etymology

Calling police officers “cops” dates to the 19th century.

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’

Some words seem like they must come from the same source—but they don’t.

Think ‘human’ was created by slapping ‘hu-’ on ‘man’? Think again: ‘Man’ and ‘human’ aren’t related at all—and they’re just one example of words that seem like they must be linked, but turn out to have nothing in common once you dig into their etymology.

If you see a knight wearing a gauntlet, pray he keeps it on.

A knight throwing down his glove in Medieval Europe meant serious business.

The origin of the word ‘Easter’ is linked to the ancient pagan goddess Ostara. But is she actually ancient?

Everyone knows a buck means a dollar. But not everyone knows why.

There are many slang terms for coffee, but where does a “cup of joe“ come from? There are a few theories.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Latin isn’t widely spoken in Latin America, so why is it called that?

We dig down to the root of the issue.

This stickler doesn’t like how people are using the word ‘phenomenal.’

Not even the strictest sticklers seem to care about how we use words like ‘abhorrent’ and ‘sodden’ anymore.

Until a few decades ago, Ukraine was almost always referred to as 'the Ukraine'. Then people started dropping the definite article, and now you almost never see it. Here's why.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Flammable vs. inflammable? Regardless vs. irregardless? Here are the linguistic explanations for 10 pairs of false antonyms.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

These words are the language of love (literally).

Whether it's bacteria, a city name, or a day of the week, love can be found in unexpected places—including our vocabulary.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

We have the military to thank.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

For the next time you encounter a sea serpent, a blood-sucking fiend, or a creepy cryptid.

There are several theories as to where this phrase came from—and none of them involves the nuts.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

What’s a wazoo, and why do we invoke it?

On the possible origins of ‘wazoo,’ and why things are said to tumble out of it.

Where does the word 'poinsettia' come from, anyway?

From worthless trinkets to misnamed chickens, here are the histories and etymologies of 13 Christmassy words.

Why Are Police Officers Called “Cops”?

Why Do We Say “Throw Down the Gauntlet”?

Why Is Easter Called “Easter”?

Why Do We Call a Dollar a “Buck”?

Why Is Coffee Called a “Cup of Joe”?

Definition Detective Quiz #27

How Did Latin America Get Its Name?

Why Are Potatoes Called “Spuds”?

9 Linguistic ‘Ignorantisms’ Even Sticklers Got Used To

Why Did ‘The Ukraine’ Become Just ‘Ukraine’?

Definition Detective Quiz #26

10 Word Pairs That Sound Like Opposites But Aren’t

Definition Detective Quiz #25

11 Words You Might Not Realize Come From ‘Love’

Definition Detective Quiz #24

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

Definition Detective Quiz #23

12 Rare Old Words for Monsters

Why Are Oft-Repeated Jokes or Stories Sometimes Called “Old Chestnuts”?

Definition Detective Quiz #21

Definition Detective Quiz #20

Why Do We Say “Up the Wazoo”?

The Origins of 13 Christmas Words