Mental Floss

WORDS

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Why call someone an idiot when you can say they're as stupid as a suitcase without a handle? Here's a round-up of French insults you should know.

Davy Diamant
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It’s possible to get the pants from too much honeyfuggling. Spark some conversation with these vintage and regional terms.

Erin McCarthy




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In February 1919, just a few months after World War 1 ended, a story appeared in the UK's Manchester Guardian called “World War No. 2.”

Meredith Danko




A degree in lexicography can actually hurt your chances of getting the job.

A degree in lexicography can actually hurt your chances of getting the job. Here are some more secrets from the people behind the dictionary.

Michele Debczak








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Ever wonder how a street got its name? Well New York doesn't only have the common street names like "20th street" as everyone assumes, here are eight NYC street names and their history.

Claudia Dimuro


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Planning a trip to Scotland? Have a swatch below and you'll have a much better chance of understanding the Scots language—or at least its naughtier side. Yaldi!

Robbie Copeland




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Joe Gillard, creator of History Hustle, has assembled some of history’s best bon mots in 'The Little Book of Lost Words: Collywobbles, Snollygosters, and 86 Other Surprisingly Useful Terms Worth Resurrecting.'

Erin McCarthy


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Even if Latin is considered a dead language, it’s everywhere. And now, you can learn a little more of it on Duolingo, who just came up with new Latin words for decidedly modern things.

Erin McCarthy