Words

Learn what the idiom means, where it started, when to use it, and how to tell if your ducks are in a row.

Regency era society papers transformed drawing room whispers into widely read public news, similar to 'Bridgerton's' all-knowing Lady Whistledown.

The Gen Z slang term "touch grass" might have a deeper meaning.

How fast can you name all 26 words in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet? This quiz will put your knowledge and speed to the test.

Speech bubbles with the words “dude” and “legit” in them.

From “dude” to “legit,” these terms and sayings date back much farther than you might realize.

There’s a two-part history to the origins of why we call pants a “pair” when it’s only one item of clothing. We explore the interesting background here.

Everything you need to know about where the term came from and how we use it today.

If you’ve been too embarrassed to ask the Gen Alpha kids in your life, here’s a rundown of what “skibidi” means and where it came from.

You’re not really wishing someone a good ‘bye.’ ‘Bye’ is just an abbreviation—and ‘good’ is sort of a mistake.

Two text bubble with the acronyms “SMH” and “ISTG”

In case you aren’t caught up with the latest—or most classic—online lingo, here are 20 internet acronyms explained.

The history behind the popular acronym and what it really means to rsvp.

An image of a person talking next to an image of a “winter weather ahead” sign

You’re far from the only one who does it, so why do we resort to weather when making small talk?

Everything you need to know about the Gen Z buzzword, including its origins and when to use it.

A speech bubble with the word “money” in it

You might be surprised to learn that many words have origins from ancient Greek and Roman mythological creatures. Here are 12 examples.

Before we used the internet, these words meant something else entirely. Read on to learn the original meaning of 10 everyday internet terms.

What you call a carbonated beverage might say more about your zip code than your taste buds.

A speech bubble with the words “that’s woke” inside.

Where the word “woke” came from and how it’s used today.

Winter is here—and if the bad weather catches up with you, you might find these words indispensable.

We’re giving you permission to disobey your stodgy old high school English teacher.

New data shows the most difficult Wordle games to figure out this year.

A speech bubble with the term “boreout syndrome” in it

If you work in a corporate setting, it’s likely you’ve heard these terms tossed around this year.

Chances are you’ve heard some of these terms over the past year—whether you understood what they meant or not.

He would never mix up the below phrases.

Is it bald faced lie, or bold faced lie? Coming down the pike? Or pipe? Coleslaw, or cold slaw?

These familiar words and sayings, such as ableism, couch potato, and more, aren’t as old as you might think.

The Literal Meaning of "Ducks in a Row," Explained

How Gossip Columns Actually Worked in the Regency Era

Why Do We Tell People to "Go Touch Grass?"

Quiz: Can You Name All 26 Words in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet in Under 5 Minutes?

20 Slang Words and Phrases That Are Much Older Than You’d Think

Why Do We Call It a “Pair” of Pants?

If You Still Don't Know, Let's Explain the Meaning of the Term "Simp"

Okay, Fine, We’ll Explain it: Here’s What “Skibidi” Means

What Does ‘Goodbye’ Actually Mean?

From “SYBAU” to “SMH,” Here’s What 20 Common Internet Acronyms Mean

You've Responded Countless Times, but What Does RSVP Actually Stand For?

The Psychology Behind Why We Discuss the Weather as Small Talk

Why Everyone Is Saying "Cooked" and What It Actually Means

15 Words Derived From Mythological Creatures—From “Money” to “Cereal”

The Unexpected History Behind 10 Everyday Internet Terms

Is it Pop, Soda, or Coke? Your State-by-State Guide to the United States of Soft Drinks

You Hear It All the Time, But What Does “Woke” Actually Mean?

10 Old-Timey Words For Winter Ailments

6 Grammar Rules You Can Totally Break

The 10 Toughest Wordle Puzzles of 2025—And the States That Struggled Most

The 10 Most Popular Workplace Buzzwords in 2025—Explained

From “Unc” to “Chopped,” Explaining the Most Viral Slang Terms of the Year

15 Phrases True Grammar Nerds Would Never Confuse

20 Everyday Words and Phrases Turning 50 in 2026