Words

All cheesecake is delicious. So why should you opt for New York-style over any other kind?

Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 2023 premiere of 'FUBAR,' season 1.

The Arnold Schwarzenegger–starring Netflix series takes its title from World War II military slang. Here’s what 'fubar' means.

The words we use for family members in English are specific about some things, but vague about others. These words will help fill in the gaps.

Here’s the invisible etymology that turned Johns into Jacks.

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

Here’s a hint: It has a little something to do with hunting.

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

If you see a knight wearing a gauntlet, pray he keeps it on.

A knight throwing down his glove in Medieval Europe meant serious business.

The etymology of the ironworking tool comes with a slight twist.

The lore behind America's favorite ballpark snack is pretty fascinating.

Discover the curious origins of America’s favorite ballpark snack and why it’s called a “hot dog” to begin with. (Spoiler: It doesn’t involve any literal dog meat.)

Their etymologies, unearthed.

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

Despite the name, it’s completely alcohol-free.

This classic American soda started as a brewed tea made from a potentially toxic plant.

Can you guess which word’s spelling your state needs to double-check?

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

From famous musicians to literary landmarks to mythological figures—and beyond.

All over the world, people use the terms 'England,' 'Great Britain,' and the 'United Kingdom’ interchangeably, even though they all mean different things.

“Penelope Cholmondely raised her azure eyes from the crabbed scenario” is just the beginning.

Current baby name trends are here to stay.

Check out the top baby names of 2024 and their meanings.

One theory says it comes from an Irish word; another says we have the ancient Romans to thank. But the joke is on those theories, because the real story is more complicated than that.

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

The rule has a little something to do with word order.

You know this rule, even if you don’t know you know it.

‘Pulling out all the stops’ means that someone is holding nothing back and making every conceivable effort to do or accomplish something. But where did the phrase come from? Pipe organs have a little something to do with it.

Why Is It Called “New York-Style” Cheesecake?

What Does ‘Fubar’ Mean?

11 Little-Known Words for Specific Family Members

Why Is ‘Jack’ a Nickname for ‘John’?

Definition Detective Quiz #42

Definition Detective Quiz #41

Where Did the Phrase ‘Beat Around the Bush’ Come From?

Definition Detective Quiz #40

Why Do We Say “Throw Down the Gauntlet”?

Why Is It Called a “Spud Wrench”?

Why Is It Called a “Hot Dog”?

The Multi-Faceted Origins of 12 Birthstone Names

Definition Detective Quiz #39

How Did Root Beer Get Its Name?

The Most Commonly Misspelled Word in Each State

Definition Detective Quiz #38

12 Distant Places in the Solar System (And What They’re Named After)

What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the UK?

Would You Have Passed This 1920s Pronunciation Test?

Why Do We Say “Uncle” When Admitting Defeat?

Definition Detective Quiz #37

The Odd Grammar Rule Most English Speakers Know But Are Rarely Taught

Where Does the Expression ‘Pull Out All the Stops’ Come From?