Words

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

Calling police officers “cops” dates to the 19th century.

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’

Here’s where the word ‘biopic’ came from, how to say it right, and why so many people say it wrong.

Some words you use pretty often actually came from the names of people.

In the latest episode of The List Show, we’re covering some eponyms you might not have realized were eponyms, from ‘mesmerize’ to ‘pants.’

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

You’re a few words away from being able to order a caipirinha with confidence.

Here’s how to say everything from liquors like cachaça to brands like Moët.

Some words seem like they must come from the same source—but they don’t.

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.

Deadbolts are a pretty good theft deterrent.

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.

The cocoon is on the left and the chrysalis is on the right.

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

Here’s how scientists and other credible sources pronounce the planet Uranus’s name.

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

Everyone hates something. And there’s probably a word for that.

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?

The phrase can be traced back to a Romantic poet.

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.

If you have a hard time pronouncing croissant, you‘re not alone.

A pickleball paddle and ball on a court.

Forget what you’ve heard about a dog—here’s the real story behind the origins of the name ‘pickleball.’

Veggies and Green Goddess dressing are a delicious combination.

Yes, it’s green, but eating it may not make you feel like a health goddess.

Hundreds and hundreds of facts are in this picture.

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?

Crunchy. Leafy. Exploding with flavor. (Just kidding.)

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

Definition Detective Quiz #49

Why Are Police Officers Called “Cops”?

You’re Probably Mispronouncing ‘Biopic’—Here’s Why

5 Common Terms You Didn’t Know Were Named After People

Definition Detective Quiz #48

14 Alcoholic Drink Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Why Is It Called a “Deadbolt”?

25 Words That Don’t Mean What They Used To

Chrysalis vs. Cocoon vs. Pupa: What’s the Difference?

The Right Way to Pronounce ‘Uranus,’ According to Experts

Definition Detective Quiz #47

11 Words for People Who Hate Certain Things

Why Is It Called a “Sledgehammer”?

Definition Detective Quiz #46

Where Does the Term ‘The Birds and The Bees’ Come From?

25 Foreign Words With Hilarious Literal Meanings

The 10 Word Pronunciations People Are Searching for Most

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

Why Is It Called “Green Goddess” Dressing?

Mental Floss’s 2026 Desk Calendars Are for Word Nerds and Fact Fans of All Kinds

Definition Detective Quiz #45

Definition Detective Quiz #44

Why Is It Called “Iceberg” Lettuce?