WORDS

Why Is It Called a 'Semi Truck'?

The names ‘18-wheeler,’ ‘big rig,’ and ‘tractor-trailer’ aptly convey the size and scope of the vehicle. ‘Semi’ seems a little misleading. What gives?

Why Do We Say 'Have a Chip on Your Shoulder'?

What does ‘chip on your shoulder’ mean? These days, nothing literal. But actual chips and shoulders used to be involved.

Frosty the Snowman knows the words for winter from many languages.

14 Words for Winter From Around the World

Take a moment to enjoy the advent of the colder months by curling up with these 14 words for winter from around the world.

Where vs. Whereas: When to Use Each One Correctly

One historical definition of ‘whereas’ is ‘preamble.’ But that’s probably not the one you’re looking for.

20 Words Merriam-Webster Is Adding to the Dictionary in 2021

Merriam-Webster added 455 terms to the dictionary in October 2021. Notable entries include 'dad bod,' 'super-spreader,' and 'fluffernutter.'

20 Words Merriam-Webster Is Adding to the Dictionary in 2021

Merriam-Webster added 455 terms to the dictionary in October 2021. Notable entries include 'dad bod,' 'super-spreader,' and 'fluffernutter.'

Reference these terms on your next ghost hunt.

15 Terms Every Ghost Hunter Should Know

From orb to ghost box, these are the terms to learn before embarking on a paranormal investigation—or binge-watching your favorite ghost-hunting show.

America’s 25 Most Misspelled State Names (And Their Most Common Misspellings)

Googling “how to spell Hawaii” is a lot harder when you don’t know how to spell ‘Hawaii.’ But people are doing their best.

If you're writing a conditional statement, then you should use then.

Then vs. Than: When to Use Which

‘More than’ or ‘more then’ isn’t a matter of opinion. But there was a time when they were interchangeable.

Disinterested vs. Uninterested: What’s the Difference?

Should you use ‘disinterested’ or ‘uninterested’? It depends on the context, the era, and how much you care about the grammar sticklers in your life.

Trying to Google a Word You Can't Remember? There's a Trick for That

It is possible to Google search a phrase, song lyric, or movie title if you don't remember an important keyword.

Traffic Citation vs. Ticket: What's the Difference?

Getting a traffic ticket can be an expensive mistake. But is there a difference between a ticket and a citation? And what about a warning?

11 Illuminating Secrets of Paleographers

Paleographers know exactly why your dog might get weirdly excited if you whip out a medieval manuscript.

Where Do We Get the Term Spitting Image?

The figurative meaning of ‘spitting image’ couldn’t be clearer. The literal meaning depends on which linguist you ask.

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The Differences Between the Terms Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx, Explained

Understanding how and why these terms referring to rich cultural and geographical identities are used—and why they're not—is important.

Hopefully this article will have a positive effect on your grammar skills.

Affect vs. Effect: How to Use Each Word Correctly

Affect or effect? These examples—and a grammar hack from TikTok—will help you remember the difference.

Corn teen, corn teen, corn teen, corn teeeeeeen.

Quarantine or Corn Teen? The Most Misspelled Word in Each State

You’ve heard of ‘bone apple tea,’ ‘die of beaties,’ and ‘Feyonce.’ Now, get ready for … ‘corn teen.’

Chow Mein vs. Lo Mein: What’s the Difference?

Chow mein and lo mein are made from the same ingredients, but there is a difference between the two Chinese noodle dishes.

She's ready to captivate her classmates with a rousing debate on each vs. every.

Each vs. Every: What’s the Difference?

There’s a reason why “Every of my feet” sounds so wrong, and why “Almost each foot” is equally weird.

"May I please use can when asking permission to do something?"

Can vs. May: When to Use Each Term

Many a teacher has reinforced the grammar rule that ‘may’ is for asking permission—not ‘can.’ But there’s a little more to it than that.

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11 Old Words and Phrases for Depression

From black-dog to wiffle-woffles, here are some words and phrases that have been used to describe depression over the ages.

The Most Distinctive Business Jargon Used in Each State

From ‘make hay’ to ‘peel the onion,’ here are the phrases each state’s corporate community just can’t quit.

What’s the Scratch in Made From Scratch?

Whoever started 'from scratch’ didn’t actually do it in the kitchen—and ‘scratch’ has nothing to do with clawing ingredients together with your bare hands.

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56 Delightfully Unusual Words for Everyday Things

From 'asportation' to 'nicknackatory' to 'yex,' these old, delightfully unusual words are ones you'll want to use regularly.

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