LANGUAGE

Why Is It Called a “Duffel Bag”?

The duffel is perfect for weekend trips or cocaine smuggling. But why is it called a duffel?

The Dark History Behind the Phrase ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’

Any early warning sign can be a canary in a coal mine. But the original meaning was more specific.

Definition Detective Quiz #35

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

12 Things You Say Without Realizing You’re Quoting Poetry

If you’ve ever talked about “the birds and the bees” or referenced “the best laid plans of mice and men,” then you’ve inadvertently quoted some of the English language’s most famous poets.

‘Why, yes, I am from Long Island! How did you know?’

Do Animals Have Regional Accents?

Can a Boston dog bahk?

The Rarest Baby Name in Each State

Looking for inspiration? Discover the rarest baby names in the United States according to Go Au Pair, from Arizona’s Noname to Maine’s Winner.

Why Is Having a Good Time Called “Painting the Town Red”?

Henry de la Poer Beresford, the 3rd Marquis of Waterford, had a little something to do with it. Or did he?

Office-related buzzwords aren‘t helpful. They‘re just annoying.

Let’s Circle Back: The Most-Hated Office Jargon in 2025

Tired of corporate lingo? You‘re not alone. A new report breaks down which office phrases Americans wish would disappear for good.

Definition Detective Quiz #34

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

Why Is Easter Called “Easter”?

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

Why Is a Tariff Called a “Tariff”?

This word has taken a long linguistic journey to get to where it is today.

'Le Défenseur' by Honoré Daumier, circa the 1860s.

6 Common Terms That Mean Something Different in Courtrooms

‘Toll,’ ‘information,’ and other legal terms you use all the time—just not the way lawyers do.

Why Do We Call a Dollar a “Buck”?

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

Why Do Cowboys Say “Yee-Haw”?

Even though it’s a classic cowboy trope, you have to wonder: Did cowboys actually say that popular phrase?

23 Hipster Baby Name Ideas From the Dictionary of Medieval Names

Stand out from all the Noras and the Liams out there by choosing a medieval name like Hainfroy or Queniva.

What’s the Difference Between a Bull and a Bear Market?

The economic terms get tossed around a lot these days, but one market is clearly better for investors.

Definition Detective Quiz #33

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

11 Suffixes That Gave Us New (And Often Terrible) Words

Here are some word endings that have become productive to varying degrees.

The Peppy ’80s Song “Vamos a la Playa” Was Actually About Nuclear War

The lyric “Vamos a la playa, todos con sombrero / El viento radiactivo, despeina los cabellos” translates to “Let’s go to the beach, everyone in a sombrero / The radioactive wind, messes up the hair.”

Where Does the Phrase ‘Going to Hell in a Handbasket’ Come From?

A popular myth says that the phrase originated due to the use of the guillotine during French Revolution—but here’s the real deal.

15 Memorable Slang Terms From the Vietnam War

Military slang grew by leaps and bounds during the Vietnam War. Here are some terms worth knowing.

Passengers aren’t always referred to as passengers.

Why Do We Refer to Airplane and Ship Passengers as ‘Souls’?

Hearing the phrase ‘souls on board’ usually portends bad news. Why do we use it?

Real estate terminology can get confusing.

50 of the Most Common Real Estate Terms, Explained

Real estate has a language all its own. We’ve simplified it for you.

Definition Detective Quiz #32

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