it out?