Words

Learn a fun fact about each of the most popular languages in the world.

We have many games to while away long days, but where do words like 'poker' and 'hopscotch' come from? Here are the etymological origins of 11 popular games.

What do you think these Anglo-Saxon warriors are talking about?

Old English had a rich array of inventive and intriguing words, many of which have either long since dropped out of use or were replaced.

Norwegian moviegoers had no idea what they were in for with 'Airplane!' (1980).

If you wanted to market a comedy in Norway in the 1970s and 1980s, you needed the Hjelp formula.

‘Coger’ and the other terms on this list mean something very different in Spain than they do in other hispanophone countries.

The names were put into one of six different categories: ancestral, occupational, geographical, toponymic (or place name), personal characteristics, and patronage.

‘Burnt’ and ‘burned’ are both acceptable, but they serve different purposes (at least, they do in American English).

The close quarters of those serving together in war is a perfect Petri dish for slang. From ‘FUBAR’ to ‘fobbit,’ here are some military slang terms you should know (plus, why the military uses so many acronyms, anyway).

Ah, the classic initialism for the classic phrase 'Pardon me, you must have mistaken me for someone who gives a damn.'

The FBI’s 2014 list of internet acronyms and shorthand will have you LWP (laughing with passion).

The origins of these animals’ names may surprise you.

‘Hippopotamus’ is Latin for “river-horse,” which makes sense for these semiaquatic mammals. The origins of some other animal names aren’t quite as literal.

It’s hardly the most complimentary turn of phrase, but rug rat has been a slang term for children for more than half a century.

Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright), once referred to as a "sweet summer child."

From mullet to bucket list, these terms from pop culture are newer than you may have assumed.

George Everest gave his name, if not the pronunciation of it, to Mount Everest.

'Flash in the pan' doesn't mean a literal fire in a pan. But good guess.

The phrase used to describe a has-been reality star or trend originated on the battlefield.

Discover the meanings and origins behind 10 of the most popular bits of Generation Alpha slang, from “skibidi” to “rizz” (and everything in between).

Drawing from Norse mythology, these classic Viking names are associated with strength, war, valor and lots of weaponry.

We have Shakespeare to thank for a whole bunch of words.

Shakespeare is often given credit with coining more than a thousand words. How many of them do you know?

Which ones will you start using in conversation?

If you’ve ever needed a word for a piece of bread eaten just after a bath, or a term for an unpleasant choice between three options, you’re in luck.

Despite his many contributions to English literature, surprisingly little is known about William Shakespeare's life. Here’s what we do know about the celebrated actor, poet, and playwright.