LANGUAGE

Why Do We Call It a ‘Cottage Industry’?

The term is often applied to everything from Etsy shops to trendy businesses. But what does ‘cottage industry’ really mean?

There are way more digits in pi than you probably realize.

How to Memorize Pi if You’re a Word Person

Pi Day offers something for the math-lover and baked-goods lover. What about the word lover? Here are some tips and tricks for memorizing the digits of pi with words.

René Descartes contemplates his famous conclusion: Cogito ergo sum.

‘Cogito Ergo Sum’: The Genesis and Meaning of René Descartes’s Famous Declaration

Dive into the philosophical questions that prompted René Descartes to come up with his famous phrase, “I think therefore I am.”

The Korean ideophone 쿨쿨 (pronounced “kul-kul”) indicates the deep breathing of a restful slumber.

15 Effortlessly Evocative Korean Ideophones

English speakers may be familiar with onomatopoeias, but they’re only a very small subset of ideophones, a broader word class can also convey other sensory experiences unrelated to sound. These Korean ideophones are sure to make your language sparkle.

Why Do We Call Them ‘Dumbbells’?

The popular piece of workout gear has a pretty insulting name, and it's all thanks to a poet and scholar.

It's easy to pinpoint how the Baby Boomer generation got its name.

How Do Generations Get Their Names?

Creating generation names like the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z isn't always a straightforward process.

‘50s Slang: 21 Ginchy Terms You Should Know

Curious about 1950s slang? Learn about beatniks, backseat bingo, and other popular terms that captured the spirit of the era.

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet made teaching sign language his mission in life.

The Listener: Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the Father of American Sign Language

When a minister and law student met a little girl named Alice, he became determined to help her communicate with the world.

Why Do We Scream “Geronimo” When Jumping Out of Airplanes?

Uncover why people yell “Geronimo!” when they jump—and what it has to do with a beer-fueled boast.

Slang can be useful. It can also be annoying.

‘Wicked Frickin’ Cringe’: The 10 Most Loved (And Most Hated) American Slang Words

Some American slang is frickin' great. Others can be cringe. Real talk.

From adharcáilí to stríocálaí, these Irish words are delightful.

28 Weird and Wonderful Irish Words

To English speakers, Irish is a tough language to master. But that doesn't mean you shouldn’t give it a try.

Jake Gyllenhaal stars in (another) 'Road House' (2024).

Movie Remake vs. Reboot: What's the Difference?

Pain don't hurt, but trying to understand the difference between remakes and reboots can.

What Does the Irish Word ‘Craic’ Mean?

Here’s everything you need to know about the meaning, origin, and evolution of the Irish word ‘craic.’

22 Slang Terms for Money

Explore the colorful world of slang terms for money, from ‘bacon’ to ‘moolah’ and beyond.

The origin of ‘a piece of cake’ comes from actual cake.

The Origins of 10 Food Phrases

From ‘piece of cake’ to ‘the apple of my eye,’ these food-related phrases have fascinating histories.

In Norway, ‘Texas’ Is Slang for ‘Crazy’

Norway may not seem to have much in common with Texas, but when Norwegians want to express how wild and outrageous something is, they go straight for this state-based euphemism.

At least the Grim Reaper has some scenic stomping grounds.

The Macabre Origins of 10 Idioms About Death

You may want to know the ghoulish beginnings of these well-known death idioms before you shuffle off this mortal coil, kick the bucket, or get laid out in lavender.

Dog and pony shows were once all the rage.

The Entertaining History of Dog and Pony Shows

When people talk about a dog and pony show today, they usually mean a flashy presentation or event that's all about appearances, with little real substance. But where does this phrase come from, and what's its history?

An interior view of Paris’s morgue in the 19th century.

The Surprising Origin of the Word ‘Morgue’

Uncover the origins of the term ‘morgue’ in 18th-century Paris—and the morgue’s transformation from a place of spectacle to medical institute.

17 Irish Sayings You Should Know

Discover the vibrant Irish culture through its language and slang. Learn key phrases to use on St. Paddy’s Day and beyond, from ‘craic’ and ‘sláinte’ to ‘céad míle fáilte’ and ‘may the road rise up to meet you.’

'Mary Poppins' Gets a New UK Film Rating Over Discriminatory Language

The classic 1964 film earned a stronger classification thanks to two uses of a racial slur.

The historic—and historical—grand opening of New York City's Brooklyn Bridge in May 1883.

Historic vs. Historical: What’s the Difference (And Which Should I Use)?

Learn when to use historic vs. historical in English language. Find out the differences and similarities between the two terms.

Canines have inspired all kinds of words—and they’re not the only animals to have done so.

15 Common Words Inspired by Animals

Animals have always been important to the lives and livelihoods of humans, so it’s no wonder they've left a mark on language.

Veni, Vidi, Vici: The True Origin of Julius Caesar’s Famous Proclamation

With his catchphrase ‘veni, vidi, vici,’ Julius Caesar was saying much more than simply “I came, I saw, I conquered."

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