LANGUAGE

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."

5-Letter Words Ending in ‘T’ to Help You Improve Your Wordle Skills

Here are scores of words ending in ‘T’ that have never been the Wordle solution (yet).

People don‘t really carry their belongings on sticks.

The Possible Origins of 7 Odd Visual Clichés

Why do we expect bankrupt people to wear barrels, or bank robbers to carry money bags marked with dollar signs? Discover the origins of these odd visual clichés.

McDonald's has tried on dozens of slogans over the years.

14 Fast Food Slogans You Probably Forgot All About

From "Where's Herb?" to "We Speak Fish," these fast food slogans didn't withstand the test of time.

You’ll want to work these Scottish slang terms into conversation.

Scottish Slang: 13 Terms You Should Know

Curious about Scottish slang? Learn the meanings of terms like ‘git awa’ and bile yer heid’ and impress your friends on your next visit to Scotland.

Crash Blossoms: 17 Funny News Headlines That Make No Sense

From “Milk Drinkers Turn to Powder” to “Indian Ocean Talks,” these funny news headlines will make you say, “Wait, what?”

5-Letter Words Ending in ‘O’ to Help You Improve Your Wordle Skills

Here are dozens of words ending in ‘O’ that have never been the Wordle solution (yet).

Welcome to the land of pub subs and snowbirds.

13 Fun Florida Slang Terms You Should Know

From pub sub to snowbird, here's the slang you need to know to sound like a local in the Sunshine State.

Slim Jim Light Bulb Commercial (Macho Man Randy Savage) (1996)

‘Oooh Yeah’: How Everyone Learned to ‘Snap Into a Slim Jim’

Discover the fascinating origins of the phrase “snap into a Slim Jim,” plus learn how the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage got his start with the tangy snack, which was a barfly favorite back in the 1940s.

Left to right: Cillian Murphy, Saoirse Ronan, and Domhnall Gleeson.

30 Irish Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Learn how to pronounce ‘Saoirse,’ ‘Cillian,’ and other tricky Irish names.

5-Letter ‘S’ Words to Help You Improve Your Wordle Skills

Here are scores of words that start with ‘S’ that have never been the Wordle solution (yet).

Presidents Day vs. President’s Day vs. Presidents’ Day: Which One Is It?

The apostrophe in Presidents Day—or President's Day or Presidents's Day—is all over the place ... or nowhere to be found at all.

15 Kitchen Slang Terms You May Know From ‘The Bear’

From 'yes, chef’ to ‘eighty-six,’ we’ve decoded restaurant kitchen lingo with help from a professional chef.

Why Do We Say ‘Sweat Like a Pig’?

Swine don‘t really sweat much. So why do we associate them with being nervous?

5-Letter Words Ending in ‘E’ to Help You Improve Your Wordle Skills

Here are scores of words ending in ‘E’ that have never been the Wordle solution (yet).

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