Mark Peters
Joined: Apr 13, 2015
Mark Peters is the author of Bullshit: A Lexicon (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/258562/bullshit-by-mark-peters/) and a cartoonist on Instagram at @markpeterstoons.
What Does ‘GOP’ Stand For?
14 Old Slang Terms for Coffins
The Long, Strange History of the Word ‘Weird’
Where Does the Expression ‘Keep Your Eyes Peeled’ Come From?
Popular theories involve pirates—and police.
20 Old Words for Ignorant People
Here are a few words for ignorant people you might want to add to your lexicon, from ‘wantwit’ to ‘dorkmunder’ to ‘ninnyhammer.’
Why Do We Say Things Are “Cute as a Button”?
The expression—which can be used for all things adorable—dates back to the early 20th century.
Why Do We Call the 2000s “the Aughts”?
Suggestions for what to call the period of time from 2000–2009 ranged from ‘the nillies’ and ‘the oh-ohs’ to ‘the double zeroes’ and ‘the noughties.’ So how’d we land on ‘the aughts’?
Why Do We Say “Crickets” When It’s Silent?
Cricket chirps can reach 100 decibels. So why do we use them as a byword for ‘silence’?
Knowledge Is Power: A Brief History of the Philosophical Phrase
It’s succinct enough to fit on a bumper sticker. But what did ‘knowledge is power’ originally mean?
13 Breakdancing Terms You Should Know
Study up on this breaking terminology so you know what you’re talking about you’re watching the sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Why is a ‘Square Deal’ Square?
Theodore Roosevelt called his domestic agenda of 1903 a ‘square deal.’ Let’s dig into the origins of the famous phrase.
Why Does ‘Joshing’ Mean “Kidding Around”?
The word dates back to the mid-19th century, and has taken many forms.
Why Do We Call Things “Hot Button” Issues?
The phrase dates back to the 1960s, and has more than one meaning.
What Does the Phrase ‘Keep It Under Your Hat’ Mean?
The phrase has evolved somewhat since its first uses—and its origin is something of a mystery.
Military Slang Terms: 11 Examples, Explained
The close quarters of those serving together in war is a perfect Petri dish for slang. From ‘FUBAR’ to ‘fobbit,’ here are some military slang terms you should know (plus, why the military uses so many acronyms, anyway).