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Mental Floss

Language - Page 57 of 87

One historical definition of ‘whereas’ is ‘preamble.’ But that’s probably not the one you’re looking for.
Ellen Gutoskey|
The Bronx’s appellative history began with Jonas Bronck, an intrepid Swedish settler who didn't even live there for that long.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Merriam-Webster added 455 terms to the dictionary in October 2021. Notable entries include 'dad bod,' 'super-spreader,' and 'fluffernutter.'
Michele Debczak|
Merriam-Webster added 455 terms to the dictionary in October 2021. Notable entries include 'dad bod,' 'super-spreader,' and 'fluffernutter.'
Michele Debczak|
From orb to ghost box, these are the terms to learn before embarking on a paranormal investigation—or binge-watching your favorite ghost-hunting show.
Michele Debczak|
In the two weeks after the debut of ‘Squid Game’ on Netflix, Duolingo reported a significant increase in new users learning Korean.
Ellen Gutoskey|
The difference between jealousy and envy comes down to what’s motivating your feelings—but there’s often overlap.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Googling “how to spell Hawaii” is a lot harder when you don’t know how to spell ‘Hawaii.’ But people are doing their best.
Ellen Gutoskey|
‘More than’ or ‘more then’ isn’t a matter of opinion. But there was a time when they were interchangeable.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Should you use ‘disinterested’ or ‘uninterested’? It depends on the context, the era, and how much you care about the grammar sticklers in your life.
Ellen Gutoskey|
The figurative meaning of ‘spitting image’ couldn’t be clearer. The literal meaning depends on which linguist you ask.
Ellen Gutoskey|
It’s time to let the cat out of the bag: English isn’t alone in featuring cats in its idioms. In languages from all over the world, expressions of all kinds are enhanced by the mention of our feline friends.
Laura Nagle|
Despite its reputation as a learned language of science, religion, and philosophy, ancient Latin was in fact a rough-and-ready language full of strikingly frank insults designed to cut to the bone.
Keith Johnston|
The tongue-in-cheek—and superstitious—saying "break a leg" has several possible origins in the theater world.
Michele Debczak|
Affect or effect? These examples—and a grammar hack from TikTok—will help you remember the difference.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Semicolon-versus-colon is one of the most fearsome face-offs in the grammar game. Here’s how to come out on top.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Insure and ensure started out as alternate spellings of the same word, but today they have slightly different definitions.
Michele Debczak|
Calling all Latin teachers and classics scholars: this is the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” cover of your dreams.
Ellen Gutoskey|
There’s a reason why “Every of my feet” sounds so wrong, and why “Almost each foot” is equally weird.
Ellen Gutoskey|
Many a teacher has reinforced the grammar rule that ‘may’ is for asking permission—not ‘can.’ But there’s a little more to it than that.
Ellen Gutoskey|
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