WORDS

Think ‘human’ was created by slapping ‘hu-’ on ‘man’? Think again: ‘Man’ and ‘human’ aren’t related at all—and they’re just one example of words that seem like they must be linked, but turn out to have nothing in common once you dig into their etymology.

Our favorite type of door lock has a somewhat morbid name.

It’s to be expected that the words we use will change and develop over time. In some instances, these developments can lead to words gaining new meanings entirely different from their original ones.

Confused about pupae, chrysalises, and cocoons? Discover the key differences between these metamorphic terms.

The favorite tool of HGTV hosts, explained.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Birds and bees get all the action—and Samuel Taylor Coleridge was jealous. Here are the possible origins of the euphemistic phrase.

Beware of "paper vampires" and "ghost breath"! There‘s a lot that can be lost—and found—in translation.

Our Amazing Facts 2026 calendar features fun facts from all areas, while the Word Nerd 2026 calendar is especially for language lovers.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Let’s explore the origins of America's most disrespected lettuce.