Mental Floss

GRAMMAR









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What exactly is going on with the word yon in "Silent Night," and the word troll in "Deck the Halls"? Drop these facts about the grammar in your favorite carols when you're out caroling this holiday season.

Arika Okrent
















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What do you do when you run into your friend on their birthday? You wish them a happy birthday, of course! Or wait—you wish … him or her a happy birthday? When you run into your friend on … his or her birthday? That's how you’re supposed to say it if you

Arika Okrent