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From "across the board" to "hedge your bets," these phrases have their roots in blackjack, horse racing, and more.
Words
Long before it described cathedral arches, spooky novels, or head-to-toe black clothing, calling something "Gothic" was a major insult. Here is how Renaissance art critics turned a Germanic tribe’s name into a centuries-long slur.
Ever wonder why we say "o'clock"? Discover the medieval origin of the phrase, how mechanical clocks changed timekeeping, and why the contraction stuck.
Look into the history of the word “gnocchi” and learn the many different ways to pronounce it.
Hundreds of years after this Italian explorer was born, we were shouting his name across the pool—but why?
The name doesn’t come from the canned meat, but a ‘Monty Python’ sketch about the canned meat.
We can all thank the renowned playwright for livening up our vocabulary into the 21st century!
Can your kids crack these 100 mind-bending riddles? Explore clever brainteasers with answers that build critical thinking, focus, and abstract logic.
More than a few of your favorite expressions might have originated on the high seas. From "bottoms up" to "slush fund," these terms originated among pirates and sailors.
Some Old English words haven't changed much over the centuries. From "cat" to "friend," here are seven modern words that are quite similar to their Old English counterparts.
A lot of people think that the “mare” in “nightmare” refers to a horse—like the one ominously poking its head past the curtain in Swiss painter Henry Fuseli’s 1
From AWOL to snapshot, explore five common everyday words and phrases that actually originated as military slang and wartime terminology.
From "paint the town red" to "mad as a hatter," many of our favorite idioms originated or were popularized in the era of Queen Victoria.
The English language is a mosaic of different languages and cultures, which allowed elements of Norse mythology to linger in the vocabulary we use every day.
Discover the heartbreaking story behind Sharon Tate's final words, as court transcripts revealed her desperate plea for her unborn son.
Your guide to English terms as you watch the new season of ‘Ted Lasso.’
Why do we say “two peas in a pod” to describe things that are nearly identical? The expression dates back centuries—and peas are the perfect comparison.
Here's how the Sirens of the 'Odyssey' helped inspire the name of the modern siren, which was first invented around the turn of the 19th century.
You probably say these words every day without realizing they were born in the Middle Ages.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned, but his letters reveal a man who held on to hope, humor, and an unwavering belief in justice.
The name Satchmo will always be connected with Louis Armstrong's career and legacy, but its origins highlight his eagerness to commit to a good joke.
More From the Language Section
Ever wondered why a secret advantage is called an "ace in the hole"? Discover the 19th-century poker origins behind this iconic idiom.
These common words and phrases came directly from the era of flapper fashion and short-lived prohibition.
The phrase “pie in the sky” has a surprisingly dark history. Learn how labor activist Joe Hill coined the expression in a song in 1911.
Why do we say "pardon my French" after dropping an F-bomb? Learn how Victorian polite etiquette turned into a cover for modern cuss words.
Did you know these everyday words can be traced back to Roman gods, legends, and ancient myths?
Louis Armstrong’s name is almost always pronounced “Louie,” but the jazz legend himself insisted it was actually “Louis.” Here’s how the confusion started.
Put your geography knowledge to the test by identifying countries that match their continent’s first letter.
The half-goat, half-man deity Pan was associated with springtime, fertility, hunting, farming, shepherds, flocks, meadows, the wilderness, and fear. Here's how Pan helped shape the word "panic."