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“Placebo” vs. “Nocebo”: The Good And The Bad

Surely, you’ve heard of placebo before. Wait, no … not that Placebo … not the late ’90s British band. We mean the dummy drug that, despite not having any pharmacological property, can still make you feel better—pretty much like the rock band, right? Well, you might not know that placebo has an evil twin. Its name is nocebo, and it’s the bad guy. At first …

What Is “Mistletoe” And Why Do We Kiss Under It?

If you celebrate Christmas, it’s likely that at some point this season you’ll find yourself puckering up under a mistletoe branch. What is this tradition of kissing under a plant all about? And does the name have anything to do with human toes? What is mistletoe? Mistletoe is a plant that grows parasitically on trees. Mistletoe can cause Witches’-broom, a symptom of a disease that …

“Pagan” vs. “Wicca”: What Is The Difference?

In the 1950s, a new spiritual and nature-focused religion started to gain steam. It was deemed wicca, and its followers called wiccans. For people on the outside looking in, there was the possibility for some confusion on what, exactly, wiccans practiced—including how it related to paganism. Which draws the question: are you pagan if you’re wicca? Someone who is wiccan follows “a nature-oriented religion having …

“Monolith” vs. “Megalith”: What’s The Difference?

Recently, journalists and social media users were fascinated by large hunks of metal referred to as monoliths suddenly appearing and just as suddenly disappearing around the world. Yet another monolith has appeared on a beach in England https://t.co/1kB7Pz5Bgq pic.twitter.com/huUwolhYCF — Mashable (@mashable) December 11, 2020 While it seems that these mysterious objects may just be part of some publicity stunt or marketing scheme, they’ve inspired …

What Is The “War On Christmas”?

Christmastime. A festive season for family, food … and warfare? What does the war on Christmas mean? Perhaps, you’re familiar with the “War on Christmas” that’s been raging over the last several years. It stems from the radical belief that inclusivity—that honors other holidays, like Hanukkah, and accounts for those who don’t celebrate Christmas—is overshadowing traditional American values. The provocative phrase has been linked to figures …

The People’s Choice 2020 Word Of The Year: 2020 Was A $#@#%%$@!

… and the people have spoken! We’ve tallied the thousands of responses we received for our People’s Choice 2020 Word of the Year, and the results are, well, unprecedented. That’s right, the top submission was unprecedented, just edging our own official selection for Word of the Year, pandemic. Is it just us, or are we sensing a pattern here? Now, we know many of you …

“That” vs. “Which”: When Do You Use Each?

To understand when to use that and when to use which, it’s important to keep in mind the difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses. In formal American English, that is used in restrictive clauses, and which is used in nonrestrictive clauses. Not sure what that means? Let’s find out! How do you use that? A restrictive clause contains information that limits the meaning of a noun …

“Crow” vs. “Raven”: Do You Know The Difference?

When the leaves change and we head into fall, you’ll notice some common pieces of autumnal decor that pop up across houses: pumpkins, bales of hay, and scarecrows to keep away ominous black birds. But are these ravens or crows that we’re traditionally guarding against? Or are those just two names for the same type of bird? Let’s take a closer look. What is a …

Is “Noel” The Same Thing As “Christmas”?

Christmas is a Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Most Christians celebrate the holiday on December 25. (Fun fact: it is actually celebrated on January 7 in the Orthodox Church due to the use of a different calendar.) Everyone knows this holiday as Christmas, right? But did you know there’s also another name for it? First, what does …

Is It True “W” Can Be Used As A Vowel?

A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y … and W? Yes, the letter W can behave as a vowel. It’s time to level up your Scrabble game, people. And, to all our grade-school peeps out there, get ready to knock the socks off your spelling teacher. First, what is a vowel? A, E, I, O, U, Y, and, as we’ll see, W, are called vowels, but let’s …

How Do You Spell Chanukah (Or Is It Hanukkah)?

Chanukah, Hannukah, Hannukkah, and Channukah. Why is this Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, spelled in so many ways? The right way to spell Hanukkah The answer comes down to transliteration. Unlike translation, transliteration is when you “change (letters, words, etc.) into corresponding characters of another alphabet or language.” In Hebrew, the language from which the Jewish festival’s name originates, the word for Hanukkah …

“Nauseated” vs. “Nauseous”: Which One To Use When You’re Feeling Sick

Nauseous and nauseated originally had different definitions. In current common usage, though, the words have evolved to become practically interchangeable. Let’s explore the differences between the two a bit closer. What does nauseous mean? The word nauseous describes “something that causes a feeling of nausea or disgust.” Here’s an example: “The nauseous odor made the boy feel sick.” In this sentence, the word nauseous …

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Where Does The Name “Saturday” Come From?

As the first full day of the weekend in the standard Western work week, Saturday means different things to different people. Freedom from school or work, for some, and the perfect day for parties for others. And then there are those who take the day to do absolutely nothing and not feel guilty about it. Though you’re probably already familiar with the vibes that come …

Words You Need To Know To Watch The Classic Holiday Movies

Along with presents and beautifully decorated trees, the holidays deliver the blessing of movies that are part of many family traditions! From Miracle on 34th Street to Elf, these are the movies we watch over and over again every holiday season. (Ready for that Christmas Story marathon? We are!) These beloved classics are chockablock with dialogue we have heard so many times … but do we …

Is “Cheesecake” Really A Cake?

A cake can turn any common gathering into a celebration. Simply offering cake can turn an event into a party, and the word itself evokes happy memories of birthdays, weddings, and other festivities (though the phrase let them eat cake has quite a different connotation). Yet what you should expect to see when someone says there will be cake is somewhat up in the air … …

“Alligator” vs. “Crocodile”: Do You Know The Difference?

While enjoying a dip in the ocean, there’s one thing you definitely don’t want to see: a shark fin in the water. The same thing can be said about a dip in a lake or pond—only the creature you want to avoid happens to be a massive reptile instead. But is the animal who glides along the swampy waters with just its eyes showing a …

The Dictionary.com Word Of The Year For 2020 Is …

pandemic: life upended, language transformed 2020 has been, well, a lot. At Dictionary.com, the task of choosing a single word to sum up 2020—a year roiled by a public health crisis, an economic downturn, racial injustice, climate disaster, political division, and rampant disinformation—was a challenging and humbling one. But at the same time, our choice was overwhelmingly clear. From our perspective as documenters of the …

What Is Your Choice For The 2020 Word Of The Year?

We want to hear from you! We can’t predict what will unfold next in this unprecedented year, but you can help us sum up what happened so far in 2020. We’ve chosen pandemic as our Word of the Year, based on data, trends, cultural events, and our work as a dictionary this year. But, what word would you choose to describe 2020? Trust us: We …

Where Did The Strange Expression “Hair Of The Dog” Come From?

If you’ve woken up on New Year’s Day feeling as if you’d been hit by a truck, you may have sought a hangover remedy with an infamously odd name: the hair of the dog. Let’s take a look at where this name comes from. What does hair of the dog mean? A morning drink may be the last thing you want after a night of boozing, but that’s …

“Cost” vs. “Price”: How Much Is The Difference?

We love to talk about and compare the price of things. Maybe you remember the price of your favorite candy bar when you were a kid versus what its price is now. Or maybe you’ve had to take a good look at the cost of living in an expensive city. You’ve asked yourself, is it worth it? Can you afford it? When we start a new hobby …

What Are “Season’s Greetings”?

First, is it season’s greetings or seasons greetings? There’s nothing like sitting down to fill out the holiday cards and realizing you’re not quite sure what to do with your apostrophe. Do you wish your friends and family “season’s greetings”? Or, should it be “seasons’ greetings”? Maybe you can just bypass that pesky punctuation altogether? Hey, if you’re sloppy enough, the smudged ink might just …

“Grieve” vs. “Bereave”: What Is The Difference?

When you’re sad about the loss of a person, a pet, or even an item, it can feel like there are no words to describe those feelings. Emotions take over and melancholy sets in. But after that initial reaction, when the feelings start to subside, do you tell others you were grieving or bereaving that loss? Let’s explore the differences between these two mournful words. What does …

“Torturous” vs. “Tortuous”: What Is The Difference?

Separated by just one pesky letter, these two similar-sounding adjectives can be torturous to keep straight. Or is it tortuous? Let’s take a look at the definitions and applications of each. What does tortuous mean? Both torturous and tortuous come from the Latin verb torquere meaning “to twist.” This derivation is easy to detect in the meaning of tortuous, defined as “full of twists, turns, or bends.” …

“Quadragenarian” Or “Octogenarian”: What Is The Name For Your Decade Age?

Every time another birthday rolls around, the thrills become fewer and the anxiety about aging becomes greater. But don’t let those landmark decade birthdays get you down! Now you can whip out a new word every 10 years to describe yourself. You may not have heard these words used very often, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Try saying one (or all) of them …

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“Recuse” vs. “Resign”: What’s The Difference?

As with many legal and political terms, recuse and resign are often confused with each other. The differences between these terms are important to understand. What does recuse mean? To recuse means “to withdraw from performing legal duties because of potential bias or a conflict of interest.” This can apply to judges, jurors, lawyers, and so on, but it’s specific to the prejudice those individuals may exhibit. Although the …

Where Does “Sunday” Get Its Name From?

Sunday is the first day of the week, and it’s a day of rest before the start of the typical work week in many Western cultures. For some Christians and Catholics, it’s also the designated day for people to attend religious services in their Sunday best. The English name for Sunday, however, has nothing to do with its importance on the religious calendar. Whereas Wednesday …

“Corporal,” “General,” “Sergeant,” “Private”: What’s The Order Of The Military Ranks?

Growing up, most kids have that one friend with the incredibly strict parent. You know the one—the mom or dad who instills fear in everyone so that no one ever misbehaves around them, ever. There might also be a lot of yes ma’ams and no sirs involved. Well, it’s easy to joke that these parents are as strict as military officers. But in reality, not everyone …

“Dopamine” vs. “Serotonin”: The Difference Between These Happy Hormones

Bright and breezy? You’ve got serotonin to thank. Gloomy and grumpy? A big ol’ hug and a burst of oxytocin will perk you up. As it turns out, there’s a chemical side to happiness. Lifestyle factors and genetics certainly play a role in this—the latter accounting for 50 percent of your high spirits, research says. Still, how happy you are is dictated by a quartet …

“America The Beautiful” Lyrics You Probably Don’t Know

“America the Beautiful” isn’t the United States’s national anthem (that honor goes to “The Star-Spangled Banner”), but it’s arguably just as well loved. The song promotes the idea of a bountiful country with spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountains majesty, and a fruited plain. But do you know which scenic lands inspired author Katharine Lee Bates to write the immediately popular lyrics? Or, …

What Is In The Oath Of Office?

Like clockwork, we hear the presidential oath of office every four years. Thirty-five words that basically give the incoming Chief Executive the keys to the proverbial car. And the nuclear launch codes. The National Museum of American History says that Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution “requires that before presidents can assume their duties they must take the oath of office.” Once the incoming …

What Is The Difference Between “Equality” And “Equity”?

Children are often concerned with issues of fairness: who has more, who was first, and who is best. That’s not fair, they clamor at the first hint of any sort of inequality. Of course, some concepts related to equality can be difficult for children to grasp—but many of these concepts continue to pose thorny problems for us as adults making and enforcing policies and laws. …

Is “Exult” The Word You’ll Be Looking For After This Election?

As we celebrate the winter holidays and the ending of another year, one word always seems to get left off of the guest list: exult. Despite this, exult is as tough as its cousin resilient and keeps coming back for more. So, let’s clear the dance floor and shine the spotlight on exult and see what kind of a good time it brings to the …

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Words To Use To Explain Sex To Your Kids

Salt-N-Pepa would approve of this list. But even if their song is stuck in your head (you know you’re singing “Let’s talk about sex!” now) actually talking about sex is anything but easy. It’s overwhelming to have “the talk” with your kids, which is why experts suggest having an ongoing conversation on the topics of sex, consent, and reproduction as they grow instead of having …

“Hallowmas” vs. “All Saints’ Day”: What’s The Day After Halloween Actually Called?

Halloween is actually just the beginning of a string of otherworldly holidays. The tricks, treats, and customs of Halloween, now mostly secular, are based in part on ancient Celtic and Christian festivals. But did you know that the Halloween customs extend past October 31? In fact, the day after Halloween is a celebrated day in many parts of the world. What is All Saints’ Day? November …

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“Confident” vs. “Confidant”: What’s The Difference?

Before getting on stage to audition for the school play, Monica needed to believe in herself and reflect on her talent. But as she peeked out into the auditorium, where the judges were sitting, her self-esteem started to waver. At that point, was Monica feeling less confident than she was while singing in the shower? Or was she struggling to remain confidant? Or, what about confidante? …

Where Does The Word “Dracula” Come From?

What comes to your mind when you see or hear the word Dracula? Probably vampires, right? But what about ruthless Romanian royalty … or dragons? It’s time for the story of Dracula—the word. Where does the character Dracula come from? We dress up as vampires on Halloween and watch dramas like True Blood thanks in large part to Irish author Bram Stoker, whose 1897 Gothic …

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What Does The Name “Frankenstein” Actually Mean?

In 2012, as Halloween quickly approached, a Frankenstorm was sneaking up on the East Coast. Forecasters were calling the hurricane headed for New York, New Jersey, and as far inland as Ohio, “Frankenstorm” because (like the monster in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus) this storm was stitched together from three different weather systems, Hurricane Sandy from the Caribbean, a western early winter …

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What Is The Origin Of The Name “Monday”?

Nobody wants to come down with a case of the Mondays. But the second day of the week—and the first day of the traditional work week—doesn’t exactly have the best reputation. Monday isn’t named after an ancient, one-handed Norse god like Tuesday is, and it doesn’t take its name from a powerful god who fashioned the human race like Wednesday does. Monday does, however, reference …

“Democracy” vs. “Republic”: Is There A Difference?

You probably hear countries like the United States or France referred to as democracies. At the same time, you probably also hear both of these countries called republics. Is that possible? Are democracies and republics the same thing or different? We don’t blame you for confusing these two terms. With a major and heated US election underway, it’s the perfect time for some Government 101. …

“Empathy” vs. “Sympathy”: Which Word To Use And When

How are empathy and sympathy the same? The terms empathy and sympathy are often confused, and with good reason. Both of the words deal with the relationship a person has to the feelings and experiences of another person. So, let’s explore the differences between these terms and how they are most commonly used. Both sympathy and empathy have roots in the Greek term páthos meaning “suffering, feeling.” What …

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“Panic Attack” vs. “Anxiety Attack”: Which One Have You Had?

Ever been worried, apprehensive, or even panicky at times? Yes? We thought so. We all have. Suddenly, you feel a knot in your throat, your heart starts pounding, you’re short of breath, shaky, drenched in sweat, and a bit dizzy. Brace yourself. Your body’s fight-or-flight response is switched on and is quickly taking over. You are in survival mode. We hope there are no imminent dangers or …

What Does Mercury In Retrograde Mean?

You’re in an arbitrary fight with your best friend over a misunderstanding, you got a flat tire on the way to work, and an important document you needed got lost in the mail, never arriving at its intended destination. You might chalk this series of unfortunate events up to luck (or rather, lack thereof), but some may take it a step further and blame it …

Why Do We Say “Hello” And “Hi”?

We use hello several times a day to greet people or attract attention. But as prevalent as the word is, it is relatively new. Where does hello come from? While use of the term hello dates back earlier, it isn’t recorded with this exact spelling until the 1800s. Hello is considered a variant on a number of other similar words—like hallo, holla, and hollo—that were used to hail and …

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“Reeking” vs. “Wreaking”: What’s The Difference?

Does Godzilla wreak havoc or reek havoc? Reeking is a word that usually describes something with a bad smell. Wreaking refers to something that causes destruction or damage. So really, when it comes to Godzilla … it depends. Let’s examine the two homophones and learn why each refers to something different. What does reek mean? As a verb, reek means a few things. Most often, …

“Theory” vs. “Hypothesis”: What Is The Difference?

Chances are you’ve heard of the TV show The Big Bang Theory. Lots of people love this lighthearted sitcom for its quirky characters and their relationships, but others haven’t even given the series a chance for one reason: they don’t like science and assume the show is boring. However, it only takes a few seconds with Sheldon and Penny to disprove this assumption and realize …

What Are Context Clues?

When was the last time you ran across an unfamiliar word while reading? How did you decipher it? Chances are you may have used context clues of some kind—just like a beginning reader would. Faced with a sea of unfamiliar words, beginning readers learn many techniques for decoding words and expanding their vocabularies. Teachers use the term decoding to refer to the ability to see a written …

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Why Words like “Choice,” “Change,” and “Conversion” Can Harm LGBTQ People

by Rory Gory No matter your sexual orientation or gender identity, all people have something in common. There are many things in life that we can choose or change, such as how we decide to express ourselves, the relationships we commit to, or the dreams we pursue. And then there are things in life that happen to us whether or not we want them to: …

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“Magma” vs. “Lava”: Which Is Scarier?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever made an exploding volcano. For a lot of us, that volcano project was a key milestone of our science fair years. (And if you didn’t build it, chances are, one of your classmates definitely did.) As you might recall, the project requires a few key ingredients, including dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring. All of these are assembled …

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“Marketing” vs. “Advertising”: What’s The Difference?

We’re pretty sure we don’t have to point it out: advertising is everywhere. Your social media, internet, and email inbox are full of ads—and that’s because you are a consumer and therefore a target for marketing campaigns for everything from soft drinks to cars. Sometimes it’s hard to decipher what’s an ad and what’s not. From the influx of emails from retailers to the influencers …

“Intrusive” vs. “Obtrusive”: What’s The Difference?

Imagine this: one day, you look out your window and notice that the neighbors have installed a very large shed in their yard. If this shed blocks a view you previously enjoyed, would you describe it as intrusive or obtrusive? It’s natural to wonder. Intrusive and obtrusive both refer to something or someone who invades or is thrust into a situation in an unwelcome way. And …

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What’s The Difference Between A “Psychopath” And A “Sociopath”?

Think of your classic con artist: they lie, they’re manipulative, they don’t care about anyone else, and they lack remorse. Are these criminals psychopaths? Sociopaths? Both? People tend to think that a sociopath is a psychopath who doesn’t go around doing criminal things. Likewise, psycho remains shorthand for all kinds of deviant antisocial behavior, from stalking to murder. We’ve got some news for you. Despite …

What Is The Difference Between A “Llama” And An “Alpaca”?

Are these adorable shaggy mammals popping up across home goods, clothing, and toys llamas? Or are these sweet, fluffy creatures that people adore called alpacas? And what’s the difference between the two? Despite being commonly mixed up, llamas and alpacas are two distinct animals with several defining features. Let’s take a closer look. What is an alpaca? An alpaca is a domesticated mammal from South America. …

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What Is The Medical Term For People Who Shop Too Much?

It’s likely that you know someone who might be a shopaholic. Perhaps you think that she has a superhuman stamina for long lines, crowded malls, and late-night purchasing. Or perhaps you think he just doesn’t know when to quit, spending way past his budget. What is a shopaholic? Shopaholic is an informal term usually applied with humor. It dates back to the 1940s, when it emerged …

What’s The Difference Between Atheism And Agnosticism?

Studies have found that both atheists and agnostics are surprisingly knowledgable about a variety of religions. Which begs the commonly asked question: what is the difference between someone who defines themselves as “atheist” and a professed “agnostic?” Atheist vs. agnostic There is a key distinction. An atheist doesn’t believe in a god or divine being. The word originates with the Greek atheos, which is built from the …

Why Are A, E, I, O, U, And Y Called “Vowels”?

In elementary school, we all learned the vowels of the English language: A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y. Or, at least how we write them out, that is. But what makes a vowel a vowel? Vowels and consonants are two different categories of sounds that linguists use to better understand how speech sounds work. The study of the sounds that human beings can produce is called …

“Dissent” vs. “Protest”: Why Choosing The Right Word Matters

Demonstrations against racism and police brutality have put the words dissent and protest at the center of our vocabulary this year. Dictionary.com has seen a surge of interest in these words, which speak to their relevance to our current times. The death of George Floyd—a Black man who was killed after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes—has inspired worldwide protests that continue …

“Infamous” vs. “Notorious”: Which One Is Better?

Thanks to clicks, likes, and verified blue checkmarks, a person’s reputation can extend far beyond those who know them personally. For example, it’s widely known that Chris Evans is a real-life Captain America who holds doors open for people, and we all acknowledge that Beyoncé is a goddess among us mere mortals. Speaking of superpowers, before she passed away on September 18, 2020, Supreme Court …

What’s Wrong With The Word “Addict”?

The word addict has been around in English since at least the 1500s, adapted from the Latin addictus, meaning “assigned, surrendered.” But the way we talk about people with addiction is changing, and here at Dictionary.com, we’re changing along with it. In a major update to Dictionary.com, our lexicographers have replaced all instances of addict used as a noun with “a person addicted to” or …

Democrats And Republicans: Why Are They Donkeys And Elephants?

While the bald eagle is a national symbol for the United States, the two major political parties that govern it are often represented by two different animals: a donkey for the Democratic Party and an elephant for the Republican Party. These animals are commonly linked with these two parties in everything from political analysis to bumper stickers. Why these two animals, though? Why not an …

Are These COVID-19 Words The Worst To Come Out Of The Pandemic?

What a year 2020 has been—and it’s not even over yet! With any new global event, new words tend to pop up, for better or worse, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. We know many of the world’s greatest debates are held forth, of course, on Twitter. What color was that dress: blue or gold? (Definitely blue.) After watching Tiger King, did you realize …

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“Hispanic” vs. “Latino”: When To Use Each Term

by Alyssa Pereira From boxes on census forms to drop-down menus on job applications, we often see Hispanic and Latino positioned side by side, seemingly as interchangeable terms to describe the race and heritage of a population that makes up nearly 20% of the United States. It’s easy to see why these two words are so often conflated and frequently confused. But Hispanic and Latino …

“Emotional Support Animal” vs. “Therapy Animal” vs. “Service Animal”: The Differences Matter

This September, we released our biggest update to the dictionary ever. Our dictionary editors touched over 15,000 entries in a sweeping effort to reflect the many ways language is evolving. From capitalizing Black to adding a separate entry for Pride to revising references to suicide, our update addresses topics that touch us on some of our most personal levels: race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, …

“Street Art” vs. “Graffiti”: What’s The Difference?

Now more than ever before, public art is on the rise. New murals crop up in cities, large and small, on what feels like an everyday basis, each one breathing new, vibrant life into the streets that were once blank canvases for creativity. The terms graffiti and street art have long been used interchangeably to describe these public art installations—but what should we really call …

Where Did The Phrase “Thirty Days Hath September …” Come From?

Just about every elementary schooler learns the months of the year with an easy rhyme: “Thirty days has [or hath] September, April, June, and November. All the rest have 31, except February …” How exactly does it end? That depends on how you learned the poem, but one common version goes: “All the rest have 31 / But February’s 28 / The leap year, which comes once …

The Holy Reason We Say “Goodbye” And What To Say Instead

“So long, farewell …” This catchy tune from The Sound of Music is just one of many artistic reflections throughout the years on the ways we say goodbye. And it’s no wonder this parting word and its synonyms have been the subject of much rumination over the years as saying goodbye has become an integral part of our interactions with people, places, and things. We …

“Asynchronous” vs. “Synchronous”: Time To Learn The Difference

Instead of going back into the classroom during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many students transitioned to virtual learning—but this doesn’t mean that all of their classes were held live over video. Some students were able to start the day on their own terms and work through assignments at their own speed. Does this mean their teachers were participating in asynchronous learning, or were these students …

Do You Spell Out These Abbreviations?

Now, more than ever, our language is full of abbreviations. From texting to talking, they save time and space and streamline our communications … in most cases. Then there are the cases that leave us looking at a string of letters without a clue how to pronounce them or what they mean. Some abbreviations are obvious, as they’ve been in our vernacular for a while. …

What Character Was Removed From The Alphabet?

Johnson & Johnson, Barnes & Noble, Dolce & Gabbana: the ampersand today is used primarily in business names, but that small character was actually once the 27th member of the alphabet. Where did it come from though? The origin of its name is almost as bizarre as the name itself. Where did ampersand come from? The shape of the character (&) predates the word ampersand by more …

What Does “Craft Beer” Actually Mean?

by Alyssa Pereira Not all beers are made equal. That much is made apparent in a walk through any local market anywhere in the US. The majority of beer sections in American grocery stores and neighborhood bodegas aren’t exactly artisan creations. Rather, they’re mass-produced, packaged, and sold by one of just a few international beverage conglomerates. But alongside them, if you look carefully, you’ll often …

“Strike” vs. “Boycott”: What’s The Difference In Their Demands?

When Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man in Wisconsin, was shot several times in the back by police in late August 2020, the Milwaukee Bucks took a major stand. In an unprecedented move, this NBA team declared they would not be participating in their playoff game. But instead of playing basketball, was this team going on strike in solidarity of the social movement Black Lives …

Can You Run For President Using A Nickname?

In the upcoming presidential election, Americans will get to choose between the two major candidates: Donald Trump of the Republican Party and Joe Biden of the Democratic Party. Or, as his name will more than likely appear on the ballot, Joseph R. Biden. “Joe” is such a common nickname of “Joseph” that we often forget that celebrities such as Joe Jonas and Joe Frazier aren’t …

“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time

Affect or effect? Both of these words are verbs and nouns and their meanings overlap. Very confusing! This slippery duo can send even experienced writers into a spiral of uncertainty. Especially, since many people pronounce them in almost the exact same way. Here’s a basic guideline for affect vs. effect: Generally, we use affect as a verb (an action word) and effect as a noun …

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Dictionary.com Releases Its Biggest Update Ever

Over 15,000 entries updated on topics ranging from race and sexual orientation to climate and internet culture The unprecedented events of 2020, from the pandemic to the protests, have profoundly changed our lives—and language. As we explained in our April additions to the dictionary, COVID-19 rapidly introduced an array of new and newly prominent technical terms to our everyday vocabularies, including asymptomatic, viral load, and …

“Barbecuing,” “Grilling,” And “Smoking”: What’s The Difference?

Every year as the weather heats up, grills are dusted off and meats and vegetables are thrown on the fire. To those in the West and many northern cities, this is barbecuing. Just don’t call it that in the South or parts of the Midwest like Kansas City, Mo., because in certain regions, not everything cooked on a grill is called barbecue. The word barbecue means different …

Why Do We Have “Red States” And “Blue States”?

If you’ve watched (or even tried to avoid) the news as a presidential election heats up, you’re probably well aware that political pundits like to use the color red to represent the Republican Party and blue for the Democratic Party. A “red state” votes Republican in presidential elections and Senate races, while a “blue state” leans Democratic. No matter which news program you favor, they …

blue background with green and white text, net vs. gross

“Net” vs. “Gross”: What Does This Difference Cost You?

One of the basics of tennis is you never want to hit your ball into the net. Most people won’t confuse this mesh fabric divider that runs across the court with the word gross (even if botching an easy volley straight into the net might feel gross). But when talking about money, the line that divides net and gross profits isn’t as clear. What is the …

“Ketchup” And Other Words That Come From Mandarin Or Cantonese

Think you only speak English? Think again. While you may not be fluent or able to write in another language, the fact is that English consists largely of words we’ve borrowed from other languages. In fact, about 80 percent of the English language is made up of these loanwords. It’s amazing really to think of how many languages you speak on a daily basis without …

What Does Freedom Of Speech Mean?

Which amendment gives us freedom of speech? Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. —First Amendment to the Constitution We Americans love to refer to the First …

How To Respond When Kids Say “No Fair”

Spoiler alert: it is not by saying, “Yeah, well life’s not fair!” Children are not immune to the inequalities and injustices of the world. Sometimes they see more of what is going on around them than their parents and caregivers give them credit for. That being said, sometimes kids still respond to something as simple as not getting their way with cries of inequity. As …

“Karen” vs. “Becky” vs. “Stacy”: How Different Are These Slang Terms?

When it comes to certain white women these days, it doesn’t matter what lovely moniker their parents may have given them. They’ve also been deigned with the name Karen, Becky, or Stacy. Why? These common names are now shorthand for a certain kind of woman who either behaves badly or others like to complain about. As viral videos of Beckys blow up and the service industry …

Where Did The Word “Achoo” Come From?

Every sneeze has a different ring to it, but there are only a few words in English that name the sound. Achoo is one of the most favored, but is it really a word? Where did achoo come from? This instance of onomatopoeia imitates the sound of sneezing. The first syllable mimics the quick intake of breath, while the second corresponds with the tone of …

What Is “GOP” Short For?

The origins of the Democratic and Republican parties tell an interesting story. They both developed from the same political group, the Democratic–Republicans Party led by Thomas Jefferson in the 1790s and early 1800s. Who knew that these two opposing parties were once on the same side of the political spectrum? One unique part of the Republican Party’s history, however, is its nickname: the GOP. Where …

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What In The World Is The “Hindenburg Omen”?

While it may sound like a sequel to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a Hindenburg Omen isn’t any fun. If you want to call attention to potential bad news, it’s hard to go wrong with the name Hindenburg. What was the Hindenburg? Paul von Hindenburg was a celebrated World War I general and a less celebrated president of Germany. The more infamous Hindenburg, however, is the dirigible named …

“Democrat” vs. “Republican”: Where Did The Parties Get Their Names?

In the United States, the words Democrat and Republican are widely used to mean the two major American political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. We often hear these words used to describe things the parties do or the people connected to them. For example, former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democratic candidate for president, and members of the Republican Party are …

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“Malignant” vs. “Benign”: Which Is Which?

Although nobody wants to hear that a doctor found a tumor, it’s the word that comes next that makes all of the difference: is it malignant or benign? One of these words has the power to send chills instantly down someone’s spine, while the other can flood a patient with relief. Let’s take a closer look at which is which. What does malignant mean? Malignant …

Where Did The Acronyms POTUS And FLOTUS Come From?

The faster we move, the more abbreviations and acronyms we use, and when it comes to talking about the folks who reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—otherwise known as the White House—there are plenty of acronyms to choose from. The White House has always been home to POTUS (President of the United States). As we have yet to have a female or gay president, if the …

“Grande,” “Venti,” And “Trenta”: What Do The Starbucks Sizes Literally Mean?

When you reflect on all the symbols, gestures, and phrases that bombard your everyday existence, you may find a panoply of simple words that are missing a definition. Case in point: how many times have you or a friend said, “I’d like a venti latte” without pausing to consider what venti actually means? Why is a tall … so small? First of all, here are the …

“Majority” vs. “Plurality”: What Their Differences Mean For This Election

During the US presidential election, the votes aren’t always split between two candidates: independent party candidates appear on the ballot as well. Presidential candidate Gary Johnson, a Libertarian, won 4.5 million votes in 2016, for example. But what would it actually take for one of these candidates to be elected as the next president of the United States? Does a presidential candidate simply need the plurality …

English Words That Came From Hindi And Urdu

How many words from Hindi and Urdu do you know? Well, if you’re one of the approximately 70 million speakers of Urdu and 425 million of Hindi, then, well, you know a lot—and that’s only counting native speakers. Millions more speak Urdu and Hindi as a second language all around the globe, making them, combined, one of the most spoken languages. But even if you …

CNN live screenshot of 2 news anchors talking about Trump and Cohen

What’s The Secret History Of The Term “Pundit”?

These days you can’t turn on the television without being bombarded by panels of pundits spewing their two cents. But what exactly is a pundit? The word has an interesting history that sheds more light into its contemporary meaning. It’s also had its share of fun—when used by a secret society at Yale. What is a pundit? When we talk about a pundit, we are …

“Sir” And “Madam” Are Shorter Versions Of What Words?

Let’s say you want to get the attention of a male clerk in the produce section of the grocery store. Would you say, “Excuse me, sire, but could you please explain the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?” (For the answer to that question, read this.) Addressing a stranger as “sire” might raise an eyebrow. But if you said it, you wouldn’t necessarily be …

Nazi vs. Fascist: Is There Really A Difference?

Fascist and Nazi: these two words loom large in the history books and in heated conversations about politics—conversations that have far outlasted the regimes that originally embraced them. For many of us, the words fascist and Nazi bring to mind the worst dictators and crimes against humanity. But as these ideologies make the news in 2020, used especially in the context of a growing concern about …

“Race” vs. “Ethnicity”: Why These Terms Are So Complex

by Alyssa Pereira Historic protests against racial inequality. National debates over offensive names of sports team names and conflicts over the place of Confederate monuments in our culture. Arguments about border walls, language barriers—rising tensions over immigration despite an increasingly diverse populace. In this cultural moment, the concepts of race and ethnicity have never been more important to grasp. They’ve also never been so complicated …

Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative?

In election years, the words left and right more often bring to mind the political spectrum than they do directions in space. But, how did liberal politics become associated with the word left, anyways? And why are conservatives labelled as right? You know how we always warn you to be skeptical of origin stories that sound too good to be true? Well, the history of …

Absentee Ballot vs. Mail-In Ballot: Is There A Difference?

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked changes in voting rules to make it easier—and safer—for people to vote during an unprecedented pandemic. It also sparked a heated debate over voting rights and voting fraud. Voting by mail can be done by what’s called an absentee ballot or mail-in ballot. But there is a lot of confusion—and misinformation—around these methods, which vary widely state by state. What’s more, …

“Then” vs. “Than”: See If You Know The Difference Between Them

Then and than are among the 100 most frequently used words in the English language. The fact that they’re so common means that they’re also commonly misused! Do you say I will call you no later than 7 pm or then 7 pm? Would you say the company needs a good accountant more than (or then) ever? Some examples are trickier than others, but you can learn to distinguish …

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What Do The Latin Phrases And Symbols On The Dollar Bill Mean?

Whether you call it a buck, a single, a one, or a bill, the linen and cotton-blend currency resting in your wallet at this very moment contains a smorgasbord of images, symbols and Latin phrases—some hidden in plain sight. What do they mean and, once deciphered, can they unlock a series of veiled messages from our forefathers? Where does the word dollar come from? The …

What Does “Ophiuchus” Mean And Is It Really Part Of The Zodiac?

Whether or not you believe that the position and relationship of the sun, moon, stars, and planets have any bearing on your personality, you probably still know what your astrological sign is. The zodiac contains 12 constellations and is divided into 12 equal segments. Each astrological sign—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces—represents one of the segments. These are …

How Many Words Are There In The English Language?

How many words are in the English language? It would seem like a simple question, but the answer is anything but. New words are entering the language all the time. In 2019, no one could have predicted what has become a defining word of 2020: COVID-19. At the same time, existing words evolve. What’s the first thing that comes to mind with tweet? A bird or social …

Why Do We Use Uppercase And Lowercase Letters?

Learning to write is a major milestone, and your little one will inevitably have some questions about why we do things the way we do during the process. We’re here to help you answer them. For example, a beginning writer might want to know how the letter W developed (why is it called double-U?) and why Q so often needs U. Another question sure to pop up …

“Capital” vs. “Capitol”: Do You Know Where You’re Going?

Capital and capitol are both commonly used in political contexts and are separated by just one letter, making them frustratingly easy to confuse. When it comes to these two terms, it’s important to note that one has a number of meanings while the other refers to a certain type of building. What is a capital? Capital has many definitions. It can mean “the wealth owned …

The Most Viewed Emoji On Dictionary.com: Do You Know What They Mean?

July 17 is World Emoji Day, a day to celebrate all of those wonderful smileys and symbols you use to amuse your friends and confuse your grandparents. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up the most popular emoji that our users have been looking up on Dictionary.com since the last World Emoji day. (It was quite a different world then, wasn’t it?) But first, you might be …

“WikiLeaks” vs. “Wikipedia”: Do You Know The Difference?

How well do you know your wikis? Maybe you’ve heard about a site that releases classified material from whistle-blowers. Or maybe you’re looking for an up-to-date source of historical dates and biographical information. Do you turn to WikiLeaks? Do you search through Wikipedia? The confusion is all the more understandable given that these two sites even look alike. Well, wonder no more. We’re about to leak you …

What’s The Difference Between “Mistrust” vs. “Distrust”?

Trust us on this one. There’s only a slight difference between these two. In general, distrust and mistrust are considered synonyms, both based on the word trust (although centuries apart). As nouns, both words refer to a condition of lacking trust, and are effectively interchangeable. As verbs, well, it’s a bit more complicated, as you’ll see. What’s the origin of trust? The word trust is first …

“Unalienable” vs. “Inalienable”: Is There A Difference?

It’s safe to say that most of us don’t know the entire Declaration of Independence by heart. However, many of us are familiar enough with the document declaring independence from England to know that at one point, it gets into some inalienable rights that all Americans will have. Or was Thomas Jefferson writing about unalienable rights as he was putting quill to paper? Although these …

10 Songs You Had No Idea Were Inspired By Literature

Sometimes it’s hard not to hum that song that’s stuck in your head. It’s also incredibly satisfying when you’re able to hum it all the way through. What you may not realize, however, is that sometimes as you hum your favorite earworm, you might be humming about a piece of literature, motifs and all. Take a look at the rock songs below, and see which …

No One Pronounces These 10 Words The Same

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong famously sang about the controversial pronunciations of words like tomato (to-mah-to?), potato (po-tah-to?), either, neither, pajamas, and others in the song “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” They settled nothing, and people have been debating the right way to say these words ever since. And those aren’t the only words that send people to opposing corners, either. There are a host …

Where Did The Phrase “Thoughts And Prayers” Come From?

From mass shootings to natural disasters, it seems like every day, there’s a new tragedy on the news. With social media amplifying these stories, more and more people are offering their condolences than ever before. And one of the most popular phrases online? “Thoughts and prayers.” While theories on the history of the phrase “thoughts and prayers” vary, it is often traced back to the …

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Words From Minecraft: What Are Your Kids Saying?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ve no doubt heard of the super-popular computer game Minecraft. As of May 2020, there were over 126 million active players of Minecraft monthly. That’s a lot of people—particularly young people. Many adults find the whole Minecraft phenomenon bewildering. After all, why are kids so obsessed with a game whose graphics look straight …

light green text on dark green background: "Oxymoron vs. Paradox""

“Paradox” vs. “Oxymoron”: How To Tell The (Seemingly Similar) Difference

When parents become empty nesters after their kids head off to college, they may be surprised by the deafening silence of their home. The emptiness can be bittersweet as mom and dad find themselves alone together. In the above sentences, these parents are dealing with quite a few contradictions. Are these examples of oxymorons or paradoxes? Or, is an oxymoron a synonym for a paradox? Let’s take …

bright blue background with teal text reading libel vs slander

“Libel” vs. “Slander”: How To Tell The Difference

If you spread a nasty rumor about your boss, are you engaging in slander? Can a politician sue a newspaper for libel if an article calls her a liar? What do these two words mean, and are they interchangeable? Since both are types of defamation or “the act of making negative statements that hurt another person’s reputation,” and also illegal, you’ll want to make sure …

These Uncommon Singular Words Sound So Wrong

Sometimes we can’t remember the plural form of a word—is it hippopotamuses or hippopotami? (Hint: it can be either). But there are also those times when we’re so used to hearing the plural form of a word that we just can’t think of the singular. Even if we can remember the correct word, it tends to sound so odd and unfamiliar that we second guess …

“Contagious” vs. “Infectious”: The Difference Can Be Important

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com Whether it’s flu season, chickenpox at your kid’s school, concerns about measles in your town, or the coronavirus pandemic, the words contagious and infectious often come around in news and social media, in casual conversations and government communications. While these two terms get used interchangeably, knowing the difference between them can, in some cases, be life-saving. To …

What’s The Difference Between Acronyms vs. Abbreviations?

Is there a difference between acronyms and abbreviations? Most people think they’re pretty similar … and they’re definitely used in similar ways. But, there are slight differences What is an abbreviation? An abbreviation is any shortened or contracted form of a word or phrase. Did you catch the word any in there? That means abbreviation is the blanket term for all these shortened words we’ve all been using …

What’s The Problem With Whataboutism?

There are all sorts of retorts people resort to when criticized or called out for a mistake or wrongdoing of some kind. (Heaven forbid anyone just say, “I’m sorry. I was wrong,” anymore.) One of the most maddening kinds is increasingly being referred to as whataboutism. You know it when you hear it. “Hey, weren’t you supposed to do the dishes last night?” you ask your …

How The Hot Dog Got Its Silly (And Kind of Gross) Name

This July 4th weekend, how about taking some time to consider the names of those items you are about to eat? Brace yourself for the short and disputed history of that American grilling favorite: the hot dog. Why do we call hot dogs, well, hot dogs? There are a few schools of thought on the origin of this favorite food. Some think that people commonly …

“Gnarly,” “Nasty,” And “Sick”: Are These Synonyms?

If you hang out around surfers long enough, chances are you’ll overhear them talking about a gnarly wave or a sick run. But what if they’re chatting about their housekeeping woes, and a gnarly living room or nasty kitchen? (Not cool, dude!) Does that make the words gnarly, sick, and nasty synonyms? This gets tricky because in addition to having various definitions, each word can be used …

“Bare” vs. “Bear”: What Is The Difference?

Most people know the word bear as a fuzzy noun: a massive mammal that makes for a beloved and cuddly toy. But what about the pain that some people know (all too well) when bearing down if they have a hemorrhoid? Or is it baring down that causes the unbearable burning? What if I take my shoes off when I enter someone’s home—am I walking …

The Frabjous Words Invented By Lewis Carroll

When we think of Lewis Carroll, we think of whimsical worlds … and words. The man who penned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking-Glass, “Jabberwocky,“ and countless other timeless poems and works of literature has taken our imaginations to the furthest limits for decades. His stories—published during the mid- to late-1800s—are full of life, adventure, humor, and some of the most fantastical words. You see, …

What Do The Most Well-Known Website Names Mean?

In the modern world we occupy, tech company names like Google, Yahoo, Amazon, eBay, and others have become a major part of our daily life and conversations. Some of them, like Google, become synonymous with the act itself. If you need to search something, you “just Google it,” which is much like what happened with Xerox when copiers came into vogue. But have you ever stopped …

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There’s No Way You’ll Know All These Florida Words

Oh, Florida. Filled with gorgeous beaches from coast to coast, prolific fresh produce, and sunshine all year, Florida is known as a great place to vacation, live, and retire. It’s also known for being a wee bit of unconventional. No offense to the 27th state in our great nation, but it does seem to be the setting for more than its fair share of, let’s …

“Hero” vs. “Protagonist”: What Is The Difference?

Many stories have one thing in common: a brave main character who ends up saving the day. But does slaying the dragon or defusing the bomb make this person a hero or a protagonist? And can the two words be used interchangeably? The correct answer to both is yes, with the caveat that the words are not always synonymous. Both nouns have multiple definitions and …

These Are The Most Searched Words In Your State During The Pandemic

You probably don’t need any data to know that 2020 has been like no other year in recent history—and it’s only half over. But, for those of us fortunate enough to have the opportunity to reflect, some data can help us take stock at this midyear mark on just how transformative 2020 has been. All around the world, COVID-19 has changed our health, jobs, relationships, …

“On line” vs. “In line”: Which Do You Say?

Some people find it easy to tell if someone is from New York or New Jersey the moment they meet them—all they have to do is start chatting! And if the New Yorker’s accent isn’t an immediate giveaway, the phrase on line usually is. In many states across the country, it’s all the same: people stand in line at the grocery store, wait in line …

“Ludicrous” vs. “Ridiculous”: How To Use Each Word

Ludicrous means something is silly enough to cause amusement. Ridiculous means it’s absurd enough to invite mockery or derision. Ludicrous has a more playful and amusing sense than ridiculous. You probably already knew these two words can be used to describe something that’s nonsensical or silly. But does that mean these two words are synonyms? What does ridiculous mean? We use ridiculous when something is …

Your Favorite Video Game Character Names Explained

Video games have come a long way over the years. They hit the scene in the 1970s with basic graphics but have morphed into sophisticated works of art that cover every genre. Throughout their evolution, we’ve been introduced to a fascinating cast of characters who star in these games. They range from lifelike personalities to strange and wonderful creatures that spring from the imaginations of …

Systematic vs. Systemic: There’s A System To The Difference

The George Floyd protests have brought attention to the word systemic—among many other powerful words that speak to this historic time—like never before. Many activists and public officials are calling to dismantle the systemic racism in policing and other social institutions that are disproportionately killing and oppressing Black people. These calls, and our broader cultural conversation around them, have compelled significant interest in—and considerable confusion …

What Does The Letter “U” Have To Do With “W”?

The 23rd letter of the English alphabet is a bit of a wonder. The humble W is the only letter of the alphabet with a three-syllable name. It is also one of three letters (H, W, and Y) with a name that does not indicate its phonetic use. The complications of W are twofold because of its name, double-u, and its shape, double V. What sound …

What Does It Mean To “Defund The Police”? Trending Words In News About Policing

As the George Floyd protests have grown and spread, many activists have been calling to defund the police. Whether chanted in demonstrations or posted as hashtags on social media, the phrase defund the police has proven to be a forceful rallying cry. People are listening. But, people are also asking questions. What does it mean, exactly, to defund the police? Indeed, it seems many people …

English Words That Came From The Philippines

There are only two official languages in the Philippines, a nation in Southeast Asia: English and Filipino, which is a standardized form of Tagalog, a language indigenous to the islands. Over the years, Tagalog speakers have adopted countless words and expressions into their language, resulting in a unique dialect: Taglish (a combination of Tagalog and English). But the exchange has gone the other way, too. …

How The George Floyd Protests Have Powerfully Changed Search Trends on Dictionary.com

The protests against racism and police brutality, spurred by George Floyd—a Black man who was killed after a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes—have expanded in size and scope across the entire world. The protests have, in turn, spurred the beginnings of everything from deep, uncomfortable reflections to institutional change and reform. And Dictionary.com has seen significant search …

What Does “ZIP Code” Stand For?

The busiest time of year for the US Postal Service coincides with the December holiday season, when we’re all busy mailing greetings and gifts alike. But USPS workers are busy year-round: postal employees process a whopping 181.9 million of pieces of first-class mail per day! The 470,000 employees who work for the USPS (including the 7,000 on the Fleet of Feet delivering mail on foot) rely …

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What Do These Common School Acronyms Mean?

Schools are ground zero for alphabet soup—educators seemingly love to name things using acronyms. STEM, GPA, KWL. While all of this jargon can seem kind of daunting, it’s not too bad once you learn the ropes. And we are here to help. So, get out your pencil and notebook, raise your hand for roll call, and prepare for School Acronyms 101. STEM You may think …

Canceled vs. Cancelled: Which Is Spelled Correctly?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com From March Madness and SXSW to birthday parties and spring break vacations, many gatherings, big and small, have been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak around the world. … or is it cancelled? Now, spelling may seem like the least of our worries during these trying and unusual times, but many people are curious and still want …

Words We Know Because Of Star Trek

Star Trek is one of the most beloved science fiction television franchises to ever air. Debuting in 1966 with Star Trek: The Original Series, this long-running franchise is about the crew of a starship (spaceship), the USS Enterprise, as it explores the deepest depths of outer space. Along the way, the crew meet new life forms, get into all kinds of hijinks, and battle for …

Take An Outer Space Word Trip Right From Your House

It’s time for another virtual field trip! During the Covid-19 pandemic, educational spaces like museums, national parks, and NASA are opening their doors for virtual tours. We’ve already “visited” Georgia Aquarium to watch their aquatic animal webcams, and we’ve gotten to know the animals at the Houston Zoo in Texas. This time, we’re headed to NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The Langley Research Center …

Marshal vs. Martial: Do You Know The Difference?

It’s not enough that martial and marshal are pronounced the same, is it? No, the English language has to further complicate things, because while these homophones, martial and marshal, have different meanings, they both involve some overlapping concepts of law and war. And adding to the understandable confusion of these words is marshall, with two Ls. Let’s marshal, shall we say, the facts, and bring …

“Pragmatic” vs. “Dogmatic”: What Are The Differences?

Some people have the incredible ability to set their emotions aside and make clear, calm decisions in a crisis. Instead of getting caught up in big-picture ideals or feeling overwhelmed by the scale of a situation, they manage to face the problem head on and address it practically one step at a time. For those who don’t crumble under pressure, does this practical nature make …

Black Lives Matter And 9 Other Influential Calls To Action You Should Know

Black Lives Matter is a powerful political and social movement aiming to ensure basic human rights for Black people. Many people are familiar with the name of the movement as it is used amid protests against violence inflicted on Black people involving police officers, including the death of George Floyd in 2020. As the movement has expanded all around the world, many may not know …

“Lethologica” vs. “Lethonomia”: What Do These Terms Mean And How Are They Different?

The word was there a second ago. You were just about to say it. And then poof, it was gone, like a gnat buzzing just out of your reach when you’re about to smack it mid-air. So what the heck is going on. Is there a word to describe what you meant to say when you just can’t remember that word? Well, yes! It was …

Learning Shades of Meaning: Fun Ways To Teach Kids How Synonyms Work

by Kimberly Murphy When you were in school, you were likely taught that synonyms are words with the same meaning. That definition, though, isn’t entirely accurate. Synonyms are words with the same or similar meanings, but there are important, nuanced differences in how they are used. Educators refer to these differences as shades of meaning. Let’s break down this concept some more—with some printable, hands-on …

Why Do We Use Symbols To Censor Swearwords?

When the force of a swearword is too extreme (but some form of cuss must be used) symbolic stand-ins have long been used for lewdness. Suffice it to say, any emotional keyboard-striker can blurt out something that people perceive as a sub for swears. Whether it’s to diminish the force of swear, to get around censorship rules, or maybe just because symbols are @#$%ing cool to look at, …

The Deep Web vs. The Dark Web: Do You Know The Difference?

Have you ever wandered the recesses of the deep web and dark web? Or have you simply wondered what these expressions mean? These two terms are just as mysterious as they sound, but they’re not synonyms, despite how similar they may seem at first glance. There’s a lot of confusion out there about how to distinguish between these two terms, which both define hidden aspects of the Internet. …

Manslaughter vs. Murder: Differences In Intent And Degree

How can a person cause the death of another without the act being considered a murder? In US law, it can come down to differences between manslaughter and murder—which comes down to differences in intent and degree. What does manslaughter mean? Manslaughter, simply defined, is “the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought.” US law designates two types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary. …

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“Macaroon” vs. “Macaron”: What’s The Difference Between These Sweet Treats?

If you’re a dessert lover, there’s a good chance that you enjoy both a rich coconut cluster cookie as well as a delicate almond cookie with a buttercream center. But which of these treats is a macaroon and which is a macaron? And did you know they were two different, albeit delicious, things? Although most foodies know the difference between these beloved cookies, many people …

“She Sheds” And Other Words That We Made Unnecessarily Feminine

Gendered language isn’t anything new. The English language has repeatedly identified people as male or female through titles and other descriptive words. Think waiter/waitress, policeman/policewoman, and so on. Fortunately, many of these words have been replaced by gender-neutral terms (server and police officer), but at the same time, some of the latest neologisms assign gender to terms that were previously neutral . We’re talking about terms …

“Goth” vs. “Emo”: What’s The Difference?

It’s finally time to settle one of the most annoying mixed-up meanings in modern times … at least for goths (and the emo crowd). You’ve almost certainly heard of both goth and emo, but do you know that each of these are actually rather distinct terms, especially for fans of either music genre and lifestyle? Below, we’ll break down the meaning and differences of both …

Take A Zoo Word Trip With Dictionary.com And The Houston Zoo

Who’s ready for a virtual field trip? During the Covid-19 pandemic, educational spaces like museums, national parks, and even NASA are opening their doors for virtual tours. We’ve already “visited” the Georgia Aquarium to watch their aquatic animal webcams. Next, we’re heading to the Houston Zoo in Texas to get up close and personal with elephants, flamingos, gorillas, ants, and more! The Houston Zoo is offering fun …

“Mistress” And Other Words That Only Apply To Women

It takes two people to have an affair. Despite this fact, there is a clear disparity in the way the public generally discusses extramarital relationships. Heterosexual men who have affairs are just heterosexual men who had affairs. But, the women with whom they have those affairs quickly get labeled with another term, one for which there is no effective male equivalent in English: mistress. As …

“Misinformation” vs. “Disinformation”: Get Informed On The Difference

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, we are all desperate for information. Where did the virus come from? Is there a cure? How can we keep staying safe? Will life get back to normal? In the case of COVID-19, information can be a literal life-saver—when it’s true. Wrong information doesn’t help anyone and can even make things worse. And like a virus, wrong information can spread, causing …

“Psychic” vs. “Medium”: Are These Synonyms?

Some people seem to be born with a special intuition to always know things before they happen. Others have a special gift allowing them to see ghosts or talk to the dead. But are people with these unique talents psychics or mediums? And can the words psychic and medium be interchanged? The answer is sometimes; psychic and medium aren’t always synonyms, and despite both having a …

5 More Pandemic Words & Phrases People Want To Stop Hearing

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, so too does the repetitive language people are using to talk about it. After a while, it gets exhausting hearing the same words over and over again in every article, tweet, and news broadcast. A few weeks ago, we rounded up the overused pandemic words and phrases our Twitter followers told us they were absolutely tired of hearing. The list …

What Does “Burnout” Mean?

by Ashley Austrew Most of us are familiar with the concept of being burned out. It’s that feeling you get when you’re stressed, overwhelmed, and simply don’t have any more energy to devote to a given task, activity … or career. Traditionally, the word burnout has been used more as a self-diagnosis or casual expression rather than treated as a medical syndrome or mental health …

“Especially” vs. “Specially”

It can be particularly hard to know the difference between especially and specially. These two words—that can both mean “particularly“—look similar, have similar origins, and in some cases, are interchangeable. Not only are they both adverbs, but the difference in their definitions is so nuanced, it may seem impossible to know when to use especially versus specially correctly. The distinction may seem small, but once you …

Take An Aquarium Word Trip With Dictionary.com And Georgia Aquarium

One of the easiest and most fun learning activities to do while distance learning is to take a virtual field trip. During the Covid-19 pandemic, educational spaces like museums, national parks, and even NASA are opening their doors for virtual tours. For kids who love learning about animals and the environment, one recommended stop is Georgia Aquarium. Even if you don’t live anywhere near Atlanta, …

Free Pandemic Zoom Backgrounds To Impress Your Coworkers

If video conferencing and Zoom happy hours are our new reality, then backgrounds and filters are our new currency. Zoom backgrounds help you hide the dirty laundry you forgot was piled up behind you, and they give you a pass on having to share the details of your living space with your boss, your teacher, or 35 nosy coworkers. We’ve all seen coworkers rocking backgrounds …

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Dictionary.com’s Printable Coloring Pages For Kids

New pages added! We’re sure you’ve all been doing a lot of coloring these days … what’s a better activity to pass the time, right? How about printable coloring pages and learning how to define words? OK, that sounds better to us! How to make your own printable dictionary We’ve started to put together a Dictionary.com coloring book. It’s A–Z fun, with a word and …

“Uncharted” vs. “Unchartered”

Before you dive into the unknown, there’s one thing you should clear up: are you preparing to venture into uncharted or unchartered territory? We’ll make it easy for you: the answer here is uncharted, since you’re going to explore the unknown. So then what is unchartered? Keep reading for more on how to use each of these words and when. What does uncharted mean? The adjective …

What Are Antibodies, And Do They Kill Viruses?

Terms and concepts to understand coronavirus antibody testing by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com Testing continues to be a major story—and concern—amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes diagnostic testing to determine if one is infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. It also includes serological tests to determine if a person has antibodies that can signal immunity to COVID-19. But what does serological …

Why Is The Name “Jack” Used In So Many Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales?

Since Jack went up the hill with Jill, Jack jumped over the candlestick, and Jack climbed the beanstalk (to name just a few of his exploits,) he must be wiped out. Doesn’t it seem like a disproportionate number of nursery rhymes and fairy tales contain a hero named Jack? Is this just a coincidence? What’s a nursery rhyme vs. a fairy tale? First things first, …

Only “Parks And Recreation” Fans Understand These Words & Phrases

Every once in a while a show comes along and completely transforms bits and pieces of the English language. Parks and Recreation, we’re looking at you. Sure, Friends did it with words and phrases like pivot and how you doing? The Office turned the phrase that’s what she said into one of the longest running jokes in pop culture. But NBC’s Parks And Recreation has …

Make Your Own Comic Book With Our Printable Template Comic Book

What’s better than a comic book when you’re a kid? How about a free printable comic book that doubles as a writing prompt for kids? Bam! Sure, reading comic books (and graphic novels for that matter) is a classic kid activity and one that’s expert-approved for helping kids commit to a lifelong love of reading. Look no further than the likes of Captain Underpants, Diary …

“M.D.” vs. “Ph.D.” vs. “Dr.”: Are They Synonyms?

Quick: when you hear the word doctor, what do you picture? Most would probably describe someone in a white lab coat with a stethoscope hanging around their neck or someone in medical scrubs—someone you would seek out if you have a deep cut that needed stitches. That word doctor, however, is a title assigned to many who don’t come close to that description, many of …

Disinfectant vs. Antiseptic: Life-saving Differences To Learn About

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com It’s easy to confuse disinfectants and antiseptics. They have a lot in common, after all. Both are chemical agents used to reduce the risk of infection from germs and help stop the spread of disease. But, disinfectants and antiseptics also have differences in their use—differences that can be critical to your health and safety. Here’s the key …

Easy As A, B, C: Fun Ways To Help Kids Learn Their Letters

By Lindsay Barrett Parents, caregivers, and educators celebrate children’s mastery of the ABCs as an important milestone on the road to reading and writing. But, there’s much more to learning the alphabet than a cute rendition of the ABC song. Here’s the lowdown on the different aspects of learning about letters—and plenty of fun activities to help your children or students become alphabet experts. How …

Coronavirus: The Words You Need To Understand The News

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com The situation of the coronavirus outbreak is changing fast. And news and information about the disease can be overwhelming, not least of which are the many new, confusing, and technical terms being used about the outbreak. Understanding these terms is essential to helping people stay informed and safe—and we take seriously our role in defining and explaining …

Dictionary.com Adds Coronavirus Words To The Dictionary

Normally, we track new words for years before seeing enough evidence to convince us they have the staying power to merit inclusion in our traditional dictionary. Well, it’s not a normal day at the office. We’re all working at home, for one thing. COVID-19 has changed the dictionary world as suddenly and profoundly as it has changed all of our personal and professional lives. In …

8 Pandemic Words & Phrases People Absolutely Never Want To Hear Again

When surprising, shocking, or scary things like the COVID-19 pandemic happen, it’s sometimes difficult to find the words to talk about it. You may find yourself straining to remember terms you learned a long time ago, or repeating the same words and phrases over and over again because you just don’t know what else to say. While the world is quarantined due to the novel …

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Dictionary.com’s Words To Inspire You For Earth Day

We love the earth, it’s beautiful, amazing … and it needs our help. The phrase Earth Day originated in 1969. It means “a day’s observance of the need to protect the Earth’s environment, in many countries on April 22.” The first Earth Day was organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin in 1970. He was upset that politics and media were not addressing the concerns of our …

“Indica” vs. “Sativa”: There Is A Difference

Marijuana dispensaries offer customers and patients a variety of options for either medical or recreational use. These decisions can be overwhelming for someone who’s not familiar with the industry lingo. One decision a consumer might have to make is what strain (“a group of plants distinguished from other plants of the variety to which it belongs by some intrinsic quality”) of cannabis to purchase. Although there …

What Is The Difference Between A “Recession” vs. A “Depression”?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com Economics—as if understanding its facts and figures, number and statistics, and charts and graphs isn’t challenging enough. Economics also relies on some tough terms. No, we don’t just mean the more advanced argot of arbitrage or leveraged buyout. Even more familiar economic terms many of us encounter in the news (or, more frighteningly, feel in our pocketbooks), …

“Patriotism” vs. “Nationalism”: What’s The Difference?

You’ve probably heard of public servants carrying out great acts of patriotism. You’ve probably also heard of concerns of a rising wave of nationalism around the world. Yes, both words involve some form of pride in one’s country, but there is an incredibly important distinction to be made between the two. Historically, both patriotism and nationalism were used roughly in the same way. But they …

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Science Vocab Activities For Elementary Students

Science and English meet in these vocab activities for elementary students Help your child learn scientific vocab with these learning games. Learning animal vocabulary Watch this video about words for baby animals. Complete this word search. Find the words they learned about in the video. Click the image to get the printable word search PDF. Parents: write each one of the baby animal words on …

What Is The Difference Between “Furlough” vs. “Layoff”?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com The coronavirus pandemic isn’t only affecting people’s health and safety. It is also impacting people’s livelihoods as the virus hits the economy. Cancellations, quarantines, and social distancing are causing many companies to furlough or lay off employees—and in some instances, both. But what is the difference between furloughs and layoffs? For health, safety, and medical emergencies or …

“Hoard” vs. “Horde”: Do You Know The Difference?

Are you staring at piles and piles of junk and becoming increasingly concerned about the accumulation in, uh, someone‘s apartment? No judgment if you’re asking for “a friend”! We’re here to help you use the right words to describe this problem. To properly examine the issue, we’ve got to get the vocabulary pinned down: does this chaos signal a problem with hoarding? Or the tendency …

Vocab Activities For Preschool & Kindergarten Kids

Expand your child’s vocabulary with these fun word activities Have your child complete one of the vocab activities below to build their language or complete one of the family activities to get a little learning boost for all those involved. Learning words for feelings Put these videos on for your child, one at a time. After each video, ask them what the kids in the …

Learning Games For Preschool & Kindergarten Kids

Practice remembering letters, parts of speech, sight words, and more with these learning games Get your preschooler or kindergartner learning while having fun with these ELA word games you can play as a family. Letter dice This game requires a little bit of preparation, but the added tactile element makes it worth it. Put letters on dice (or make some using a template). You can …

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Learning Games For Middle School Students

Looking for something to do with your middle school kids? Want to do something that involves learning too (we won’t tell the kids, don’t worry). We’ve rounded up over 10 ELA word games for middle school kids that you can play as a family to reinforce learning and build vocab together. Family words Make a word up that originates with you! Using letter blocks or …

English Vocab Activities For Middle School Students

Want your kid to build their English vocabulary and have fun? We’ve collected over 10 vocab activities aimed at middle school students to build vocab, explain different parts of the English language, and answer those common English language questions. You might even have a little bit of fun. Learning about words in the news Read the following coronavirus informational texts. What does COVID-19 mean? Coronavirus: …

English Vocab Activities For Elementary Students

Build your young child’s vocabulary with these fun learning activities focused on different types of vocab. You might even learn a new word or two as well! Learning about figurative language Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech, especially metaphors. And a lot of figurative language is pretty funny when you look at it literally. Guess what the phrase dog days …

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Learning Games For Elementary Students

When it comes to elementary students, learning and fun need to go hand-in-hand. That’s why we’ve collected 14 ELA learning games for elementary kids that focus on vocabulary, reading, spelling, and writing. Play them as a family and learn something new, too! Family words! Make a word up that originates with you! Using letter blocks or letter refrigerator magnets, spell out the name of a …

How To Make Learning Fun: Using Playtime To Build Literacy

By Lindsay Barrett We all want our kids to learn what they need to be successful. But guess what most kids want to do? Play! And let’s face it: we adults want to play, too. But learning and playtime can, and should, happily overlap. A growing body of research highlights the many benefits of open-ended play activities like building, pretending, creating, and just getting all-around …

“Figuratively” vs. “Literally”

Although similar and often incorrectly swapped for each other, literally and figuratively have different meanings that can’t really be interchanged. So even if you feel like you literally can’t help confusing the two, this exaggeration may help explain why figuratively is actually the right word in many cases. What does figuratively mean? Figuratively is an adverb of the adjective figurative that means “of the nature …

“Exercise” vs. “Exorcise”: What’s The Difference?

We hear it all of the time: working out is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But is it exercise or exorcise that healthcare professionals constantly remind us is good for our health? Although some do believe in the importance of exorcise because it means “to free evil spirits,” it’s exercise that has to do with bodily movement that helps to keep us physically and …

“Morbidity” vs. “Mortality”: What Is The Difference?

Although we’d all love to think we’ll be able to live forever, at some point, we will die. And there’s no way of knowing exactly when that will be. Yes, it’s gloomy to think about this … but is it our morbidity or our mortality that we need to come to terms with? The correct answer here is mortality—although the topic is quite morbid. These …

We’ve Crowned The Dictionary.com Slang Word Champion!

Update: Voting has closed, and the winner of Dictionary.com’s March Madness Slang Competition is Karen! We started this contest with 64 words, and now after the highly anticipated face-off between our final two, Karen and OK boomer, we have a winner. It’s Karen! So who is Karen, anyway? According to our definition, Karen is a mocking slang term for an entitled, obnoxious, middle-aged white woman. Especially …

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“Introvert” vs. “Extrovert” – Two Distinctly Different Personality Types

They say that opposites attract, and that’s usually true for introvert–extrovert couples. We all have that one friend who can strike up a conversation with anyone, who does well in large groups, and who loves being around people. On the other hand, we also know those who prefer quiet one-on-one activities with friends, like visiting a museum or watching a movie, when they socialize. In …

“Antibiotic” vs. “Abiotic” vs. “Antibody”: What Is The Difference?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com In our article on virus vs. bacteria, we noted that vaccines can work on both viruses and bacteria. Antibiotics, however, are only effective against bacteria. But what is an antibiotic, exactly, and how is it different from another, frustratingly similar word: abiotic? And how do both of these words compare to antibody and antigen? This is a …

Slang Final Four Voting Is Open: Will “Karen” Win?

Update: Voting in the Final Four has ended! Check out the championship round! It’s time to vote on round five of our slang competition at Dictionary.com! After four intense rounds of competition, our March Madness slang bracket has been narrowed down to the Final Four: Karen, OK boomer, low-key, and the struggle is real. The remaining four words in our contest represent an intriguing mix …

“Climactic” vs. “Climatic”

There’s nothing worse than getting ensconced in a book that’s building up to a big moment … only to be interrupted and have to put it down before the most exciting part. Are you missing out on the climatic moment? Or was it the climactic scene that got disturbed before you could read it through? Although they look and sound alike, these two adjectives are …

“Virus” vs. “Bacteria”: What’s The Difference?

It’s easy to confuse viruses and bacteria. They are both extremely tiny, for one thing, and, depending on what kind of bug you get, they can make you sick. OK, “extremely tiny” and “make you sick”? We do have technical words for these things. Viruses and bacteria are microscopic, meaning they are too small to see with the unaided eye. And pathogens are “disease-producing agents,” …

Sight Word Activities: Fun Ways To Help Kids Learn To Read And Write

By Lindsay Barrett If you have an early reader and writer in your life, you’ve likely heard of “sight words.” What are they, why do kids need to learn them, and how can you help without inciting groans of boredom? Here are the basics you need to know, and a handy list of fun practice activities that will have kids too busy moving and creating …

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“Asymptomatic” vs. “Asymptotic” vs. “Asystematic”: Is There A Difference?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com Words that are hard to spell, sound alike, aren’t commonly used everyday, and have very technical meanings? They’re confusing! And the trio asymptomatic, asymptotic, and asystematic? Well, they make for a perfect storm of confusion. Let’s break down these words, all the way down to their nuts and bolts. Now, don’t be too daunted by all the …

Learn At Home With A Harry Potter Vocabulary Challenge For Kids

There comes a time in every parent’s life when the Harry Potter books and movies take over your household! Whether you’re a reading family or a movie-watching family or maybe doing a bit of both, here’s a twist on our Disney Movie Word Challenge to engage your children and boost their vocabulary at the same time! Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore would definitely approve. First, …

What’s the Difference Between “Sushi” vs. “Sashimi”?

For anyone who isn’t an adventurous eater, words like sushi, and especially sashimi, might be intimidating. However, these are not only easy words to pronounce (they’re entirely phonetic), but they’re also incredibly specific and therefore difficult to confuse. Both sushi and sashimi are specific kinds of Japanese foods involving raw fish, but we’re going to break them down a little more specifically so that you …

“OK Boomer” & “Karen” Survive: Vote On Round 4 Of The Best Slang Word Bracket

It’s time to vote on round four of our slang competition at Dictionary.com! There are only a handful of words left on Dictionary.com’s March Madness bracket, but the competition is just heating up. Last week, you voted on our Sweet Sixteen, and you wasted no time knocking out terms like big mood, hold my beer, and sorry not sorry. In a surprising upset, the 16-seed …

Vocab Activities To Prepare For High School

Prepare your middle school kids for high school with these vocab activities Do you have a middle-schooler preparing for high school? Challenge them with over 10 vocab activities designed for high school age students. Learning about roots of words Roots can form words in our current language by reconstructing original words from a parent language. Learn more about roots of words by looking for some …

What Is The Difference Between “Amid” vs. “Amidst”?

There’s amid. Then there’s amidst. Can they be used in the same way or are there important differences between them? Is one considered more correct? Hey, we get it. The English language is hard! But amid this jumble of words and amidst that mess of meaning, we’re here to help clear things up. What does amid mean? Amid is a preposition, a type of word …

Why Do People Say “Rabbit Rabbit” And “Hare Hare”?

Ever heard someone say “rabbit rabbit,” but there’s not a floppy-eared bunny to be found for miles? There’s a reason they’re saying it … and that reason may even convince you to start saying it too, if you haven’t already. Keep reading to find out why this saying may be your next morning mantra. Why do people say rabbit rabbit? Though it sounds a bit …

Dictionary.com’s Daily Learning At Home ELA Activities

Find Week 1, Week 2, & new Week 3 ELA learning resources for preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle school, and high school students below. As we all prepare to self-isolate, shelter in place, quarantine, hunker down at home, the time for interacting with our kids is upon us. And the fact that many parents are still working [from home] doesn’t make engaging with our kids …

Is The Coronavirus A Plague?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com Most of us have never lived through a pandemic like the coronavirus before, but we have heard or learned about them, from the Spanish flu to, more notoriously, the plague, like the Black Death. And perhaps, as you’ve followed the news or talked to people about COVID-19, you have even heard the coronavirus called a “plague.” No, …

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Vote For The Best Slang Word In English: March Madness Round Three Is Open!

It’s time to vote on round three of our slang competition at Dictionary.com! There’s no basketball on television, but March Madness has continued safely here at Dictionary.com. We’ve been asking you to vote your way through a bracket while you’re hunkered down at home, and you’ve let us know in no uncertain terms that it was time for some words to go! Take the match-up …

Inconceivable! Play ’80s Movie Word Bingo

Let’s face it: There’s never a bad time to educate your kids on some of the classic movies from “the good old days.” Yes, we are talking about ’80s movies, films made back when everything was gnarly, and you steered clear of anything that seemed bogus. Want to add an extra dash of education into the mix? We’ve got you! Introducing part two of the Dictionary.com …

How Kids Learn to Write, And How to Help Them Do It

By Lindsay Barrett Children have lots of ideas. When they begin to communicate these ideas on paper, it’s a window into their thinking that’s both endearing and fascinating. Now, every child is unique, of course, but early writing usually progresses through recognizable stages: scribbling, pretend writing, and approximated spelling all lead up to the real thing. Here’s a rundown on what you’ll likely see between …

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This Disney Movie Word Challenge Just Might Leave You Twitterpated

If your television or tablet has been taken over by non-stop Disney movies, you’re not alone. Screen time is increasing in plenty of households as parents try to make do with schools closing while working from home. Before you start wringing your hands and getting down on yourself, we’ve got a little bit of good news: Kids’ minds don’t have to be frozen by all …

What Is The Difference Between A “Respirator” And A “Ventilator”?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com During the coronavirus break, you may have heard that hospital and healthcare providers have faced a shortage of respirators and ventilators, two critical tools in fighting the infection. Now, many of us know that both respirators and ventilators deal with breathing in some way, but may be confused about the difference between them. Are they both just …

What’s the Difference Between “Allude” vs. “Elude”?

What’s the deal with these two useful words? With only a two-letter difference, it can seem at first that spelling may be the only distinction between them. But, of course, you know us … and we wouldn’t be here talking about these two words if there weren’t more differences between them. So how can we more easily tell the difference between these two? Luckily for …

“Amicable” vs. “Amiable”: What’s The Difference?

The words amicable and amiable are sort of like fraternal twins. They certainly have a lot in common, but upon a closer look, there are differences that truly set them apart. Admittedly though, spotting the differences between amicable and amiable even gave us pause. First, they practically look the same and sound the same, so it is easy to understand how one could mix them up. …

What’s the Difference Between “Afflict” vs. “Inflict”?

Chances are that, during times of … let’s say biological outbreak, you’re bound to hear the words afflicted, affliction, and inflict or inflicted used a lot—and to varying degrees of accuracy. It’s OK, this is normal: the English language is particularly confusing when it comes to usage of words that share a similar element. In this case, it’s –flict, ultimately based on the Latin verb …

“Jury-rigged” vs. “Jerry-rigged”

This one’s for you, DIY fans. Jury-rigged means something was assembled quickly with the materials on hand. Jerry-built means it was cheaply or poorly built. Jerry-rigged is a variant of jury-rigged, and it may have been influenced by jerry-built. While some people consider it to be an incorrect version of jury-rigged, it’s widely used, especially in everyday speech. What does jury-rigged mean? The word jury has …

Vote For The Best Slang Word In English: Round Two Is Open!

Update: March Madness voting for round two has ended! See the winners below, and go vote in round 3! It’s time for round two of our slang competition at Dictionary.com! Last week, you told us how you really felt about popular slang words in round one of voting on our March Madness bracket. Favorite words and phrases like OK boomer, big mood, and snacc came out …

Ways To Rephrase The Most Insulting Ways To Say “Goodbye”

What do you do when you want to say “goodbye” to something (or someone), but don’t really feel the good part of that sentiment? Whether you’re late to a meeting and stuck on the phone, or just nodding your head in mock agreement as someone prattles on endlessly (with no clue they lost you 10 minutes ago), we’d like to offer you advice. It’s true, …

What Is The Difference Between “Quarantine” And “Isolation”?

by John Kelly, Senior Research Editor at Dictionary.com During public health emergencies, like the outbreak of the coronavirus, it’s essential to stay informed. But a lot of that information, when it’s not misleading, can be overwhelming and confusing—down to the very words we use to talk about a crisis. What’s COVID-19? Is that the same thing as coronavirus? Is the disease an epidemic or pandemic? …

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It’s March Madness: Pick The Best Slang Word In English

Update: March Madness voting for round one has ended! See the winners below, and go vote in round 2! Since 1908, March Madness has been used to refer to basketball. Most notably, it describes the NCAA tournament (and all of the surrounding hype) that takes place each year. But here at Dictionary.com, we’re looking to create a little March Madness of our own: we’re hosting …

“Latitude” vs. “Longitude”

Was the thought of identifying latitude and longitude on a map in geography class one of your high-key stressors? Well, you’re not the only anxiety-ridden test taker out there! The concept of measuring Earth by coordinates isn’t an overwhelmingly hard concept to grasp, but identifying the difference between these two words can be a little tough. Since they are both units of measurement that help …

Does The Million Word Gap Exist?

By Lyndsey Gresehover As an English/Language Arts and Reading teacher and blogger for almost two decades, the word gap is a fretful phrase that I hear all too often in education. But the real question is … does it really exist? What is the word gap? This idea came from a study done in the 1990s by two psychologists, Betty Hart and Todd Risley, where …

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“Ambiguous” vs. “Ambivalent”

Just like people assume family members are inherently similar because they are related, people assume the same things about words: if they have similar spellings and soundings, they must be alike. As it is with people, the similarities between some related words that look and sound the same end there. Take ambiguous and ambivalent for example. They share the Latin prefix ambi-, which means “both,” …

It’s Time To Learn Some Time Zone Terminology

No one truly needs a watch these days. We all have clocks in our pockets—our smartphones. Another benefit of this technology? The clock on our smartphone automatically changes when we enter a new time zone. Amazing! But, even though we don’t need to pay as much attention to time zones these days, that doesn’t mean they don’t still impact our lives. Let’s synchronize our watches …

What Is The Difference Between “Delegate” vs. “Superdelegate”?

In any election, there’s a ton of information to get a handle on. When can you vote? Can you vote early? Where can you vote? And oh yeah, who and what are you voting for? On top of all that, the electoral process in the US can be just plain confusing—no matter how much attention you, ahem, paid in American Government class. There’s the general …

8 Portuguese Terms We Wish Existed in English

Sometimes we’re at a loss for words, not because we’re speechless, but because no English term lends itself to the situation (or snack) at hand. At those times, we turn to other languages, celebrating them for the concepts we wish we could express so easily in English. Here are some of our favorite words from the Portuguese language. saudade This untranslatable Portuguese term refers to …

Words Coined In Each Decade Of The Last 100 Years

Language is always evolving. As culture changes, society innovates, and trends come and go, our language changes right along with it. Every decade, new words are coined in the English language. You will be surprised at how old—or how new—words that you use every day are. So, we’ve picked out our favorite neologisms, from broadcaster to yuppie, that were coined during the past century. Did …

“Economic” vs. “Economical”

Cheap, expensive, lavish, meager, a steal, or a rip-off. These are just some ways to talk about an item that costs money. But there are two other words used to talk about money as well: economic and economical. These words have two different meanings, despite them both being adjectives. Plus they’re also only two letters off, adding to the confusion. It’s pretty likely you’re mixing …

“Breach” vs. “Breech”: Don’t Confuse The Two!

English is full of homophones, or words that have the same pronunciation but vastly different meanings, origins, and spelling. Some of the most confused homophones include their/they’re/there; affect and effect; and complement and compliment. Let’s add another pair to the list: breach and breech. Are you a whale watcher? A lawyer? A gun owner? You might know the definition of these words. But do you know how …

Did You Know We Added These New Terms To Our Slang Dictionary?

Why is everyone suddenly tweeting about OK boomer? What is that Baby Yoda meme all up in our feeds about? And who are Becky and Karen, anyways? Oh, we’ve got this. We love keeping up with the latest terms in slang and getting to the bottom of the funniest, strangest, and, yes, thorniest trends in pop culture and social media. We love it so much, …

What’s The Difference Between “Caucus” vs. “Primary”?

In the US voting system, there are two rounds of voting generally every two and four years. First, a primary or a caucus is held. During those, voters pick a party nominee. For example, in a Democratic primary, voters (often but not necessarily registered as Democrats) would pick among Democratic candidates for an office. The winner of that election then goes on to run in …

Activities To Help Your Kid Decode Words

One of the foundational reading skills that most children learn in early elementary or primary school is how to decode words. While decode sounds like something spies do, decoding is actually the ability to see a written word and read it aloud. This process is often known familiarly as being able to sound out words when reading. Sound complicated? It’s not, we swear! Plus we’re …

Where Did The Phrase “The Dog Ate My Homework” Come From?

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. Dogs keep us safe, are hard workers … and can provide a handy excuse in a pinch. Maybe that’s why versions of the classic expression the dog ate my homework have been around for hundreds of years. Today, the dog ate my homework is used as a stock example of the kind of silly excuses schoolchildren give for …

Printable Valentines For Kids To Spark Their Love Of Words

For grown-ups, Valentine’s Day means roses, champagne, and overpriced chocolate. But for kids, Valentine’s Day is all about fun! They get to eat heart-shaped candies, have class parties, and open cute cards from all of their friends. While this holiday is all about the love vibes for couples ??, for kids it’s an opportunity to celebrate the people in their lives who make them feel …

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Wary vs. Weary: How To Tell Them Apart

Wary and weary are words that make us do a verbal double take. Have you ever started out saying “I was wary of the situation,” pause, and think: “Wait, or was I weary of the situation?” We have! There are several factors that contribute to the confusion between these two words. For one, both are adjectives often used to describe one’s feelings. For two, they …

Wise Up To The Difference Between “Knowledge” vs. “Wisdom”

Is it better to have wisdom or knowledge? Can you have one without the other? And which comes first? If you’ve ever searched for acumen into these two brainy terms, we’re here to help break them down. Wisdom and knowledge have quite a bit in common. Both words are primarily used as nouns that are related to learning. They’re listed as synonyms for one another …

Is There Such A Thing As A True Synonym?

A thesaurus is a handy catalog of synonyms full of exciting (astonishing, flashy, lively!) words we can use in our writing. While it’s tempting to grab an electrifying word and go when we look for a synonym, this practice presents some pitfalls. Every word in the English language has its own particular place, and it’s even possible to claim that there is no such thing …

How To Help Early Readers With The Different Types Of Syllables And Vowels

When they are learning to read, children are often taught about syllables first. Having a firm understanding of how many syllables appear in each word and how each of those syllables is pronounced makes the introduction to reading a little bit easier. If children know how to identify the syllables in a word, they can break longer multisyllabic words up into smaller, more manageable segments …

What Is The Difference Between “Yea” vs. “Yeah”?

Yeah … these two words seem the same but which one should you use? Yea vs. yeah Yea can be used as an informal adverb meaning “yes” or “to affirm,” or as a noun to indicate an affirmative vote. When used in a vote, yea can be pronounced like “yay.” Yea can also be used as an adverb to amplify an adjective or to say …

The Most Searched Words Of 2019 On Dictionary.com

Goodbye, 2019. Hello, 2020! Well, not just yet. As we look ahead to what the new year will bring, we also reflect back on the previous one—and at Dictionary.com, that means analyzing the top words that sent users to our site in 2019. We dived into our data and identified the five words that trended the most each month. And how did we measure those …

“Your” vs. “You’re”: How To Choose The Right Word

Did you know English is frequently cited as a very hard language to learn? Hmm, we wonder why? Well, its difficulty explains the mistakes we all make when speaking. But writing in English has its own unique set of challenges. One of the most common mistakes is telling you’re and your apart. They look similar, right? Even if they sound the same and look like fraternal …

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Dictionary.com’s Winter Break Word Challenges For Kids

Ah, winter break. That welcome respite from homework, early morning alarms, and packing lunches … well, for about the first four hours anyway. That’s generally when the kids’ cries of “I’m bored!” start echoing through the house, and you contemplate how long you can get away with sending them outside when the weather is something frightful. To stop those cries (or at least dampen them …

Teach Your Kids New Words By Describing These Holiday Characters

It’s the holiday season—there’s more downtime than usual and the winter weather keeps most of us from spending too much time outside. So it’s obviously a great time to work on analytical and writing skills in a fun and engaging way. Come on, you know that sounds fun! Wait, just hear us out … There are any number of familiar characters in the holiday stories, …

Why “Existential” Was Dictionary.com’s 2019 Word Of The Year

From existential threats to existential choices “I’m trash!” was the insistent cry of Forky, the googly-eyed spork whose struggle to be a toy was at the heart of the summer blockbuster Toy Story 4. Forky’s plight was entertaining, yes, but it also resonated with a deeper sentiment—and word—that defined so much of 2019. We know what you must be thinking: Forky? The dictionary? 2019? Well, …

Dictionary.com’s Fifth Grade Homework Help Cheat Sheet

Fifth grade is typically the final year of grade school, which means the lessons get cranked up a notch in preparation for middle school and beyond. Teachers ask students to delve deeper into subject matter, stretch their skills, and show more independence. The work is challenging but intriguing as they explore new concepts and develop their opinions about them. Fifth grade is also the year …

7 Word Games And Activities To Do With Your Elf On The Shelf

The holiday season has finally arrived, which means it’s time for the Elf On The Shelf to make its triumphant return! Whether you’re a seasoned elf parent, or this is your very first year introducing the concept, chances are you’re looking for some creative elf activities to keep your kids entertained all December long. While there are certainly plenty of ways for the Elf On …

How Authors Named Their Famous Characters

What’s in a name? A lot, apparently! It’s no secret that writers agonize over what to name their characters. It’s for good reason: a name can make or break how audiences remember a character. It has the potential to be truly iconic. Many authors can’t even begin to write until they’ve given each and every person in their book a name. So how does one …

Are The Spells In Harry Potter Real Words?

There are dozens of spells that are used by the characters in Harry Potter’s fictional world of wizardry. But are any of them real words? What language are the spells in Harry Potter? The names of many of the spells are indeed derived from other languages, especially Latin. However, for the most part, they aren’t proper words. Author J.K. Rowling created words that resemble other …

How Do I Use Emoji In Education?

Some young people may find it hard to believe, but there was once a world without emoji (the plural can be either emoji or emojis—take your pick). These bright, little, expressive images didn’t come into existence until 1999, when the first ones were created by Japanese artist Shigetaka Kurita. Today, there are more than 3,000 emoji … and counting. They add a pop of personality to …

6 punctuation marks you might be using incorrectly

How Young People Are Redefining Sexuality And Romantic Attraction

by Rory Gory Pansexual, skoliosexual, asexual biromantic. How young queer people are identifying their sexual and romantic orientations is expanding—as is the language they use to do it. More than 1 in 5 LGBTQ youth use words other than lesbian, gay, and bisexual to describe their sexualities, according to a new report based on findings from The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental …

“Daylight Savings Time” And Commonly Mixed-Up Words And Phrases

Every March and November, most Americans change their clocks to keep up with the switch into or out of daylight-saving time. This practice of advancing the clocks ahead an hour is called daylight-saving time. But, because daylight savings time is used so frequently, the term is also considered acceptable. Daylight-saving time means that since the clock is moved ahead one hour, you get one more …

What Does It Mean To Be Asexual?

by Rory GoryIn a recent study, “Diversity of Youth Sexual Orientation,” The Trevor Project found that one in five LGBTQ youth are using different words to describe their sexual and romantic identities and orientations, including terms like asexual and aromantic. (Read more about this study and those new words here.) But, there are many persistent and painful myths and misunderstandings surrounding sexual orientation, romantic attraction, …

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What Is The Difference Between “Fortnite” And “Fortnight”?

This week, Lady Gaga lit up Twitter with a simple question: “What’s fortnight?” What’s fortnight — Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) October 15, 2019 As the viral response to her tweet made plain, Gaga had apparently confused fortnight with the massively popular online video game—and homonym—Fortnite. Gaga’s question also lit up searches on Dictionary.com for fortnight, which, compared to data from, well, a fortnight ago, went up …

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Who Are The Sioux And Why Are They Losing Their Language?

Dictionary.com’s United States of Diversity series by Taneesh Khera In 2019, the United Nations is raising awareness about the alarming loss of many of the world’s languages through its International Year of Indigenous Languages. In honor of that initiative, we are shining the spotlight on the languages of the Sioux, and the growing movement to preserve and reinvigorate these rich but endangered tongues. Where did …

What Are The Differences Between “Nerds,” “Geeks,” And “Dorks”?

These names used to be roughly interchangeable when distinguishing the social outcasts from the in-crowd in school. Yet, those so-called social rejects were destined to rule the world in the form of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, et al. “The geek shall inherit the earth,” indeed. Oh yeah, and billions of dollars. There’s a lot of overlap in the meanings of nerd, geek, and …

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What Is The Difference Between “Immigration” vs. “Emigration”?

There are a lot of words to refer to people who move from one place to another. Some are used in overlapping ways, but there are key differences between many of them, including whether the person is coming or going, and for what reasons. In this article, we’ll break down the differences in meaning and use between the words immigration and emigration, the related forms …

Comparatives vs. Superlatives

Not all things are created equal: some are good, others are better, and only the cream of the crop rise to the level of best. These three words—good, better, and best—are examples of the three forms of an adjective or adverb: positive, comparative, and superlative. What is the positive form? The positive form of an adjective or adverb is the basic form listed in a dictionary—e.g., …

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What Do “a.m.” And “p.m.” Stand For?

What does “a.m.” mean? The term we associate with the morning, a.m., is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase ante meridiem meaning “before midday.” What does “p.m.” mean? P.m. is an abbreviation of post meridiem, meaning—you guessed it—“after midday.” These two terms help keep ambiguity at bay in the 12-hour time system. What does “m” mean? There is a third, lesser-known abbreviation in this system: …

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What Does “Resilience” Mean, And Why Was It Trending?

All politics, as they say, is personal. That truism definitely rang, well, true in the closing question of the third Democratic debate in Houston, Texas, Thursday, September 12, 2019. One of the moderators, ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, asked the ten candidates on “the quality of resilience.” He went on:Every president confronts crises, defeats, and mistakes. So I want to ask each of you, what’s the most …

Are There Any English Words That Have No Vowels?

It’s a question that just about every English learner has asked: “Are there any English words that have no vowels?” The answer to this depends what you mean by “vowel” and “word.” There are two things we mean by the word vowel: a speech sound made with the vocal tract open, or a letter of the alphabet standing for a spoken vowel. Words with no …

“Their” vs. “There” vs. “They’re”: Do You Know The Difference?

The trio of their, there, and they’re can flummox writers of all levels. It’s confusing; they are homophones, meaning they have the same pronunciation (sound) but differ in meaning and derivation (origin). Even though they sound the same, they aren’t spelled the same … cue the noticeable errors! Let’s explore the correct usages of the three. How do you use their, there, and they’re? These three words serve many …

Why Did “Pandemonium” Trend This Week?

In the past few weeks, people lined up at Popeyes, a popular restaurant chain known for its Southern-fried chicken, all over the US to get their hands on a hot and hyped new menu item: a chicken sandwich. On Dictionary.com, meanwhile, we saw our own crowd: searches for pandemonium surged nearly 350% since mid-August, when Popeyes released the sandwich en masse. Searches for pandemonium are …

Words Bookworms Mispronounce Because We Read Them First

Anyone who has spent nights during their childhood huddled under a comforter with a flashlight (or more recently a flashlight app) lighting up the splayed pages of a book knows that being a bookworm helps you build the sort of vocabulary that earns you eyerolls on the playground and accolades from the teachers. Yet, dedicated bibliophiles know there’s really only one problem that comes with …

Where Did The Word “Pizza” Come From, Anyway?

The origin of the word pizza The word pizza as we now know it is recorded in English in the early 1800s, though early English lexicographer John Florio enters pizza for “a small cake or wafer” in his historically important 1598 Italian-English dictionary. Pizza, of course, is borrowed from Italian, but the deeper ingredients of the word, if you will, are unclear. Some think the Greek pitta (pita, …

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Playful Words That Jane Austen Popularized

In her novels, Jane Austen (1775–1817) scrutinized the ways that social codes and class place constraints on individuals and relationships. Her own use of language, however, was anything but constrained. It was so playful and inventive—like tittupy, or “bouncing all around,” which a character uses to describe a rickety carriage in Northanger Abbey. While she may not have exactly coined words like tittupy, Austen’s books …

Supper vs. Dinner

In parts of the US, supper and dinner are used interchangeably to refer to the evening meal, but they’re not exactly synonyms. What do these words mean? Dinner, which dates back to the late 1200s, refers to the main meal of the day—historically, a meal served midday for many peoples. The term comes from the Middle English diner, which, via French, goes back to a …

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Why Is Planet Mars Named “Mars”?

Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, is our neighbor, and it has long captivated the human mind and spirit. Think of Martians, a go-to word for extraterrestrial life since science-fiction imagined inhabitants there in the late 19th century. But, how did Mars it get its name? Who is the mythological Mars? The planet Mars is named after the Roman god of war, Mars, considered …

Principal vs. Principle

Is the head of a school called a principal or a principle? These two words are frustratingly similar, leaving even the most experienced English speakers to second-guess which word means what. So, today, we’ll discuss the distinct meanings between these easy-to-confuse terms—and leave you with a little trick to help differentiate between your principals and your principles. What is a principal? A principal is “a …

What Is “Stochastic Terrorism,” And Why Is It Trending?

On Saturday, August 3, a gunman in El Paso, Texas, took the lives of 22 people and injured many more. The next morning, another shooter claimed 9 victims in Dayton, Ohio. As people were processing these massacres, many turned to the dictionary. We observed lookups for one term, stochastic terrorism, surge 63,389% on August 4, as compared to the week prior. Topping searches on https://t.co/OeJELgy3YL …

How The Letter “X” Creates More Gender-Neutral Language

by Rory Gory The letter X is often used to represent the unknown or the indescribable. In English, there are so few words beginning with X that in Samuel Johnson’s famous early dictionary, X was defined as, “a letter, which, though found in Saxon words, begins no word in the English language.” The mathematician and philosopher René Descartes used the letter X to represent variable …

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Malpractice, Malarkey, And Other Words From The Second Democratic Debate

The Democratic candidates squared off this week in their second, two-night debate in Detroit, Michigan, ahead of their party primaries. As the candidates made their pitch to voters for why they should top the Democratic ticket against Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, we were watching some of the standout or hot-button words they were using—and that drove viewers to look them up in …

Are There Any Words Without Rhymes?

What rhymes with orange? Orange rhymes with Blorenge (a mountain in Wales) and sporange (a technical word for a sac where spores are made). Of course, if you want to write a rhyming poem about oranges, the scientific or geographic research involved might be a little tough. What rhymes with silver? While we’re at it, while silver hangs on to the same rumor, it actually rhymes with Wilver (a nickname) and chilver (a ewe lamb). …

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Exculpate, Mockumentary, Burpless, And Other Words That Trended On Dictionary.com This Past Week

It’s time for another roundup of the words that got our trending word ticker atop our homepage ticking this past week. In this batch, we offer a “stirring” mix of 10 terms that trended (i.e., significantly increased by percentage measured against searches on the the previous day). We begin with our top three lookups. Then, we’ll highlight some words that are notable due to the …

From “Great Society” to “Green New Deal”: How Do Politicians Name Policies?

What Makes A Policy Program Name Stick? by John M. Cunningham In the 1910s there was Woodrow Wilson’s New Freedom. The 1960s brought us Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society. And now, with the help of Senator Ed Markey and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Green New Deal has become the talk of the Beltway. Since the early 20th century, presidents and other politicians in the United …

Nephanalysis, Sitar, Wombat, And Other Words That Trended On Dictionary.com This Week

What do spivvy, smuggery, stingo, and schlemiel have in common? Sure, they begin with the letter S. But what’s more, they are also some of the leading lookups on Dictionary.com since July 8. Since our introduction of it in our last trending writeup, our ticker has been tirelessly scrolling across our homepage. And, we’ve continued to watch. So, let’s get started with our top five …

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“Just Deserts” vs. “Just Desserts”

Did the dictionary … get it wrong?! We once featured the word comeuppance as our Word of the Day. Comeuppance, as we define it, means “deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant.” More than a few of our brilliant and devoted users, wrote in to inform us that there was a typo in the definition: just deserts should be just desserts. Was an S left out of …

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We Can Thank Alexander Hamilton For Giving Us These Words

He may have been ??dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by providence, impoverished, in squalor?? … but by now we all know Alexander Hamilton grew up to be a hero and a scholar. However, did you know the first secretary of the treasury was also quite the linguist? Since Lin-Manuel Miranda turned Hamilton from a mysterious face on our $10 bill …

Slang And Spelling Bees Influence Word Searches Over The Past Three Months

We’re already halfway through 2019, which means we had to look back at our word search data! We love data, OK. Plus, the search trends on Dictionary.com from April through June 2019 did not disappoint. Politics, of course, drove many of the searches. And, uh, a quick warning: there are some references to adult content ahead. (Hey, we don’t control the words, folks. We document …

This Quiz Is Practically Paradisiacal

Ignore those orgulous ogres and treat yourself to this Word of the Day Quiz! | July 1 – July 7, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

When To Use Motherland vs. Fatherland

The terms motherland and fatherland both refer to one’s native country, one’s country of origin, or the home of one’s ancestors. So, what’s the difference between motherland and others fatherland? What are the origins of motherland and fatherland? Whether a particular group uses (their language’s equivalent of, if they have one) motherland or fatherland is a matter of culture, tradition, or, in some instances, personal preference. In …

Do You Know The Names For The Different Types Of Fireworks?

On Independence Day (July 4th), we ooh and ahh at the fireworks bursting in air, but did you know that the different types of fireworks effects have their own names? What’s a peony firework? The peony is one of the most common kinds of aerial pyrotechnic effects. It is named for a variety of plants with large, showy flowers. This firework display has a flower-like explosion …

The Words That Make Us Tick: What Users Are Looking Up On Dictionary.com Every Day

You may have noticed a nifty new tool scrolling across the top of the homepage of Dictionary.com. But, what makes it tick? What is the trending word ticker, and how does it work? Rather than reading out stock prices, our ticker pulls real-time data on daily word search trends in our dictionary. The percentage is a measurement of how many searches there are for a …

What Did The Word “Nice” Use To Mean?

What’s the origin of nice? Nice, it turns out, began as a negative term derived from the Latin nescius, meaning “unaware, ignorant.” This sense of “ignorant” was carried over into English when the word was first borrowed (via French) in the early 1300s. And for almost a century, nice was used to characterize a “stupid, ignorant, or foolish” person. Starting in the late 1300s, nice began …

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What’s The Difference Between “Piqued,” “Peeked,” And “Peaked?”

English has a rich, extensive vocabulary. Problem is, sometimes those words run into each other, resulting in a tangled set of homophones, words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings. The word set we’re examining today can send writers into a spiral of uncertainty when it comes to word choice, particularly in the context of one expression: piqued my interest, peaked my interest, …

What Does It Mean To Be “Charged,” “Convicted,” And “Sentenced” For A Crime

Three verbs that mean similar things: charge, convict, and sentence. They appear in the news constantly, but do you know what each term actually describes? What does it mean to be charged with a crime? Let’s begin with charge. When a person is charged with a crime, a formal allegation (a statement not yet proven) of an offense is made. We typically refer to charges in the …

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Don’t Get Tripped Up By These Ten Tricky Homophones

March 14 marks one of the geekiest days on the calendar. But, some people might confuse it for one of the tastiest. It’s Pi Day. Not pie, but pi (II, p), the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet. In mathematics, the character is used to represent a constant—the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter—which is approximately 3.14159+. While the infinitely long …

What Word Is Your State Looking Up On Father’s Day?

Paunchy, winsome, defiance, thaumaturgical. What could this unusual assortment of words possibly have in common? Dads, apparently. Our Data Scientists examined what users looked up on Dictionary.com on Mother’s Day in 2018. Well, Daddy-o, they’ve worked their magic again. Here are the search terms that trended in each state for Father’s Day, 2018. And, compared to our moms, the words tell a very different tale. (A …

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What’s It Called When You Can “Taste” A Word Or “See” A Sound?

Is it possible to see a taste? Or taste a word? The answer is yes, sort of. What is synesthesia? An involuntary neurological condition called synesthesia, which is also spelled synaesthesia, describes a version of this experience.Synesthesia is “a sensation produced in one modality when a stimulus is applied to another modality, as when the hearing of a certain sound induces the visualization of a certain …

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What Is The Difference Between “Anyway,” “Anyways,” And “Any Way”?

Which word is it, anyway? Anyway is a common adverb used to mean “in any case,” while any way is an adjective-noun phrase that means “whichever path” or “in any manner.” Anyways is the informal form of anyway. While less common in formal writing, anyways abounds in everyday speech or dialogue. It often signals a transition. Anyway Anyway, used as an adverb, suggests a disregard …

What’s The Difference Between “Imminent,” “Immanent,” And “Eminent”?

When something is imminent, that means it’s “impending.” Immanent isn’t a typo; it means “inherent.” And, e minent means “distinguished.” Now that that is cleared up … how do you use each of these in a sentence? How to use imminent in a sentence Imminent means “likely to occur at any moment or impending.” It refers to something that’s approaching, about to happen, anticipated, or threatening …

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“Flammable” vs. “Inflammable”

English is a trickster of a language, evidenced by the fact that two words that appear to be antonyms can actually mean the exact same thing. However, every once in a while we come across a pair of words that it really would be better to not confuse. A fine example of this is flammable and inflammable. Why are these two words so confusing? Well, flammable and …

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What Is The Medical Term For “Belly Button”?

Some of us get squeamish at the sight of them. Some of us shoot studs into them. And, no two are exactly alike, even for identical twins. We’re here to talk about belly buttons, folks. What actually is a belly button? The belly button is an informal term for the navel. It refers to the scar on the abdomen that is caused when the umbilical …

Grey vs. Gray

Grey and gray are both accepted in the English language. They refer to a color of a neutral tone between black and white, and can also be used metaphorically to convey gloom and dullness. However, gray is the more popular spelling in the US, while grey reigns supreme in the UK as well as Ireland, Australia, and other places that use British English. For centuries, …

This Quiz Will Fuel Your Inner Fictioneer

Don’t stymie a good time(y), take this Word of the Day Quiz! | June 3 – June 9, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

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Is There A Difference Between A “Symphony,” “Orchestra,” And “Philharmonic”?

If you want to see some live classical music, you could go to the New York Philharmonic, for instance, or the Chicago Symphony. Are they the same? Are they different? Why is English so confusing? OK, we are going to stop playing the world’s smallest violin and get to the base—er, bass—of it. First, what is an orchestra? An orchestra is “a group of performers on …

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Why Are Singing Groups Called “Glee Clubs”?

These infamously chipper singing groups are called glee because the melding of voices makes everyone happy, right? Actually, joy has little to do with it. Why are they really called glee clubs? Yes, one definition of glee is “open delight or pleasure,” e.g., The students ran out of the building on the last day of school with glee.Glee derives from the Old English gleo, meaning “mirth, jesting, …

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How Are Newly Discovered Chemical Elements Named?

In 2011, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recognized the discovery of two new chemical elements: flerovium and livermorium. With the chemical symbols of Fl and Lv, these names became official in 2012. Until the discovery of these predicted elements occurred, they were known as ununquadium and ununhexium, which is scientific Latin for 114 and 116, respectively. These numbers correspond to their atomic …

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What Does “Betelgeuse” Mean?

What is Betelgeuse? No, it’s not the lovably creepy character played by Michael Keaton in the 1988 Tim Burton movie Beetlejuice, though many folks pronounce them roughly the same way. We’re talking about the red supergiant star in the constellation Orion. That Betelgeuse, and its 20 times more massive than the Sun and nearly 650 light-years away. That’s almost 4 quadrillion miles away. So, how did the …

Redefine Black: Why Dictionary.com Is Updating Its Definition

Update: Dictionary.com lexicographers have completed updates of our current entry for the word Black. Read on to find out why we’ve decided to revise this particular entry. At Dictionary.com we take words very seriously. They are foundational to how individuals think about themselves, and they can influence the perceptions of others. When it comes to the language of identity, the words we use are especially important. …

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What’s The Difference Between “Discreet” vs. “Discrete”?

Ah, another confusing pair of homophones (words that sound alike but are different in meaning). And, we’re not going to be discreet about it: these two can be confusing. So, let’s try to keep them discrete. What does discreet mean? Discreet means “judicious in one’s conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature.” Or, more …

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What Is A “Claret Jug”?

Since 1872, the winner of golf’s British Open, which is also called The Open Championship and the oldest of the sport’s four major tournaments, has won a trophy that goes by an unusual name: the Claret Jug. What is the origin of a claret jug? The Claret Jug, officially called the Golf Champion Trophy, is made in the style of the jugs used in the nineteenth century …

Put A Pin In Your Persiflage And Play This Quiz

Feeling otiose? Lounge around with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | May 27 – June 2, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with …

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What Was New York’s Original Name?

Gotham, the Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps: New York City is virtually an emblem of America. But, how did it get its name, and where is “Old” York? What was the original name for New York? Before New York was New York, it was a small island inhabited by a tribe of the Lenape peoples. One early English rendering of the native placename …

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Where Does The Phrase “Cut The Mustard” Come From?

As with many slang and idiomatic phrases, the origin of cut the mustard isn’t so … clear-cut. But, let’s see if we can’t crack this etymological jar open just a bit. What does “cut the mustard” mean? To cut the mustard is “to reach or surpass the desired standard or performance” or more generally “to succeed, to have the ability to do something.” For instance, Beyoncé …

Why Is “Bisexual” Such A Charged Word?

by Rory Gory Bisexual people make up 52 percent of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) community, but in recent years, the words to describe the identity of someone who is attracted to more than one gender have become increasingly complex. As the conversation around gender identity has expanded, so, too, has the language to describe both gender and sexuality as well as the complex …

Can You Answer These Quiz Questions Seriatim?

Expend some of your scaturient energy on this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | May 20 – May 26, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Savor The JOMO With This Word of The Day Quiz

Please consent to expanding your vocabulary before proceeding with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | May 13 – May 19, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

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The Important Rise Of “#DemThrones”

by Kimberly C. Ellis, PhDI remember that Sunday so clearly. I saw something called “#RedWedding” trending on Twitter and when I clicked on the hashtag, I discovered it was related to the hit television show Game of Thrones already into its third season. I decided that night I would find out about the show, watch it for the first time, and learn about this Red Wedding. …

The Most Surprisingly Serendipitous Words Of The Day

We’re back celebrating our Word of the Day! Because there’s plenty left to reminisce about from the last 10 years. In Part II of our lexical stroll down memory lane (see Part I, 1999–2008, here), we will be examining word selections from 2009–2018, unearthing serendipitous synchronicities and offering perspicacious perspectives into notable events and trends of the last decade. Oops, just kidding, because our first …

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Should We Use Emoji In Work Emails?

A few decades ago, if you told someone that people would soon be sending one another electronic messages full of cartoon smiley faces, they would have looked at you like, well, ??. But, the future is now, and we do indeed send each other emails, texts, and tweets all day long that contain hearts and sparkles, crying faces and laughing faces, and all sorts of creatures, …

Sharpen Your Perspicacity With This Quiz

Shoo away that popinjay, and cozy up to this Word of the Day Quiz. | May 6– May 12, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

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Scrabble Rules Some Experts Don’t Even Know

What does it take to win a game of Scrabble? Intelligence, mastery of the English language, and a little luck certainly can’t hurt. There are, however, some little-known rules of the game that might give you an even stronger leg up when it comes to laying down those tiles and laying out all your opponents. Here are eight Scrabble rules most people don’t know that …

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What Word Is Your State Looking Up On Mother’s Day?

By now, we trust you’re not looking up when Mother’s Day is. Surely you’re just consulting the dictionary for the perfect words to grace your mother’s card, right? Well, the numbers don’t lie—and especially not to mothers. Our Data Scientists analyzed what users looked up on Dictionary.com on Mother’s Day in 2018 and found these as the top trends by state. They give and they …

What Does “Camp” Mean In Fashion?

A who’s who in fashion, art, and culture held each year at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the Met Gala is a black-tie fundraiser that kicks off the institute’s spring exhibition. The 2019 theme for the event and exhibition was “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” As the Met explains, the exhibit examines “camp’s exuberant aesthetic” and “how the elements of irony, humor, parody, …

Fiancé vs. Fiancée: Which One Is Which?

Fiancé and fiancée are different words? If you’ve ever wondered whether it was spelled fiancé or fiancée, well, they’re both correct. They’re both correct because they are actually different terms. English borrowed them from variants of the French verb fiancer (meaning “to get engaged”) in the mid-19th century. The masculine (fiancé) and feminine (fiancée) noun forms were both imported by English speakers, even though English doesn’t typically use gendered word endings. The …

This Quiz Will Make You Bombinate With Joy

Watch out, this Word of the Day Quiz might exacerbate your sesquipedalian tendencies. | April 29 – May 5, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with …

Celebrating 20 Years Of Word Of The Day!

It’s hard to believe, but this month marks 20 years of daily lexical morsels from Word of the Day. What started as a small audience of intrepid logophiles, who braved spotty dial-up connections for their quotidian word fix in 1999, has blossomed into a vibrant community of Word of the Day devotees, who bring context, conversation, inspiration, and personal connections to our selections every day. …

Finding Love And Friendship Through Words With Friends

If you don’t play Words With Friends, you may be missing out. Not just on the hours of stimulating fun its throngs of devoted followers say it provides, but on some great friendships, romance, and other opportunities as well. What is Words with Friends? Brief primer for those not familiar with WWF: The word game lets players challenge each other to build words, much like …

Is It OK To Say I’m OCD?

That one picture hanging slightly crooked on the wall. The car stereo volume left on an uneven number. The one floor tile that breaks the pattern. There are plenty of things that can make our skin start to crawl because they’re just a little bit … off. And, in these scenarios we tend to break out that little acronym that so perfectly describes those annoying …

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Practice vs. Practise

If you’ve ever wondered why it’s spelled practice in some contexts and practise in others, it mainly comes down to British versus American spelling. In British English, which is also called International English, practise is a verb and practice is a noun. American English tends to avoid practise altogether, using practice as both the noun and verb form. How do you use the noun practice? As a noun, practice means …

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When Did “Fat” Become An Insult?

by Ashley Austrew The word fat holds a complicated place in our society. As an adjective, it joins words like tall, hairy, fluffy, or bright. But, unlike those descriptors, fat isn’t neutral. It’s so often framed as a negative—and used as an insult. However, the body positivity movement, fat activism, and popular books and television shows centered on fat characters are proving that narrative is wearing thin. …

How To Name A Cocktail

An Anatomy Of Cocktail Names Through History by John M. Cunningham The cocktail renaissance of the 21st century, in which craft-cocktail bars have proliferated and classic cocktails are back in fashion, has proved that there is a true art to inventing and mixing drinks. But, what about naming them? For some bartenders, bestowing a name upon one of their newly devised concoctions can be the …

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Why Did “Noon” Use To Mean 3:00?

To most, the word noon signifies a specific time of day–namely, 12:00 midday (aka “lunchtime”). But, surprisingly, the term noon wasn’t always shorthand for midday at 12:00; in fact, it used to refer to a different time of day altogether. First, some history. Clocks and watches are relatively new inventions. Though some timekeeping devices, like sundials and water clocks, have been used for thousands of years, …

This Quiz Will Give You A Frisson

Does your brainchild hurt from all that groupthink? Kick back with this Word of the Day Quiz! | April 22 – 28, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week, and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

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Words Popularized By Shakespeare That We Still Use

William Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 and was baptized on April 26, 1564. His exact birthdate remains unknown, though it is conventionally taken to be the same as the day his “bones were interred.” In his honor, we wanted to share some words popularized by the man himself. Did Shakespeare coin the following terms? Probably not. These words may have already been in conversational …

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What Kind Of Songs Get To Be Called “Country Music”?

by Ashley AustrewWhat comes to mind when we say country music? Pickup trucks and cowboy hats? Garth Brooks and Patsy Cline? How about West African string instruments and Atlanta-based hip-hop? Past and present, country music—and what gets to be called country music—is far more complex than many realize. What is country music? Country music is defined as “a style and genre of largely string-accompanied American popular music …

Advice vs. Advise

Why are advice and advise so similar? It’s no wonder that advice and advise are often confused; they are used in similar contexts and are separated by just one letter. But, that letter signals important distinctions to keep in mind when using the terms. So, what are the differences between the two? What are the differences between advise and advice? Advise is a verb meaning “to give counsel to; offer an opinion …

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Why We Need Better Terms For People Who Identify As Two Or More Races

by Nicole Holliday When I was a kid, I always just assumed that everyone in the world called people like me “mixed,” because in the 1990s in central Ohio, where I grew up, mixed almost always referred to folks like me, who had one black parent and one white parent. The community I grew up in had very few people who identified as anything other …

Enjoy The Yummy Umami Of This Word Of The Day Quiz

Greetings, my yealings, this week’s facultative Word of the Day quiz hath arrived. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week, and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

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The Changing Language Of Climate Change

The language surrounding climate change is changing right alongside the climate itself. But, it all began with global warming … What is global warming and greenhouse gases? Climate change was first known to many of us as global warming, a phrase dating to the 1950s that indicates “a longterm rise in Earth’s average atmospheric temperature.” The idea that global warming exists and could be attributed to human behavior, however, was first …

Is “Anti” Actually An Inclusive Term?

When we think of positive language, anti isn’t the first word that comes to mind. In fact, anti seems like the very opposite of it. The word is a verbal line in the sand—a division between people who are for something and those who are against it. So, it might surprise you to know that the negative anti is being hailed as a more inclusive way to …

This Word of the Day Quiz Might Make You Tootle

Looking for polysemous inspiration for your new conlang? Take this Word of the Day Quiz with alacrity! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

What’s Happening With The Word “Unicorn”?

What do Scotland, Silicon Valley, LGBTQ pride, and Jesus Christ all have in common? Unicorns. You read that right, unicorns. This connection may sound as fantastical as unicorns themselves, that mythical horse famed for the single horn it bears on its forehead. But, only a creature as unique as a unicorn could span such a wide array of contexts. So, too, can the word unicorn. Since …

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When Did “Chemical” Become Such A Toxic Word?

The word chemical elicits strong reactions from many people. You’ve probably seen viral headlines over the past few years about “yoga mat chemicals” in your Subway sandwich bread or “toxic chemicals” in your mascara. Certainly, you’ve seen people online discussing the “dangerous chemicals” they believe are contained in vaccines. When people see the word chemical, it tends to inspire fear, but should it? What is a chemical? A chemical …

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Blond vs. Blonde: What’s The Difference?

Grammatical gender* is an unfamiliar concept to some native English speakers. If you’re learning a language like Spanish, for instance, one of the earliest lessons is that some nouns are feminine (la mesa for “the table”) and others masculine (el café for “coffee”). Gendered words are part of many other languages around the world, too, but not so much in English—or are they? Believe it or not, English …

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Why Do Journalists Avoid The Word “Liar”?

by Ashley AustrewPoliticians aren’t exactly known for being honest. President Nixon had the Watergate scandal. President Bill Clinton lied about his affair with Monica Lewinsky. And, in the first two years Donald Trump was president, the Washington Post reported he’s made over 8,000 “false or misleading claims” to the American public. Still, it is rare to see a headline declaring any president or politician a liar. …

Don’t Be A Gooseberry Fool, Take This Word Of The Day Quiz

Our crippling anthophobia won’t stop us from taking this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Stationary vs. Stationery

Stationary and stationery are just one letter off, but that seemingly small difference changes the meaning of these words entirely. These two terms share the Latin root stationarius, which derives from the word station meaning “a standing place.” What does stationary mean? Stationary with an a is the older of these two terms, and it means “fixed in one place and not moving,” like a …

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What Is A “Ban”?

The word ban gets bandied about a lot these days, from vegan brides wanting to ban meat-eaters from their weddings to plastic straws getting banned from coffee drinks. On an individual level, banning things we don’t like or agree with can be an easy way to rid them from our life. But, zoom out to a governmental and societal level, and bans become much more complex. What …

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What’s It Called When You Misinterpret Lyrics?

What is a mondegreen? Have you ever heard someone sing the wrong lyrics to a song? Maybe a child gave the nursery rhyme “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” a new meaning by replacing the line “life is but a dream” with “life’s a butter dream.” Or maybe you’ve unironically belted out “Excuse me while I kiss this guy,” instead of Jimi Hendrix’s intended lyrics, “Excuse me …

We’ve Added Over 300 New Words To Dictionary.com!

JSYK, we’ve added new words and definitions to the dictionary. Over 300 of them in 2019, in fact. This is one case, we think, where JOMO just doesn’t apply. We’re sure you’ve guessed by now that these additions include some new internet slang abbreviations, like JSYK (“just so you know”) and JOMO (“joy of missing out”), that reflect how technology is influencing modern life—and modern …

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Why Do We Use Euphemisms For Certain Body Parts?

by Rachel Bradley Ah, childhood, those halcyon days when you chewed on a stuffed Mr. Snuffleupagus and cruised the driveway in your foot-pedaled convertible. Childhood was also the time when, hopefully, you learned how to peepee—with your wee wee, weenie, peenie, winkey, giney, or jay-jay. Ring any bells? Those goofy names remind us that childhood is also when our private parts are often given cutesy …

This Word Of The Day Quiz Is Veritably Velutinous

Knackered after a long, skimble-scamble week? Recharge with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Have You Ever Experienced Language Denialism?

What makes something a “real” language? For most of us, real language is the language we speak and the languages that large groups of other people speak. You may not know how to speak French, for instance, but many other people do, and it’s an official language of many countries, so clearly it must be “real.” But, what about different dialects of languages, regional languages, …

What Were The Most Searched Words In The Beginning Of 2019?

We’re only a quarter of the way through 2019, but already we’ve seen some significant trends in searches on Dictionary.com. Politics, as ever, has propelled many of the lookups, but that’s not the only driver. Sneak peek: Top terms range from pad thai to deep space. Here are the words setting the search trends through March 2019: 1. Exonerate Our top lookup in early 2019 …

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How Do You Use The Word “Myriad” In A Sentence?

From college admissions to carbon emissions, it seems society these days is facing a myriad of challenges … or is it myriad challenges? Thanks, myriad. As if we don’t have enough to deal with. Most of us have heard of the word myriad … but can you use it in a sentence? Well, we’re going help make at least one thing simpler and get to the bottom of this …

Bracketology Won’t Help You Beat This Word Of The Day Quiz

Surfing cyberspace at a plumbeous pace? Then take this week’s Word of the Day Quiz! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

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Is There A Difference Between “Calling In” And “Calling Out”?

by Ashley AustrewWhen you hear the phrases calling out and calling in, you probably picture someone taking a sick day at their job. And, there’s a whole lot of debate about which phrase you use when doing that. Twitter, go! The sniffles are affecting most people this year. If you have to miss work due to illness, do you call IN sick or call OUT …

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Why Is The Word “Root” In “Root Beer”?

Is root beer the world’s most oddly named carbonated beverage … we don’t know, that award might go to 7-up, but we’re going to explore the naming of this soft drink regardless. What, after all, is the root in root beer? The roots of root in root beer The ingredient in root beer that primarily gives the beverage its distinctive flavor is sassafras, which is “the root …

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Did You Know How This Word Was Formed?

Words are funny things. For one thing, they are always changing. Consider lit, which, conventionally, refers to “lighting something up, e.g., a lit candle.” But, in slang, lit means something is “excellent.” It’s hot, it’s on fire—which are just more examples of how we play with words. For another, they keep secret stories of the past. Did you know daisy literally means “day’s eye,” named for the way …

Fight Off The Fantods With This Word Of The Day Quiz

The upper crust might make a fuss over this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | March 11 – 17, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week, and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter!

How To Speak Queer Eye

It didn’t take very long for the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye to sneak into America’s chests and start tugging those heartstrings. Now, with Season 4 out on July 19, 2019, we wanted to shine the spotlight on some of the lexical magic of the Fab Five.Spoiler alert … some Queer Eye plot points may be revealed. Grab your tissues and prepare for the ride.For …

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Words You Didn’t Know Came From Los Angeles

From its star-studded studios to its star-lined Walk of Fame, Los Angeles is a city that shines bright, literally and figuratively. There are few things that can’t be found within its sprawling, sunny city limits—it just might take a while to get there, depending on traffic. Even if you’ve never visited, its influence is still apparent. Los Angeles’s films scream from our screens and its celebrities plaster …

Why We Don’t Think Kylie Is “Self-Made”

Well, it’s official. On March 5, Forbes declared makeup mogul and Keeping Up with the Kardashians star Kylie Jenner the youngest self-made billionaire ever. The publication estimates that Jenner, 21, is sitting on a billion-dollar fortune following three successful years with her business, Kylie Cosmetics, including a lucrative deal with the beauty store Ulta that pushed her fortune to new heights. Of the deal’s success, Jenner told …

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Can We Call Products “Meat” or “Milk” If They Don’t Come From An Animal?

There’s a funny scene in the 2002 romcom My Big Fat Greek Wedding in which the main character, Toula, introduces her fiancé to her aunt and explains that he’s a vegetarian. The aunt asks what that means, and when he replies that it means he doesn’t eat meat, she says in shock, “What do you mean you don’t eat no meat?” They stare at each other …

Stop Pettifogging And Take This Word Of The Day Quiz

A regina such as yourself deserves to relax with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | March 4 – 10, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

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Is “Emergency” The Right Word To Describe What’s Happening At The Border?

by Ashley Austrew and John Kelly In late February 2019, the House of Representatives voted to block President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the Mexican border. Trump’s declaration—issued on February, 15, 2019 and based on the emergency powers granted to the presidency by the Constitution—would build a wall with funds not approved by Congress, which has authority over the nation’s finances and budget. …

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Warning: These New Swearwords Are Taking Over The Internet

by Ashley Austrew Swearwords, these days, aren’t just more common than ever. They are also more colorful. A quick warning: there will be a lot of strong language ahead.Douchnozzle, shitgibbon, cockwaffle—these unique swears are created by taking a common profanity and pairing it with an unlikely noun. And, they’re becoming so popular that The New York Times Magazine has dubbed the people who coin these …

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“Compliment” vs. “Complement”: How To Pick The Right Word

Compliment and complement are commonly confused terms because they’re pronounced alike and originally shared some meanings. But over time, they’ve become separate words with entirely different definitions. What does complement mean? Complement with an E is the older of the two terms. Its noun sense has been around in English since the 1300s. The term derives from the Latin complementum, meaning “something that completes.” So, that means if …

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Stop Tergiversating And Take This Word Of The Day Quiz

Don’t get cozened out of a good time, sit down with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | February 25 – March 3, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this …

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The Issue With Casually Using The Word “Binge”

The 12 episodes of the Netflix show that you watched on Saturday. The full pint of Ben & Jerry’s you ate last Thursday night. The entire series of books you read in one week. When we enjoy things, it’s normal for us to indulge in them. There’s even a handy little word we pull out just for these instances of indulging in something we love: binge. …

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Does “Spark Joy” Mean The Same Thing In English And Japanese?

by Ashley Austrew After the debut of Marie Kondo’s smash hit Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, in January 2019, much fuss has been made about her directive of removing items in our homes that do not, as she calls it, “spark joy.” How can household objects “spark joy”? The idea of household objects sparking joy was first mentioned in Marie Kondo’s books, The Life-Changing Magic …

Holy Halidom, Here’s A Word Of The Day Quiz

Brace yourself for this week’s behemoth Word of the Day Quiz. | February 18 – 24, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends …

What Is The Difference Between “Loan,” “Lend,” “Loaned,” And “Lent”?

You would not be wrong if you interchange loan and lend—they do in fact mean the same thing in most instance. The words loan and loaned are the present and past tenses of to loan. Lend and lent are the present and past tenses of to lend. As verbs, loan and lend are often used interchangeably. For example, “A bank loans people money to buy a home. …

Why Do Brits And Americans Spell Words Differently?

Brits and Americans may share a mother tongue, but when it comes to spelling a handful of common terms, we just can’t seem to settle on a shared favorite—or is it favourite?—approach. Thankfully, most words in English are spelled the same wherever the language is spoken. But a select few take different spellings on opposite sides of the Atlantic. These are some of the most common discrepancies …

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Why Do We Use Onomatopoeia?

Few words are as fun to say as onomatopoeia, but what the heck does it mean? Despite its complex look and sound, onomatopoeia actually has a simple function in the English language. It’s defined as “the formation of a word, as cuckoo, meow, honk, or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent.” To put it simply, it’s a word …

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Has The Word “Ninja” Been Culturally Appropriated?

Traditionally, the word ninja is defined as “a member of a feudal Japanese society of mercenary agents, highly trained in martial arts and stealth (ninjutsu), who were hired for covert purposes ranging from espionage to sabotage and assassination.” These ninjas have captured the Western pop culture imagination since at least the 1960s, when the word was borrowed into English. Since then, ninja has expanded to describe “a …

Amplify Your Attractancy With This Word Of The Day Quiz

Snowbirds and townies alike are wild about this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | February 11 – 17, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it …

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Using These Words Will Make You Sound Like You’re From New York

If you’ve ever watched a mobster movie set in New York—and let’s face it, most of them are—you probably think that talking like a New Yorker is as easy as dropping a few Rs and smushing whole sentences into one word. The dialect particular to movie depictions of New York City’s Italian-American community is one of the best recognized in the country, but it doesn’t …

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What Is The Difference Between “Gender” And “Sex”?

When two words have the same meaning, we call them synonyms. When two words have different meanings but people use them interchangeably, we write articles about what those words actually mean. Take gender and sex. While people substitute one for the other on the regular, their meaning and usage are significantly—and consequentially—different. Because we’re most often talking about human beings when we use these terms, …

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How Does Adding The Word “Possible” Change News?

by Ashley Austrew What is a possible hate crime? A possible sexual assault? A possible terrorist attack? Crime-related news is often reported in the media using tentative language—like the word possible—that makes it seem as if there is room for doubt as to whether or not a crime was actually committed. But in many instances, either through video, photos, or the victim’s own words and evidence, it …

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Verify The Severity of Your Temerity With This Word Of The Day Quiz

Get thee out of dullsville and enjoy this week’s roborant Word of the Day Quiz. | February 4 – 10, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and …

What Is A “Self-Own”?

Perhaps you’ve scrolled through social media and seen someone comment: Classic self-own. Greatest self-own of the year so far. Olympics-level self-own. Hall-of-fame self-own. This is both a self-own and a universal truth https://t.co/xbHhqovnnL — John Haltiwanger (@jchaltiwanger) January 30, 2020 What are these self-owns, and why are they epic? To understand what self-own really means, we must first know the meaning of the slang term …

What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?

It’s OK. Really, it is OK if you can confuse it’s, with an apostrophe between the t and s, and its, without any apostrophe at all. English grammar is tough, and its spelling doesn’t make things any easier. Mixing up it’s and its is an extremely common mistake. So, let’s break them down. What do it’s and its mean? First things first, it is a …

From The Grammys To The Oscars: The Stories Behind The Names

Awards season kicks off each year in November with the Emmy Awards and culminates with the Academy Awards in February. (The Tonys are a summertime outlier.) Rare talents can sometimes win all four of the major performing arts awards—an almost mythic achievement known colloquially as an EGOT: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. There are relatively few EGOT recipients, but they include …

Feel The Hygge With This Word Of The Day Quiz

Ignore the gibble-gabble and cozy up to this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. | January 28 – February 3, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week, and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

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Has The Word “Expert” Lost Its Meaning?

by Ashley Austrew What makes someone an expert? In the days of the internet, it seems like it’s gotten much harder to tell. Social media and the instant expert Social media makes it possible for anyone to have a platform, and that’s given rise to the phenomenon known as the instant expert. These self-appointed authorities on everything from federal policy to last night’s episode of This Is …

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Words You Didn’t Know Came From Chicago

Chi Town, The Big Onion, The Windy City. Call it what you will, Chicago is home to a herd of sports teams that could fill a zoo—the Cubs, the Bears, and the Bulls (and, oh yeah, the White Sox too). Not to mention it’s the land of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. It’s a fantastic city filled with museums, shopping, and industry. This midwestern …

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These Plain Words Have Very Odd Origin Stories

Most people have fairly rigid ideas about what words mean, but the thing about language is that it’s constantly changing. Words that mean one thing today may expand in definition over the coming decades or come to mean the complete opposite of their current definition once a few hundred more years pass. Sometimes, words even change meanings entirely, leaving behind little trace of what they …

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What Does It Mean To Be Electable?

by Ashley Austrew Every four years, big- and small-name politicians announce their candidacies for the presidential election, prompting the rest of us to start the usual pre-election year arguments about which candidate is the most electable. The word electable seems self-explanatory. Technically, it means “capable of, or having a reasonable chance of being elected.” But, what are we really talking about when we say that …

Adrenalize Your Intellect With This Word Of The Day Quiz

Feeling shirty? Sashay through this week’s soothing Word of the Day Quiz. | January 21 – 27, 2019 If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your …

Naughty Words Kids Use Before They Learn Their Meanings

Stop us when this starts to sound familiar. You’re chatting away, having a great conversation, and then everyone seems to stop in their tracks. Did they just notice a giant chunk of basil in your front teeth? Catch a whiff of those garlic knots you had with lunch? Or, was it something about that word you used that has your friends’ shoulders shaking and their …

Why Are We Calling Everything A “Wave”?

by Taneesh KheraWhen you picture a wave, what do you think of? I bet you see a body of water, possibly a lake, but more likely an ocean. A shore might come to mind, as would sand and beaches, and maybe a surfer or a boat or ship. Another possibility, not altogether different, is a hand saying hello, waving goodbye. If you consume much news, …

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Is “Crude” The Right Word To Use To Describe Someone’s Language?

by Ashley AustrewAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been in office for less than a month, and already she’s been the subject of controversy on multiple occasions. First, she was reportedly booed in Congress while voting to elect Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the house. Then, she was targeted by the leak of the now-infamous recording of her dancing in college. And most recently, Ocasio-Cortez made headlines for telling …

Not All Bad: 7 Ways “Bad” Can Be Good

The word bad is well, just that. Its original meaning is still the most common one in use today: “not good in any manner or degree.” But, come on, we all know bad isn’t always a bad thing … in fact, using bad as a word of approval started in the 1890s and was popularized in the 1920s within the jazz scene. There’s even a quote …

Gadabouts Won’t Forget About This Word Of The Day Quiz

Brain tired from all that ratiocinating? Kick back with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Twerk And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

What do Cardi B and Vice President Mike Pence’s wife Karen Pence have in common? They both helped put words on the most searched list from January 11–18, 2019! Contumacious Second Lady Karen Pence made headlines January 15 with an announcement that she accepted a job as an art teacher at a conservative Christian school in Virginia. The vice president’s wife landed on the trending …

Is It Time For All Couples To Use The Term “Partner”?

by Ashley AustrewBoyfriend or girlfriend. Husband or wife. Significant other. Bae. There are a lot of different words one could use to describe the person with whom they’re in a romantic relationship. But, the one word that is most quickly redefining the way we talk about relationships is partner. Is First Partner the future? Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who is married to California’s newest governor, Gavin Newsom, …

The Oldest Abbreviations In English

In the age of LOL, WTF, and OMG, abbreviations are often looked at as a sign of the coming apocalypse. (Spoiler: LOL, WTF, and OMG are not the oldest abbreviations in English—you’re shocked, we know.) So-called textspeak is viewed as a lesser form of English, and many people worry that pretty soon we’ll all be communicating solely in emoji. But, abbreviations aren’t exactly a new invention. …

There’s Nothing Pawky About This Word Of The Day Quiz

Tired from terraforming all weekend? Heal thyself with this week’s salvific Word of the Day Quiz. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Why Can’t Women Swear?

by Ashley Austrew It’s not every day you hear the F-word at a congressional event … But in January 2019, at an event celebrating progressive women in congress, that’s exactly what happened. Rashida Tlaib, the country’s first Palestinian-American congresswoman, told a story about what her congressional win meant to her son. She told the crowd, “…when your son looks at you and says: ‘Momma, look, …

Humanitarian, Sublimate, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From Glenn Close at the Golden Globes to Cyntoia Brown in Tennessee, here’s who (and what) had folks searching for meaning on Dictionary.com the week of January 4–11, 2019. Humanitarian President Donald Trump made his first-ever address to the nation from the Oval Office this week, so it’s no surprise that folks tuned in to see what he had to say, or that plenty stuck …

What Is An Ally?

It used to be that when we spoke of allies, it was most likely in a military sense, referring to countries formally banded together, usually by treaty, to fight against their enemies. Today, though, the word is used more broadly. What does ally mean today? An ally, ultimately from a Latin verb meaning “to bind to,” is used to describe “someone who supports disenfranchised and underrepresented groups …

Before X Was X: The Dark Horse Story Of The 24th Letter

With its long, ambiguous history and multiple phonemes, the letter X is quite a dark horse. It can mean Christ, like the X in Xmas, stand for a chromosome, and even show up in friendly and amorous correspondence (XOXO). But, how did X end up in the alphabet to begin with? The origin of X Since its inception, the letter X has struggled to establish its own …

What Is An “Influencer” And How Has This Word Changed?

By Jane Solomon The word influencer has been used in English since the mid-1600s, though of course back then it wasn’t a job title. In recent years, the term has become a catch-all for a certain kind of career track that is at the center of a burgeoning but profitable industry. As influencer continues to expand in English and pull new terms and meanings into …

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Auspicate The New Year With This Word Of Day Quiz

Noodling your way through 2019? Start with this week’s Word of the Day Quiz! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Ultima Thule, Bandersnatch, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Thanks to the holidays, we’re serving up two weeks worth of words that have trended on Dictionary.com! From Santa Claus to outer space, here’s what had folks searching for meaning December 21, 2018–January 4, 2019. Ultima Thule Space fans spent the week watching as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft flew by the most distant space object ever explored. Dubbed Ultima Thule, the object is some 4 billion miles …

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The Most Searched Words Of 2018 On Dictionary.com

What could words like laurel, dog whistle, lodestar, and self-made possibly have in common? These words and others like them sent hundreds of thousands of folks to Dictionary.com in 2018, searching for answers. Whether you were challenging your friends and family to declare themselves #TeamLaurel or #TeamYanny or playing armchair detective with the words in a cryptic New York Times op-ed, Dictionary.com was here to …

Where Does Champagne Get Its Name?

Champagne has been associated with luxury, special occasions, and rites of passage since the days of French royalty when kings were anointed with bubbly. But not just any bottle of the sparkly stuff gets to be called a champagne. Where did this festive libation get its name? And what makes a champagne a champagne? What champagne is made from Champagne is a sparkling wine made …

Prognosticator, Herpetologist, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Do you have your eyes on the news? Here are the words that made headlines and drove searches December 14–21, 2018 on Dictionary.com! Prognosticator The word prognosticator tends to get its biggest use in February, when a groundhog is hauled out to forecast the arrival of spring. But the noun, which means “one who forecasts or predicts (something future) from present indications or signs,” jumped onto …

“You Guys”: Is There A Better Option?

Hey, y’all, it’s time to talk about you guys. We don’t mean you specifically … but the term itself. For years, the phrase you guys has been employed as a useful workaround when addressing a mixed-gender group. But as gender norms evolve, the usefulness and appropriateness of you guys comes into question. The gendered baggage of this term has some calling for its retirement from …

The Surprisingly Religious Background Of “Golly,” “Gosh,” And “Gee”

Gosh, golly, and gee casually express surprise or excitement, right? Well, yes, but when they were first introduced to the English language, these short words had a much more serious origin and purpose. Where did golly, gosh, and gee come from? While this folksy trio are informal interjections, they are also euphemistic alterations of the word God or, in the case of gee, Jesus. Of the three, gosh is recorded …

Do You Give Presents Or Gifts? Here’s The Difference

Where do the words gift and present come from? Why does English use both? We’re pretty sure it’s not just so that children can ask for toys in multiple ways … Language is not a linear, predestined development. Even though it may feel as if the language we speak is in some way the logical conclusion of thousands of years of development, every word that …

These Idioms Were Turned Into Some Of TV’s Most Popular Shows

Television has a habit of repurposing and repackaging common sayings into names of shows, from Breaking Bad to Six Feet Under, and it’s easy to understand why: Idioms are packed with rich associations that resonate instantly with viewers, and when applied to titles of the small screen, they quickly communicate the sensibilities of the shows. Take a look at how some of these idiomatic phrases were …

Why Is “Christmas” Abbreviated As “Xmas”?

Here’s a holiday surprise that only the dictionary can provide. Do you find the word Xmas, as an abbreviation for Christmas, offensive? Many people do, but the origin of this controversial term might change your mind! You won’t find Xmas in church songbooks or even on many greeting cards. Some people associate Xmas with the holiday as a commercial, secular occasion instead of as a …

All Of These Words Are Offensive (But Only Sometimes)

How can a word be insulting sometimes … but not always? One of the many complexities of English is the ability of words to have multiple definitions, which opens the door for some words to be both derogatory and not derogatory, depending on who is using them or when. These words can be confusing, especially to people who are just learning English and all of …

Ghosting, Seething, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the sentencing of the president’s former attorney to the holiday season, there’s plenty going on to drive word searches on Dictionary.com. Here are some of the biggest search spikes of December 7–14, 2018! Synergy Searches for the meaning of synergy spiked 1,561% in response to Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s use of the word in court filings. Mueller alleged that Michael Cohen, former attorney for …

Why Are People Getting “Canceled”?

We could always cancel our plans or a magazine subscription, but these days it’s people who are up for cancelation. The verb cancel dates back to the days of medieval Latin, meaning “to cross out.” It’s only in the past couple of years that it’s been used to declare people null and void. Everyone from Kanye West to Lena Dunham has now been labelled as “canceled” …

Why Was Z Removed From The Alphabet (And Then Put Back)?

Poor lonely Z finishes up the alphabet at number 26. But, that’s not the only insult this lonely letter suffers!Z’s history includes a time when it was so infrequently used that it was removed from the alphabet altogether. Where did Z come from? The Greek zeta is the origin of the humble Z. The Phoenician glyph zayin, meaning “weapon,” had a long vertical line capped at …

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Jefe, White Elephant, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the funeral of a former president to an international soccer trade, here’s what made words trend on Dictionary.com the week of From the funeral of a former president to an international soccer trade, here’s what made words trend on Dictionary.com the week of November 30–December 7, 2018! Jefe The loss of President George H.W. Bush was felt across the nation, and his long-time friend …

Learn The History Of The New York Times Crossword Puzzle

There are plenty of crossword puzzles in publications across the country, but when we think of the pinnacle of puzzledom (Not officially a word, but, perhaps, it should be?), the purveyors of the most preeminent puzzles, we bow to The New York Times (NYT). For more than 75 years, the NYT crossword puzzle has been stumping readers with its clever clues and then sending them …

The Grammar Rules About Who Or What To Call “It”

It. If you’re anything like us, this two-letter word makes you think of a Stephen King novel or, maybe, a certain cousin from the Addams Family. That’s most likely because It in King’s novel (and the horror movies it spawned) was the word used to describe Pennywise the Clown. And, Cousin Itt was a rather hairy human … yup, Cousin Itt was human. And these …

Do You Know The Most Famous Words From Our Favorite Movies?

Movies are remembered for their soundtracks, cinematography, costume design, and special effects. But most of all, it’s the dialogue that people love (and love to quote). Sometimes, even one- or two-word quotes become emblematic of the whole movie—plus they’re, like, the easiest to remember. Or, are they? Read these iconic words, then see if you can correctly pick the flick that they come from! If …

What’s The Difference Between “i.e.” vs. “e.g.”?

What’s the difference between i.e. and e.g.? They may be small, but their power to befuddle writers and speakers of the English language is mighty. The term i.e. is a shortening of the Latin expression id est, which translates to “that is.” It is used to introduce a rephrasing or elaboration on something that has already been stated. The term e.g. is an abbreviation of …

Think Shrievalty’s Dead? Find Out With This Word Of The Day Quiz

We can’t lend Abram our candelabrum because we’re too busy taking this week’s Word of the Day Quiz. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Misinformation, Loki, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the Dictionary.com Word of the Year to NASA’s years-long mission to land a spacecraft on Mars, the words that trended in searches November 23–30, 2018 were out of this world (if we do say so ourselves). Ready? Set? Learn! Misinformation It’s official! The Dictionary.com Word of the Year is misinformation, a word we chose after careful consideration. We’re glad to see from your dictionary …

Why “Misinformation” Was Dictionary.com’s 2018 Word Of The Year

Our 2018 Word of the Year Is … Misinformation The rampant spread of misinformation poses new challenges for navigating life in 2018. As a dictionary, we believe understanding the concept is vital to identifying misinformation in the wild, and ultimately curbing its impact. But what does misinformation mean? Dictionary.com defines it as “false information that is spread, regardless of whether there is intent to mislead.” The …

Explain The Difference Between Enemy vs. Nemesis

Who do you think would win an epic showdown like this one? We often see these words used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences between them. An enemy is a foe who’s hostile toward the protagonist (or central character) of a story. A nemesis is an opponent or rival whom a protagonist can’t overcome. The Enemy In literature, an enemy is often referred to …

Cheesecake, Racketeering, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Food, food, glorious food made its presence known in a big way on this Thanksgiving week edition of the Dictionary.com Trending Words list. From a rarely used plural for beef to a beef over the proper way to describe cheesecake, here’s what had you searching November 16–23, 2018! Cheesecake If there’s one thing Americans love, it’s food. We have a whole holiday centered around consuming …

Excelsior, Stay In Your Lane, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the loss of one of the world’s superheroes to the happenings on the world stage, take a look at the news stories that made people scurry to Dictionary.com November 9–16, 2018 to find meaning. Excelsior Marvel fans mourned the loss of one of the comic book industries superheroes November 12. Stan Lee died at age 95, leaving behind the legendary characters he created or …

Why We Say “Boys Will Be Boys” But Not “Girls Will Be Girls”

Boys will be boys. It’s an idiom we hear tossed around far too often. But, what does it actually mean, and why did we ever start saying it? And … what about girls—who or what will they be? Who decided boys will be boys, anyway? The phrase boys will be boys was first recorded in English in 1589. It originated from a Latin proverb: “Children (boys) …

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Why The Turducken Is One Of The Best Word Plays Of All Time

It’s Thanksgiving time, and while some folks will be piling their plates with turkey and mashed potatoes, we can’t pass on the opportunity to consider a dish named with one of the greatest portmanteaus of all time: the turducken. Let’s talk turducken A portmanteau is a blended word that’s made by putting together parts of other words—like motel, made from motor and hotel, or brunch, …

Incumbent, Misogynistic and Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

The midterm elections weren’t just sending folks to the polls. Plenty of you landed on Dictionary.com the week of November 2–9, 2018 looking for answers. So what did we learn? Let’s review this week in words! Incumbent, House of Representatives, and gubernatorial The midterm elections dominated headlines this week, so it’s no surprise that more than a few election-related words showed up in our trending …

What’s The Difference Between “Morals” vs. “Ethics”?

Maybe you’ve heard these terms and wondered what the difference is. A lot of people think of them as being the same thing. While they’re closely related concepts, morals refer mainly to guiding principles, and ethics refer to specific rules and actions, or behaviors. A moral precept is an idea or opinion that’s driven by a desire to be good. An ethical code is a …

14 Words Our Favorite TV Characters Got Very, Very Wrong

When a TV character says something so wildly outlandish that you’re hustling for your Dictionary.com app to see if that’s really a word, let’s just say we’re solid fans of the act. It turns out we’re not exactly alone. Some of television’s most lovable characters (and a few unlovable ones too) are known to trip over their tongues. Sometimes, it’s an accident. Other times, well, …

Who Is Wednesday Named For?

Where did the name Wednesday come from? Surprise, surprise … Wednesday Addams wasn’t the originator of the name. In fact, the name Wednesday actually derives from two mighty but distinct gods. The Old English word for Wednesday indicates that the day was named for the Germanic god Woden. In Romance languages, the name is derived from the Roman god Mercury. (For example, Wednesday is mercredi in French and miercuri …

What’s The Difference Between Socialism vs. Communism?

What is socialism? Socialism has three main meanings: 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. 2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory. 3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a society to …

“Spring Forward, Fall Back” And Other Memory Tricks You’ve Probably Forgotten

At the beginning of Daylight-Saving Time, we all spring our clocks forward one hour … and gripe about losing an hour of sleep. Then, we all turn around a few months later, fall back, and thank our lucky stars that we get some extra shuteye. The official term for it is daylight-saving time or daylight-savings time (because we all ended up saying this version more … …

Footages, Religiosity, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Halloween. Cardi B. And, of course, the goings on in Washington D.C. They all had an effect on Dictionary.com’s trending words list for October 26–November 2, 2018. But, how much and what words? Dig in, and find out! Footages Convinced Cardi B had made up the word footages in an Instagram video, thousands of fans rushed to Dictionary.com to find out whether the “I Like …

English Expressions From India That We Should All Be Using

English is a major lingua franca, but that doesn’t mean native speakers of other languages around the world don’t put their own spin on English. Generally, if English has been introduced into a community (through colonization, missionary work, what have you), that community will find completely unique ways to use and reinterpret it, to make it “local.” India is a top contender for using English …

Funner, Gender, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From NASCAR tracks to Washington, D.C., here are the words that were blowing up the Dictionary.com trending charts October 19–26, 2018. Funner Semi-retired NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. dropped the word funner on Twitter last weekend, drawing out the language snobs to correct him on his usage. There’s just one problem: Funner is, in fact, a word! Informal though it may be, the word that spiked …

Five Letter Word For Favorite New York Times Crossword Clues? Witty

How much do we love the New York Times crossword puzzle? Let us count the ways … never mind, we can’t count that high. We can, however, count on it to continually challenge us with its sagacious clues and delight us when we discover the astute answers that fit just right. While each puzzle offers something unique, with aha moments aplenty, some of their clues …

Why Do We Say “Trick or Treat”?

It’s many kids’ favorite part of Halloween. There’s no feeling quite like waiting for a stranger to open their door so you can scream the words “Trick or treat!” But, why do we say it? What does it actually mean? Where does the phrase trick-or-treat come from? While some identify precursors to trick-or-treating in ancient Celtic customs, modern trick-or-treating is thought to be a custom borrowed …

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Emasculate, Incel And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

A babywearing dad. A former White House photographer. A long-running TV show. What do they all have in common? Spots on the Dictionary.com Trending Words of the Week list for October 12–19, 2018! Emasculate British TV presenter Piers Morgan took aim at actor Daniel Craig this week, poking fun at the James Bond star for babywearing his little girl. Morgan hashtagged the potshot #EmasculatedBond, sending …

drawing of Norse god, Thor in green background

Why Is Thursday Named For A Comic Book Character?

Maybe you’ve read the comic books or seen some of the Marvel movies that feature a big blond guy named Thor, founding member of the Avengers and brother of Loki. But, Thursday is a bigger tribute to the Norse god of thunder than any movie or comic book upon which it’s based. After all, it is “Thor’s day.” Who is Thor? In Norse mythology, the original Thor …

8 TV Moments For Grammar Nerds

1. Tracy Morgan’s schooling on the difference between well and good. Tracy is known for having surprising moments of insight, but this grammar smackdown takes the cake. 2. The time even Oscar Martinez was stumped by English grammar rules. We’ve all faked knowing how to use terms like who and whom (because, really, English is complicated enough). This scene nails that perplexing feeling when faced …

Linalool, Floccinaucinihilipilification, And More Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the college gridiron to the chemistry lab to a politician in India, the trending word list for October 5–12, 2018 has a world’s worth of information in it. So pack your bags, and get ready to hit the road with us. Linalool LaCroix may be the reason you can’t get enough of bubbly water these days, but the brand is facing a lawsuit that …

What Does Your Crossword Style Say About You?

You can tell a lot about a person by their daily habits. Do they make their bed every day? Do they eat the same lunch special? Maybe they’re a bit of a rebel and take each experience as it comes. How about something a little more puzzling. What does your crossword puzzle solving style say about you? Believe it or not, crossword solvers are a …

Why Does The Letter Q Almost Always Need The Letter U?

Scrabble players are acutely aware that Q is a tricky letter. To use a Q in the game, a player must nearly always find an available U. (We’ll overlook the coveted two-letter word qi that any respectable Scrabble player will know.) The fact that Q is the second most rarely-used letter in the alphabet certainly doesn’t make using Q any easier. Let’s quest toward resolving …

Master The Secrets Of Crosswordese

Are you a cruciverbalist? A lover of crosswords? If you can immediately recite a long list of obscure words with an excessive amount of vowels, you’re probably an avid crossword solver. And, this set of vocabulary that is full of words more likely to fill in your morning puzzle rather than your everyday conversation is commonly known as crosswordese. Crosswordese words are used by puzzle …

Common Themes Will Help You Solve Your Crossword

What do good parties and crossword puzzles have in common? Besides being fun, most of them have themes . The difference, however, is that while a party’s theme is usually announced via the invitation, a crossword’s themes are up to you to figure out on your own. There are two types of themes when it comes to crossword puzzles—overarching themes that are unique to each …

How To Answer That Foreign Language Clue In Your Crossword

You’re plodding along, filling in the squares in your crossword puzzle like a champ, when you see something a bit foreign … literally. It could be a clue containing a non-English phrase or, perhaps, the answer requires knowledge about a far and distant land. In any case, it doesn’t seem to be in your vocabulary. Unless you’re a polyglot or frequent globetrotter, such clues …

Unprogrammed, Glen Coco, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Kanye West. Mean Girls. Brett Kavanaugh. What do they all have in common? Spots on the trending words list this week, September 29–October 5, 2018! Let’s get to all the learning, shall we? Unprogrammed Rapper Kanye West announced the creation of a new word over the weekend. Just one problem? Unprogrammed has been around for centuries. The word made its first landing on the trending …

What’s Vocal Fry Really All About?

Perhaps you’ve heard of vocal fry, a quality of speech often associated with the likes of Kim Kardashian or Katy Perry. American media stories detailing vocal fry sometimes warn us that it’s damaging to our vocal cords, and that women who use vocal fry are jeopardizing their job prospects. As wonderful as it is that the mass media is paying attention to phonetics, much of …

Where Did “Cinderella Story” Come From?

The Cinderella that English speakers know and love can be traced to the French story Cendrillon, first published in 1697 by Charles Perrault, though Chinese and Greek versions of this classic tale go back to the 9th century CE and 6th century BCE, respectively. Today, there are over 500 variants of Cinderella in Europe alone. It’s no surprise, then, that describing something as a Cinderella …

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Which Words Did English Take From Other Languages?

English is a more varied (and delicious) melting pot than you think … English—is one of the most incredible, flavorfully-complex melting pots of linguistic ingredients from other countries that’s been left to simmer for (in some cases) centuries. These linguistic ingredients are called loanwords that have been borrowed and incorporated into English. The loanwords are oftentimes so common now, the foreign flavor has been completely …

This Word Of The Day Quiz Is So Fun It’s Almost Toyetic!

No applesauce here … sorry if you were hungry. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Dunking, Sequelae, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

A popular donut shop changed its name, and the president threw a press conference. How did this affect word searches on Dictionary.com? Dive into the September 21–28, 2018 trending words list to find out! Dunking It’s a name change we probably should have seen coming: After years of using the catchphrase “everything runs on Dunkin,” Dunkin Donuts is officially dropping the word “donuts” from its …

What’s The Origin Of The F-word?

It’s one of the most versatile words in the English language, but where did the F-word really come from? Originally, the naughtiest of naughty words was actually quite an acceptable word, though no English speaker would say that today.F-ck is believed to have first showed up in written form some time in the 1400s, and it was disguised in a cypher, although it was in use …

What It Really Means To Call A Woman Hysterical

by Kory Stamper published September 25th, 2018 Is hysterical a gendered insult? It began, unsurprisingly, on cable TV. In 2017, the Senate intelligence committee called Attorney General Jeff Sessions to testify about his Russian contacts as well as conversations about those contacts with Donald Trump prior to the 2016 general election. The hearings were widely discussed, as were all things having to do with Russia, but they …

It Will Be Coup De Foudre Once You Start This Word Of The Day Quiz!

No legerdemain here … this Word of the Day Quiz is straightforward, wordy fun. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Tatterdemalion, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

A sequel to a treasured children’s film and a celebration of the nation’s laws both landed on the Dictionary.com trending words list for September 14–21, 2018. Here’s what else had you wondering about words. Prevarication Searches for prevarication climbed 1,209% this week on the heels of its use in a tweet by George Conway, Washington D.C. lawyer and husband of White House staffer Kellyanne Conway. Prevarication …

Slam Poetry Is Helping People Work Through Their Pain

by Taneesh Khera In this column, we travel the US exploring the minority languages, dialects, and people who call it home. Then, we step back to see what effects they might have on society at large. Today, the spotlight is on slam poetry. What is slam poetry? I figured I’d go to the Starry Plough in Berkeley, California to find out. Started in 1999, they …

Will Emoji Ruin Language As We Know It?

By Jane Solomon There are two polarizing opinions about emoji that are often set up in a false dichotomy. Are emoji destroying language as we know it or are they a universal language that will one day save the world? Neither of these get at how emoji are actually being used, but they’re the frame through which many people experience emoji, and that’s worth unpacking. …

Did One Man Write The First Great English Dictionary All By Himself?

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate the man behind A Dictionary of the English Language, the first definitive English dictionary, the famous Samuel Johnson. A Dictionary of the English Language, also called Johnson’s Dictionary, was first published in 1775 and is viewed with reverence by modern lexicographers. Who wrote the first English dictionary? Samuel Johnson created a widely imitated style of biography and literary …

Yeet, Payola, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Rapper feuds. Football celebrations. There’s a lot going on in the trending word list from September 7–14, 2108. Payola A feud between rappers Nicki Minaj and Cardi B ballooned to new heights this week, with Cardi allegedly throwing a shoe at Nicki and the Starships singer accusing the “I Like It” rapper of earning her success thanks to payola. So what’s payola? Clearly that was the …

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The Power Of Reclaiming Controversial Terms

Fair warning: Reading ahead will put you in contact with some controversial “bad” words. There are some words in English considered so derogatory and controversial that some people won’t even type them out. They’re shortened, instead, to the just one letter, followed by “word.” The c-word. The b-word. They’re the sort of words young children are told never to utter and most certainly not to hurl …

What Is Phonetic Spelling?

Spelling is how we put words together, but what is phonetic spelling? An alternate way to create words? Well, yes! What is phonetic spelling? Phonetic spelling is a system of spelling in which each letter represents one spoken sound. In English, some words are pronounced exactly as they look. When T is used to spell tiger, the letter T is assigned one sound. Simple, right? Well, we …

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Why Isn’t It “Pardon my German?”

Often an idiom—an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its parts—can seem like something from Alice in Wonderland. Pardon my French is one of the most colorful idioms that combines the profane with a language associated with love. Where does pardon my French come from? Pardon my French, or excuse my French, is an apology for the use of profanity; the expression dates …

Doughy And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

A mysterious New York Times op-ed writer. A beloved TV-show star. A struggle to log into email. What do they all have in common? Spots on the Dictionary.com Trending Words of the Week for August 31–September 7, 2018! Lodestar, amorality, and deep state The identity of a mysterious New York Times op-ed writer has yet to be revealed, but it isn’t for lack of examining …

Why Do We Call Them Berries?

The berry family is a linguistic invention particular to Germanic languages, like English. Other languages, like Spanish and French, do not combine the wide, diverse berry family into one group, but rather have very different words for blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Where does the word berry come from? The word berry comes from the Old English berie, which originally meant “grape.” As the English language spread …

Channel Your Forbearance For This Word Of The Day Quiz

Daydreaming about plages? This Word of the Day Quiz is almost as enjoyable, we promise. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Coleslaw And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Is coleslaw a salad? What’s another way to say wedding? Both questions answered and more in the August 24–31, 2018 edition of trending words on Dictionary.com! Coleslaw Debates over just how certain foods should be categorized are legendary. Is the hot dog really a sandwich? (Yes). Is white chocolate really chocolate? (No). Podcaster Jon Lovett joined the fray with a tweet this week pondering how to …

No Need To Kyoodle—The New Word Of The Day Quiz Is Here

This quiz isn’t glanceable … it needs your full attention in order for you to get that 100%. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Belligerent And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From Kpop idols to California weed growers, here are the news stories that had you asking, “Hey, what does that word mean?” during the week of August 17–24, 2018. Idol South Korean Kpop group BTS is known for its mix of English and Korean in its songs, spurring curiosity from fans on either side of the language divide. The band’s latest music video, IDOL, is …

This Word Of The Day Quiz Is Pure Anodyne

This quiz will leave you riant … especially if you get 100%. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Dinger And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the diamond to the big screen to the Beltway, here’s a look at what sent folks scurrying to Dictionary.com the week of August 10–17, 2018! Dinger The Little League World Series is back, and all eyes have been on Alfred Delia—known back in his New Jersey hometown as “Big Al.” The youngster scored a viral video with his on camera introduction, in which he announced …

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Literature’s Most Lovable Grumps

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! That cheer-boosting adage works for some people, but others are perfectly happy sucking sour lemons. Literature is full of chipper lemonade-makers, but there’s something about those lemon-sucking grumps that draws readers in. Is it their angsty sarcasm? Their jaded world-weariness? Their stubborn dedication to doom-and-gloom even when everything else is giggles and rainbows? Are Negative Nancys somehow more …

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You’ll Understand Normcore And More After This Word Of The Day Quiz

It’s getting calescent outside … and it’s getting calescent in this Word of the Day Quiz. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

FUPA And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From Beyonce to Britain, here’s why you were searching for meaning on Dictionary.com the week of August 3–8, 2018. FUPA Vogue got the Beyonce treatment this week, and so did the Dictionary.com trending words list. The singer got frank about the changes her body has undergone as she’s aged and carried babies, even praising her own FUPA. If you’re not familiar with the acronym, you’re …

Last Month In Pop Language: “I Like It” And Other July #1s

by Molly Rosen Marriner It’s another installment of Last Month in Pop Language, a column where the most popular (statistically) song, book, and film of the month will have their words analyzed in hopes of drawing a conclusion about language’s current usage—and future. At the end of each monthly column, we’ll draw a conclusion: Was last month’s pop language masterly, malevolent, or merely meh? Film: Ant-Man and the Wasp …

This Word Of The Day Quiz Contains No Improbity!

It may be nubilous outside, but you’ll feel sunshine and rainbows while taking this new Word of the Day Quiz … we’re sure of it. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Not sure what some of the definitions of these words …

Jitters And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

LeBron James was as excited as a kid on Christmas Eve and so were football fans. So, what effect did that have on the Dictionary.com trending words of July 27th–August 3rd, 2018? Let’s take a look! Inviolability An announcement by Pope Francis sent one word soaring 441% this week: inviolability. The pontiff issued a statement condemning the use of the death penalty, “because it is …

Nobody’s Blinkered When Taking This Word Of The Day Quiz

This Word of the Day Quiz will give you some great fodder for your next causerie. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Interested in Words of the Day from the past? Check out this one that we brought to life … Not sure what some of the definitions of these words mean? We found some items (linked below) to …

Outercourse And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From Final Jeopardy to toothbrushes made from panda’s favorite snack, the trending words on Dictionary.com took us all around the world and back again during the week of July 20–27, 2018. Get ready, get set, go word-crazy! Outercourse An attempt by Brock Turner’s lawyer to have his sexual assault conviction overturned—based on a claim that Turner only intended to have outercourse with his victim—sent hundreds …

This Word Of The Day Quiz Has Carte Blanche

Want to study garbology? Not sure what garbology is? Take this quiz and find out! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Not sure what some of the definitions of these words mean? We found some items (linked below) to help give a little more context … garbology magisterial cheville hoity-toity tummler carte blanche vogie Tell us your favorite word …

The Circle Game And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From Fortnite to Tyler, the Creator, there were plenty of reasons to learn new words this week, July 13–20, 2018. So let’s dive in, shall we? The Circle Game It’s a game teenagers play every day, but searches for the circle game rose 1,094% for a decidedly more troubling reason this week. Four officers in the Jasper (Alabama) Police Department were suspended for making hand …

Where Do Our Favorite Emoji Come From?

By Jane Solomon While some people might view emoji as silly little characters, that’s not how we see it. There’s a sophisticated linguistic system in the way people use emoji, and that’s something we take very seriously at Dictionary.com. Emoji are a very real way people are communicating, and who better to think deeply about emoji than a reference source that investigates meaning? In 2018, …

Gain Some Amour-propre By Acing This Word Of The Day Quiz

You may vitiate your vocabulary by not taking this quiz … fair warning! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. Not sure what some of the definitions of these words mean? We found some items (linked below) to help give a little more context … ullage makebate solecism eggbeater …

Self-Made, Haboob, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Kylie Jenner. The Bachelorette. Wiz Khalifa. The July 6–13, 2018 edition of trending words is absolutely star-studded. So let’s dive in! Self-made Is Kylie Jenner a self-made billionaire? That’s how Forbes labelled her this week, and it left plenty of folks curious about just what it means to be self-made. How curious? Searches rose 864,100% on Wednesday! The answer to the query, of course, is …

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Last Month in Pop Language: Post Malone, Bill Clinton, and Other June Low Points

by Molly Rosen MarrinerThis is our fourth installment of Last Month in Pop Language, a column where the most popular (statistically) song, book, and film of the month will have their words analyzed in hopes of drawing a conclusion about language’s current usage—and future. At the end of each monthly column, we’ll draw a conclusion: Was last month’s pop language masterly, malevolent, or merely meh?————- Movie: The Incredibles 2 …

This Word Of The Day Quiz Is As Fun As A Fizgig

No need to be buttery … we know this Word of the Day Quiz is awesome. Thanks for playing along! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. Not sure what some of the definitions of these words mean? We found some items (linked below) to help give a little …

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Inertia vs. Momentum: Which Keeps You Moving?

Science is real. Science is cool. Science uses a lot of terms that we all think we know. But, do we really know what we are talking about? In the spirit of scientific community and understanding, let’s clear up one big scientific misconception that we all get wrong … Pop quiz: Is it momentum or inertia that keeps you moving? Here’s a hint: In science, inertia is …

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What It Means To “Double Down” And Other Marketing Jargon You Need To Know

Marketing is a big industry, but not many people know what a marketers’ day-to-day entails. If you’re considering marketing as a career path or have recently started a venture of your own and you need some help, we have a list of marketing jargon that you probably need to know. We’ll give you the summary of these terms and some basic how-tos … but our …

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What Does “Wag the Dog” Mean?

If you aren’t immersed in politics on the daily, through social media, the news, or just casual conversation, you might not be aware that the phrase wag the dog has become pretty poignant political jargon. But, how did it end up in the political lexicon and where did this seemingly innocent-sounding idiom come from? Below is our rendition of the brief history of the word trends …

Pour, Pore, And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

We pored over the data this week of June 29–July 6, 2018, and we got a good look at what words you learned from the news. Whether it was a presidential grammar mistake or an HBO show host’s foray into teen speak, here’s what made folks curious. Ontogeny and phylogeny Paris Hilton tried to stump the internet this week, asking Twitter users to tell her …

We Won’t Scupper Your Expanding Vocabulary With This Word Of The Day Quiz!

Calling all benedicts, farouche folk, and flexitarians: The new Word of the Day Quiz is here! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. Not sure what some of the definitions of these words mean? We found some items (linked below) to help give a little more context … scupper …

Is Friday Named After A Goddess With A Chariot Pulled By Cats?

In a world that knows too many details about unimportant matters, one would think that our collective expertise could be certain about something as essential as the days of the week. There is, however, a scholarly (and let’s face it, Marvel fan) debate regarding which goddess of love in Norse mythology is the namesake of “Friday.” Who is Friday named for? To complicate matters, it …

Civility And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

There were plenty of calls for civility the week of June 22–29, 2018, but do folks really know what it means? The word was one of the top trending searches on Dictionary.com, but it was far from the only term to spark interest! Eighty-six The ouster of Press Secretary Sarah Sanders from the Red Hen, an eatery in Lexington, Virginia boosted searches for the meaning …

The Dictionary Is Insulted: The Problem With Pocahontas

by Kory Stamper published June 26th, 2018When we use dictionaries, we think that we are getting a pure view of language, one uncluttered by spin, by misuse, by shifting context. But, lexicographers like me will tell you that language is context. Every meaning in a dictionary is written based on the contextual uses of a word—and context, like people, can get confusing and messy. In …

This Is Our Most Pellucid Word Of The Day Quiz Yet!

Now that you’ve fully summerized, it’s time to get back into the work week and take the new Word of the Day Quiz! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. Not sure what some of the definitions of these words mean? We found some items (linked below) to help …

Concentration Camp And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From families being separated at the border, to a prominent Republican jumping ship from his party, to Beyonce and Jay-Z dropping new music, take a look at how the news affected searches on Dictionary.com the week of June 15–22, 2018. Concentration camp, illegal alien, cage, la familia, tender age Debates over the separation of children from their parents at the US border have dominated headlines …

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What Do You Call Your Parents And Grandparents?

When you’re born, the first words you speak are so often mommy or daddy. (In some garbled, gurgled form or another—translation is often required.) So, let’s explore this commonality that connects us all and learn the different words people have come up with to describe their moms, dads, and grandparents. We might just toss in the random uncle, aunt, and cousin, too. Most of these …

What Is Code-Switching?

Code-switching means “the modifying of one’s speech, behavior, appearance, etc. to adapt to different sociocultural norms.” So why do we do it? Why do we code-switch? There are many reasons why we code-switch. The main reason, however, is actually quite simple: acceptance in varying social situations. It’s no secret that we instinctively fear being perceived as “the other,” or as different, or as an outsider. That’s a lonely …

Gulag And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Whether it’s CNN host Jake Tapper tweeting or Canadian officials making statements to the press, the news tends to make an impact on what people search in the dictionary. Here’s a peek at the words that had folks guessing the week of June 8–15, 2018! Ad hominem Tensions between the United States and our northern neighbor, Canada, are at an all-time high this week, with …

What Is Whisky Tango Foxtrot And Other Army Lingo

Given the size and manpower of the US Army, it’s no surprise that its lingo has gradually invaded everyday conversation. Not many of us keep a Purple Heart framed on our desk, though (i.e., we have no idea what these words and phrases mean even though we hear them all the time). Here’s the best explanations we can come up with as to what these military phrases …

Pardon And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From the president’s Twitter account to a horse with an unusual name, searches for the meaning of words took folks into some unusual areas of Dictionary.com the week of June 1–June 8, 2018. Pardon President Donald Trump’s assertion that he can pardon himself didn’t just have the Twitterverse talking. It also sent searches for the meaning of pardon up 328% this week. We can’t say …

The United States Of Diversity: Borders

Dictionary.com’s United States of Diversity by Taneesh KheraIn April, 2018 I traveled to India for a college friend’s wedding. When I came back, I read part of this essay to two friends, and we began to discuss borders and what they’ve become today. That conversation was inspiration for this episode, so grab a cushion and get comfortable for the United States of Diversity: Borders. Communication …

Last Month in Pop Language: “This Is America” And Other May #1’s

by Molly Rosen MarrinerIt’s another installment of Last Month in Pop Language, a column where the most popular (statistically) song, book, and film of the month will have their words analyzed in hopes of drawing a conclusion about language’s current usage—and future. At the end of each monthly column, we’ll draw a conclusion: Was last month’s pop language masterly, malevolent, or merely meh? Film: Avengers: Infinity War Avengers: Infinity …

Racist And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From a Twitter meltdown by Roseanne Barr to a word dropped on Westworld, Hollywood had a major impact on the Dictionary.com trending word list the week of May 25–June 1, 2018. Racist, abhorrent, and repugnant A series of tweets by Roseanne Barr hit the news cycle this week, and they also helped boost a number of searches on Dictionary.com. Barr, star of the eponymous show …

Does Your Family Use Any Malapropisms?

Just about every family has a word that makes sense only to them. Said by children, weird uncles, or parents in the heat of the moment, these words were coined when someone goofed … and yet somehow for these families they stuck. There’s even an official term for this phenomenon: malapropism, a noun that means “an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, especially by …

English Words From The Pharaohs

Most people recognize Ancient Greek and Latin as the primary donors to the English language. However, some of the most ancient words in English actually trace back to Ancient Egypt. Distinct from the contemporary Egyptian Arabic spoken today, Ancient Egyptian is a unique Afro-Asiatic language that doesn’t really share similarities with other languages in the family (like Arabic, Hebrew, or Berber). Its 5,000 year-old …

Velociraptor And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

The royal wedding taught the world a few new words, but it wasn’t the only thing driving our trending searches the week of May 18–25, 2018. Fascinator, pomp and circumstance, and ginge The royal wedding didn’t just bring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle together in holy matrimony. It offered up a vocabulary lesson or two! Searches for the fancy hats traditionally worn to royal shindigs—fascinators–climbed …

The Dictionary Is Political: The Complication With Collusion

by Kory Stamper published May 22, 2018When we use dictionaries, we think that we are getting a pure view of language, one uncluttered by spin, by misuse, by shifting context. But, lexicographers like me will tell you that language is context. Every meaning in a dictionary is written based on the contextual uses of a word—and context, like people, can get confusing and messy. In …

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Last Word: Misused Terms From Trump’s Twitter

Presidential word mangling When it comes to Twitter accounts, there are few that are as closely watched around the world as that of President Donald Trump. With the advent of Twitter, and in particular our current president’s voracious appetite for sharing his every thought, there has come an ability for the world to evaluate something rarely put on display by politicians: their spelling. Trump’s grammar gaffes …

Laurel And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From LeBron James’ performance in the Eastern Conference finals to some reality stars on MTV, here’s a look at the vocabulary lessons we got from the news the week of May 11–18, 2018. BTFO No athlete wants to send people to the dictionary to find out that BTFO means “blown the f–k out,” least of all find out that searches for the acronym climbed 2455% after …

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In Omnia Paratus And Other Latin Phrases You’ve Heard While Streaming

Whether you’re speaking, reading, or writing in English, you can’t get very far before you stumble on a word with Latin influence. Aside from the estimated 60 percent of English words that have roots in Latin, you can’t pull out a book, pull up a YouTube video, or switch on Netflix these days without hearing some Latin phrases in your favorite movies, songs, and novels. From …

Toadyism And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From lawsuits on the gridiron to scandal in the Oval Office and a jump over the pond into the land of K-pop, trending words were all over the map the week of May 4–11, 2018!Toadyism and oleaginousWriter George Will can always be counted on to fill his columns with interesting words, and his latest Washington Post article titled “Trump Is No Longer the Worst Person in …

What’s Net Neutrality?

What is net neutrality? You may have heard the term net neutrality in the news. Net neutrality is the idea that the relationship between you and content on the internet shouldn’t be altered by internet service providers—that ISPs should provide nondiscriminatory access to internet content, without manipulating the transfer of data, and treat all web traffic equally. The government has protected this idea until recently, when the FCC …

The Top Baby Names Are Actually Nouns

Want your child to stand out on the preschool roster? Going with a strong noun name is an all-American tradition. Below are some names that you may not have even realized were nouns. And, with a little help from Babylist (who we love because they named the dictionary and thesaurus as some of the top ways to pick a baby name), we’ve ranked awesome noun-inspired names …

Unhinged And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

From rapper Kanye West to satirist Andy Borowitz to—who else—President Donald Trump, the trending words for April 28–May 4, 2018 were driven by a star-studded cast of characters. So, what word really soared into the stratosphere?UnhingedRumors that White House Chief of Staff had called President Donald Trump “an idiot” and said he was “becoming unhinged” helped boost searches for unhinged this week. But, it may …

What Is A Midwestern Accent Like That In Fargo Called?

by Taneesh Khera Dictionary.com’s United States of Diversity You’ve stumbled onto our United States of Diversity series, welcome! If you don’t already know, here we explore a minority language or dialect in the country, and this episode’s no different. Does your keeat sit an the meeat? Or, maybe you wait for the boss down the black? Do you cal your mam an Sundays? If you …

Literary Bullies Who Are Meaner Than We Remembered

Bullies are discussed a lot these days, but they aren’t something new. Tormenters have been around for a long time … especially in literature. Let’s take an inside look at the characters who are bullies and learn about their consequences. Marion Hawthorne In the 1964 children’s novel, Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, Marion Hawthorne is a smart-mouthed, entitled classroom bully. It’s never determined why she is …

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Get High On This Smoking Slang

“One toke over the line . . .” That 1971 hit by the duo Brewer and Shipley was written as a paean to marijuana. On Last.fm, Tom Shipley commented, “‘When we wrote ‘One Toke Over the Line,’ I think we were one toke over the line.” Back in that day, marijuana was lumped in with all sorts of drugs deemed to be forbidden. But now, …

Zelig And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

For the second time in as many months, former CIA Director John Brennan has thrown searches on Dictionary.com into a tailspin. Last month, Brennan’s retort to President Donald Trump drove people in droves to find out the meaning of the words turpitude, venality, and demagogue. So what word did Brennan use this week of April 13–20, 2018 (in yet another response to the president)?Kakistocracy Meaning “a form …

Are New Idioms Ever Created?

Many idioms—expressions that are not taken literally—are so old and so familiar that we don’t think twice about using them. We say, for example, “it’s raining cats and dogs” to indicate that it’s pouring outside, and “comfortable as an old shoe” to explain an easy and familiar relationship. We can trace the etymology of some idioms to books and sayings that were first used hundreds …

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We’re Never Mercurial With Your Word Of The Day Quiz!

Even balladmongers can ace this Word of the Day Quiz … If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Share your favorite word this week with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)!

Basta And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Sometimes, letting out a curse word feels pretty darn good, doesn’t it? How about letting out the word that means “feeling good about cursing?” It’s real, and it skyrocketed to the top of our trending words list for the week of April 6–13, 2018!LalocheziaSearches for lalochezia, which means “emotional relief gained by using indecent or vulgar language,” climbed a whopping 15,930%. The term has been …

Take A Ride Around The World On These Unusual Transports

One way to get to know a country is through its food. Another way is by using the country’s public transportation. Some unique modes of transportation are just for fun, like dog-sledding trips in Norway and zorbing in New Zealand (which involves rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball, just saying). Other means of transportation are more practical . . . here’s a …

“Misogyny” vs. “Sexism”: Do You Know The Difference?

With the recent #MeToo and Times Up movements, equality and the empowerment of women have become household conversations around the world. Everyone from your next-door neighbor to your favorite high-school teacher has likely joined the discussion, using a brand-new set of vocabulary including the words misogyny and sexism. While these two terms may seem similar, there are actually several differences that make them stand on …

Euphoria And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Social media was abuzz the week of March 31–April 5, 2018 with talk about—what else—Facebook, and all this talk put at least one word in the hot seat on Dictionary.com’s trending list!GlibGlib took an abrupt 868% climb when Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg used the term to clap back at Apple CEO Tim Cook, who had criticized the social-media company’s Cambridge Analytica scandal. Meaning “readily fluent, …

Celebrity Baby Name Or Past Word Of The Day?

Can you guess whether these words are celebrity baby names or past Dictionary.com words of the day? You’re intrigued, you know it . . . . and maybe learning these past Word of the Day picks will even inspire some naming creativity (wink, wink). If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Hey! OK! Understanding Language With Desktop AI

Sentient. We define this word as “having the power of perception by the senses; conscious.” Fans of the Terminator movie series will know this word and its implications (Skynet, cough cough). And, we can’t forget the Hal 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Which desktop AI system is better at understanding language? But, in this article, we’re focusing on the sentient Google Home and Assistant and how …

Perched And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

It was the interview heard ’round the world, so what happened when Stormy Daniels showed up on 60 Minutes to talk about her alleged affair with President Donald Trump? Let’s just say searches on Dictionary.com heated up this week, March 24–30, 2018! Perched and affair Twitter was abuzz the evening of March 25 as Daniels described the way the president perched on a bed. Searches for …

Ready For Some Regional Rap Slang?

Don’t mortify yourself by saying “fo’ shizzle” to someone from Chicago or by expecting Hi-Tek slang to be recognized outside of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. (No offense, Nati residents.) Rap slang can be as hyper-regional as sports alliances. With the help of M.I.M.’s lyrical breakdown about how each part of the US raps, we created an atlas of five notable words from each region. East …

What Is A Schwa?

How do I love thee? Let me count the schwas.Not exactly what Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote in Sonnet 43, but we like it all the same. Why? Because it finally pays tribute to the most frequent vowel sound in English: the schwa. What is the schwa and how does it sound? Simply put, the schwa is a reduced, neutral vowel sound written as an upside-down …

Deep State And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Turpitude, venality, and demagogue When former CIA Director John Brennan weighed in on the firing of former Deputy Director of the FBI Andrew McCabe, he likely expected to make waves. But did he know he’d send searches for his word choices skyrocketing on Dictionary.com? The director’s tweet, issued in response to President Donald Trump, represents the biggest spike in searches on Dictionary.com March 16–23, 2018! …

Homework Help With Dictionary.com

We’ve created these Homework Help articles, organized by category and reviewed by our lexicographers, to help with any and all online schooling. Take a look! Dictionary.com recently launched a new type of content that appears on our definition pages for select terms that students mainly come across during homework assignments. So, fittingly, we’ve called these articles “Homework Help”! Below, we’ve categorized them by subject to …

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Sever And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

1. What caused the biggest jump in searches on Dictionary.com the week of March 8–15, 2018? The word rehabilitation had a whole lot of people scratching their heads. The term took a 607% leap in searches over the prior week. The spike followed news out of Connecticut that a former University of Hartford student named Brianna Brochu had been sentenced by a judge to “accelerated …

Do You Know These Science Trending Words And Discoveries?

Test out your scientific knowledge here! (And, if you need a little brush-up on some science terms, check out our Science Terms For Dummies slideshow.) If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

They Call It Puppy Love And Other Animal-inspired Phrases

We often attribute emotions and other human characteristics to animals. This is called anthropomorphism. Similarly, we also describe people using animal characteristics. You might, for example, say my teenage son “eats like a horse,” meaning he’s a growing boy and consumes a lot of food. This is called zoomorphism. Zoomorphism also includes assigning animal-like qualities to gods and inanimate objects. The term comes from the Greek …

Manchurian Candidate And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

1. Vertigo was up in searches the week of March 1–7, 2018 by 339%. Here are a couple reasons why: Reader’s Digest did an expose on vertigo in general. Here’s what you need to know, according to them: “What Causes Vertigo? 15 Things Neurologists Wish You Knew”. Digital Trends wrote about some biofeedback headphones that can help people out who have vertigo. So, we have the explanation and the cure …

The Best Podcasts About Language

Sometimes a dictionary is too heavy to carry around for some light reading and too daunting to listen to as an audiobook. For all your language needs from etymology to grammar to more creative ways to curse, check out our recommendations below for the best language podcasts. And, because this is an article about language podcasts, we can’t help but mention our newly-launched Dictionary.com Word …

Catchphrases That Have Seen Their 15 Minutes Of Fame

Buzzwords and catchphrases often surface in our culture. Many come from landmark news events, and, before you know it, that term is everywhere and firmly embedded in our collective conscience. Why do they strike such a chord? If there was a secret sauce to creating one of these memorable expressions, we’d all be copywriters. Let’s look at some from the world of news (and we’ll …

Foxy, Catty, Fishy: Are These Traits For Animals Or Humans?

Catty It seems horribly unfair to adorable cats that catty is a human descriptor meaning “devious or spiteful” (and usually in reference to female behavior). What gives? The word cat has been around since the year 700. But then, in the Middle Ages, cat became one of the many offensive terms against women and was slang for “prostitute.” The association might have been made because …

Posthumously And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

1. Posthumously trended this week (increasing in searches by 102%) as the country still isn’t over the Parkland, Florida school shooting and neither are we. As Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students went back to school this week, the country (for the most part) applauded the heroism and activism that they’ve displayed. And, they’ve inspired action in all of us too—Dick’s Sporting Goods for the …

Do You Know What These Weird Plurals Mean?

Have you ever wondered how to pluralize some of the most common words you use everyday? Some plural forms are pretty strange . . . and most people don’t know them. Take our quiz below to see if you’re up on some of the most obscure plural words in the English language. If the quiz doesn’t display, please tryopeningin the Chrome browser.

Know Your Meme

The Original Memes (Before Memes)

The word meme, coined in 1976 by the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, goes way beyond social-media pixels. Meme captures the concept of “cultural transmission” of ideas in general, where customs and ideas spread from brain to brain. Which means memes have been around longer than Success Kid or Kermit sipping tea. Wildfire ideas have been around as long as humans have—in fact, discovering fire is …

Outcry And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Inept was up 186% in searches this week . . . and this time it’s about somebody else’s dysfunctional government and leadership team. The Times helped us explain this one: “Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister, and his deputy, Barnaby Joyce, traded extraordinary public barbs yesterday over an adulterous affair that has gripped the nation and fractured the government. Mr Turnbull said his deputy had ‘appalled everyone’ …

Germophobe, Collector, Budgeter: Which Type Of Traveler Are You?

There are different types of travelers, and we’ve created some names for a few of them. Whether you’re a minimalist, budgeter, collector, storyteller, or germophobe, traveling is your game, right? But, which type of traveler are you? Think you know—well, take our personality test just to be sure . . . . Don’t forget to share your results (so your friends and family will know …

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The Mind-Bending Stroop Effect: Don’t Read These Words!

WARNING: Your brain is about to experience conflict and interference, while executing a suspiciously mundane task. Do not scoff. Different-colored words will slow down your mental processing, and there’s almost nothing you can do about it—except read the rest of this article to learn more. You are at the mercy of . . . the Stroop effect! Get ready: The following is a group of words, written …

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Do You Know The Official Language Of Each Of These Countries?

Most people know a handful of official languages in countries around the world—French in France, Italian in Italy, Russian in Russia, Spanish in Spain. But, those are really easy, and with 195 countries and 7,000 different languages, the handful you think you know is really only a teeny-tiny sampling! So, try your hand at guessing the official languages of these 20 countries. Some of them …

Curling And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

Mendacity Mendacity was our top trending word the week of Feb. 9–13, 2018, peaking at an 845% increase in searches. So, what’s mendacity? Lying, untruthfulness, falsehoods—all mendacity. Here’s why it’s newsworthy this week: Trump has some mendacity, for sure. Even his lawyers know it, which is why they are advising him not to meet with Mueller re: the Russia investigation, because lying to the FBI, even if …

Negative Or Positive Reinforcement: Which Is Better?

Negative reinforcement vs. positive reinforcement Most people think that positive reinforcement means to lavish praise or encouragement, and that is a good part of its essence, but not all of it. What is negative reinforcement, then? Is that about withholding praise? Scolding? Admonishing? Positive reinforcement is actually something we’re all pretty familiar with. When you were a kid, did you get a weekly allowance for …

www.playbuzz.com/oliviazavala10/which-are-the-most-attractive-accents

What Makes Accents Appealing?

What makes certain accents sexy and others harsh? “The RINE in SPINE fawls MINELY on tha PLINE!” In the song “The Rain in Spain” from the musical My Fair Lady, phonetics professor Henry Higgins (‘enry ‘iggins) pleads with Eliza Doolittle to say “Ay not I, O not Ow.” By the end of the song Eliza’s “AY-ing” and “O-ing” and pronouncing all her H’s. The guttersnipe is …

The Origin Stories Behind Gaga And Other Musicians’ Names

Before he was Snoop Dogg, the West Coast rap icon went by his given name: Cordozar Calvin Broadus. He was named after his stepfather. His stage name was inspired by Snoopy though, a childhood nickname. His parents gave him the pet name because of the way he looked. She might be known as Iggy Azalea on stage, but this Australian-born rapper’s official name is Amethyst Amelia …

What Is Louisiana Creole And How Was It Created?

Dictionary.com’s United States of Diversity series by Taneesh Khera Music resounds from every direction. Drums, brass, and strings clash against the cacophony of song and dance. The crowd, as diverse as the Black, Native, and European people who’ve called the area home for centuries. Smells waft in with the sound: from street-side vendors, gumbo, jambalaya, and cajun and creole spices you can taste in the …

Why Does A Cow Become Beef?

Have you ever stopped to wonder why we eat pork and beef, but not pig or cow? Menus don’t advertise sheep or deer, but mutton and venison. And, we nonchalantly nosh on veal without the linguistic reminder that we’re actually eating meat from a baby calf. When it comes to designating meat terminology, the English language has a few ways of distinguishing between the live …

Getting Braggadocious: Top Word Trends On Dictionary.com

1. hologram Searches for this futuristic term jumped 65% this week as news circulated that Justin Timberlake would be performing with a hologram of Prince during the Super Bowl halftime show. Before game-day, it came out that Prince was not a fan of the technology, saying in 1998, “that whole virtual reality thing… it really is demonic. And I am not a demon.” Ultimately, Timberlake …

CA Hunter

This American Children’s Rhyme Isn’t So American After All . . .

Remember eeny, meeny, miney, moe? A group of kids get together to play a game of Tag. Or, maybe they’re in the middle of a kickball game and the ball’s flown over into nasty Mr. Hunchguts’ yard. In both scenarios, who is it? Which of the rosy-faced children will be designated the chaser in Tag, or the (gulp) fetcher of the kickball from haunted Hunchguts’ …

Harness Your Moxie To Take This Word Of The Day Quiz

It may seem byzantine, but we swear it’s a straightforward Word of the Day Quiz! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

A Look At American Sign Language

What is ASL or American Sign Language? American Sign Language, or ASL, is the visual signing language used by the Deaf community in the United States. English speakers in Canada and in a handful of other counties use ASL, too. Interestingly, those countries include the Philippines, Singapore, Jamaica, China, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cambodia, and Bolivia—a varied group. There are other sign languages …

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These Might Be The Strangest Names In Sports

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said, “Loyalty to any one sports team is pretty hard to justify, because the players are always changing; the team could move to another city. You’re actually rooting for the clothes when you get right down to it.” Still, we persist in pouring our heart and soul into following our teams. So, in all this devotion, have you ever wondered where …

What Happens When Memes Go Wrong

LOLcats. Good Guy Greg. Forever Alone Rage Face. Scumbag Steve. If you recognize that these are internet memes, you’re not oblivious to the raging cultural phenomenon that has swept internet screens in the last several years. So, what does meme mean? For the uninitiated, an internet meme is any concept expressed through digital media that goes viral—a photo, video, GIF, song, doodle, fictional character, symbol. The …

How To Be Less Forgetful And Remember Everything

What are mnemonics? Whether or not you loved school, there are several fictitious figures you should thank for your education. Your Dear Aunt Sally, for example, as well as your Very Educated (or Excited, Eccentric, Elephantine) Mother, and Roy G. Biv. Also, be grateful that All Cows Eat Grass; those cows saved your ‘rhymes-with-grass’ in music class. Has this collection of relatives and cows sent you …

This Isn’t A Reverie—It’s The Word Of The Day Quiz!

This is not a Sisyphean quiz . . . your vocabulary will improve with another Word of the Day Quiz.

getty

Why Does France Avoid English Loanwords?

Why does France hate English loanwords? France has a très rich literary and linguistic culture. So, it’s not surprising that their government takes a dim view to any intrusions made to it by, er, outside influences. As an article in The Guardian notes, “France’s identity has long been bound up with its language, more so possibly than anywhere else.” They also add that “France is …

Handsome And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com

During the week of January 18–24, 2018, our word with the biggest search increase was handsome. Up 1069%, handsome had some recent newsworthy recognition. Here are a few of the stories: It’s been 10 years since Heath Ledger’s death January 22, 2008, and he’s been remembered this week for his handsome looks on top of his immense talent. In Japan, women are now paying to cry with a handsome …

Decoding The PR Machine

Deciphering the language of hype Language can be used to avoid discussion just as much as it can be used to communicate effectively. For example: the language of public relations. Public-relations representatives often speak for corporate America, politicians, and the media. They know how to avoid topics and how to not answer the hard questions (tweaking language to fit a particular need at a particular …

A Heartsome Word of the Day Quiz To Help You Brave The Week

Are you an enfant terrible? If so, at least use decent vocabulary. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

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Taser: A Surprising Acronym With An Unsettling Story

Many people might be surprised to learn that the word taser is an acronym. The (debatable) non-lethal weapon that causes temporary paralysis was invented in the 1970s by a man named Jack Cover (who worked for NASA at one point). Cover aimed to create a non-lethal weapon that could be used in situations in which firing a real gun would prove fatal, like in an airplane hijacking. …

Why Do We Call It A “Wife Beater” Shirt?

How did a violent term become a piece of clothing? We’re in a bubbling cauldron of gender issues, and they’re boiling to the surface. To contribute to this heated discussion, we think there’s no better time to take wife beater, the slang term for that ubiquitous sleeveless white shirt, to the dump for good. But, how did the violent term become associated with a piece …

Why Did Twitter Change Their Character Limit To 280 Characters?

We all know by now that Twitter raised their character limit to 280 in 2017. Predictably, this change has inspired hilarious reactions online. Most users are downright gleeful they have a wee-bit more space to tweet. Others are upset, claiming this expansion will ruin Twitter by making it more like Facebook. A few grumpy tweeters have solemnly vowed to never compose a tweet that’s longer …

What’s Nuclear About A Football?

Whose nuclear launch button is bigger? There has been a serious kerfuffle in the news about buttons and their relative size. Specifically, nuclear launch buttons. Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, flatly stated that a nuclear button is on his desk at all times. “It’s not a mere threat but a reality that I have a nuclear button on the desk in my office.” …

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New Year, New Word Of The Day Quiz

It may be your moira to ace this Word of the Day Quiz . . . better take it and find out! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s …

Word Of The Day Quiz For Your Post-Holiday Blues

It’s no longer yule. Bask in the afterglow and take this Word of the Day Quiz to brighten your blues! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2017/

These are the words that defined 2017

As 2017 comes to a close, we reflect on the words that impacted all of us, for better or for worse. American leadership made bold communication choices in 2017: Fury replaced diplomacy. Accusations of collusion distracted from the truth. Covfefe gave us some much needed comic relief in an era of Presidency by Tweet. (No, we’re not adding it to the dictionary…at least not yet.) …

What is the “War on Christmas”?

What is the “War on Christmas”? Christmastime. A festive season for family, food, and warfare? Perhaps, you’re familiar with the “War on Christmas” that’s been raging over the last several years. It stems from the radical belief that multiculturalism is shadowing traditional American values. The provocative phrase has been linked to figures like President Donald Trump (remember “[People] don’t use the word Christmas . . …

It’s A Blithesome Holiday Word of the Day Quiz

It’s a Dictionary.com propine: The Word of the Day Quiz! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

Dictionary.com’s Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas at Dictionary.com . . . Not a laptop was stirring . . . just some RAM and some ROM New words have been logged by our lexicographers with care They will post them online in the new year to share The writers were sleeping with tablets on their right In case new inspiration should arrive in the night When out in our lobby …

Abubble: Visual Word of the Day

As fun as it is to say, it’s even better to experience.

What The Nog: What’s Eggnog?

What’s in eggnog? Frothy, creamy eggnog is a festive favorite in England, Canada, and America. This winter drink consists of milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, and egg yolks. There are many versions of the drink, using alcohols like rum, brandy, whiskey, and bourbon. And, it often is flavored with everything from molasses to cinnamon to nutmeg to dried pumpkin. Now, there’s even soynog or nutnog, a version of …

Tidings of a Word of the Day Quiz!

No need for a cri de coeur, we’ve got another Word of the Day Quiz ready for you right here! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

Mishpocha: Visual Word of the Day

Here’s to celebrating the holidays with your mishpocha.

Quiz Yourself On The Meanings Of These Names

What’s Really In A Name? Ever wonder what your name (or your best friend’s name, your significant other’s name, your mom’s name) means? Here’s your chance to find out how well you know the Dictionary.com definition of words that are also people’s names. The game is simple. Read the dictionary definition and match it with the correct word/name. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try …

How Big Is Your Vocabulary This Week?

No need for a logomachy . . . take this week’s Word of the Day Quiz to prove your vocabulary prowess. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here. …

Dundrearies: Visual Word of the Day

Bringing dundrearies back.

Holy $#!%: Where Did The Symbolic Swear Come From?

Why is @#$%&! naughty? When the force of a swear word is too extreme (but some form of cuss must be used) symbolic stand-ins have long been used for lewdness. Suffice it to say, any emotional keyboard-striker can blurt out something that people perceive as a sub for swears. Whether it’s to diminish the force of swear, to get around censorship rules, or maybe just because symbols are @#$%ing cool …

Did You Just Interrupt . . . My Sentence?

What’s an interrupter? Interrupters—like this little guy right here—are squeezing into more and more contemporary writing. They’re often the goofy/sarcastic “wink-wink-nudge-nudge” asides writers play with in nonacademic writing and online content. Also called insertions, interrupting phrases, or parenthetical expressions, interrupters are words, phrases, or clauses that break the flow of writing—because if the author feels like it, why not?—to offer additional, can’t-be-held-back, or spur-of-the-moment thoughts …

It’s A New Cockcrow, Time To Test Your Vocabulary!

There’s no benevolence here . . . you’ll need real skill to ace this Word of the Day Quiz! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

What’s The Difference Between Socialism And Communism?

What is the difference between socialism and communism? Socialism has three main meanings: 1. a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. 2. procedure or practice in accordance with this theory. 3. (in Marxist theory) the stage following capitalism in the transition of a …

Getting To Know The Em Dash

What is an em dash? The em dash is an incredibly versatile punctuation mark that can be used instead of parentheses, commas, colons, or quotation marks in a sentence. The em dash (—) sets off a word or clause and adds emphasis. Or, it can signal an interruption (see our article on interrupting sentences for more on that!) or amplification (“expanding”) of an idea. It’s also …

What Are Mr. And Mrs. Short For?

What are Mr. and Mrs. short for? History and etiquette tell us that Mister and Missus, known by the contractions Mr. and Mrs., are the proper ways to address men and women. Beneath the surface of these everyday honorifics lies a linguistic glitch though. And, it has created social havoc since “Mrs.” entered mainstream English in the 17th century. Where did Mister and Missus come …

Making Connections With Conjunctions

What is a conjunction? A conjunction is a connecting word used to join words, phrases, sentences, and clauses. Conjunctions are often single words (and, but, because). In some cases, they can also be phrases (in any case). The two main types of conjunctions are subordinating and coordinating. There are also correlative conjunctions. What is a subordinating conjunction? A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent …

What’s The Deal With Piqued, Peeked, And Peaked?

When do you use piqued? The word set we’re examining today can send writers into a spiral of uncertainty when it comes to word choice, particularly in the context of one expression: piqued my interest, peaked my interest, or peeked my interest? The answer is piqued—and here’s why. Pique means “to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.),” as in “The suspenseful movie trailer piqued my curiosity.” The term also …

Affect vs Effect: Use the Correct Word Everytime

Affect or effect? Both of these words are verbs and nouns and their meanings overlap. Very confusing! This slippery duo can send even experienced writers into a spiral of uncertainty. Especially, since many people pronounce them in almost the exact same way. Here’s a basic guideline for affect vs effect: Generally, we use affect as a verb (an action word) and effect as a noun …

What’s The Difference Between “i.e.” And “e.g.”?

What’s the difference between i.e. and e.g.? They may be small, but their power to befuddle writers and speakers of the English language is mighty. The term i.e. is a shortening of the Latin expression id est, which translates to “that is.” It is used to introduce a rephrasing or elaboration on something that has already been stated. The term e.g. is an abbreviation of …

Warranty Vs. Guarantee

What’s the difference between warranty and guarantee? A warranty is “a promise or guarantee given.” A warranty is usually a written guarantee for a product, and it holds the maker of the product responsible to repair or replace a defective product or its parts. It is only used as a noun. So, what’s a guarantee? Basically, it’s the promise included in the formal (and legal) warranty. As a noun, guarantee is “an agreement assuming responsibility to …

How To Use Quotation Marks

What are quotation marks? Quotation marks (” “) are used for direct quotations. A quotation begins and ends with quotation marks: “I am getting worried,” she said, “that he has not called.” This signifies that someone actually said these words. How else are quotation marks used? 1. Quotations marks can be used around expressions to offset (or call them out) from the other text. For example: …

What’s The Difference Between “A While” and “Awhile”

What are the difference between a while and awhile? Few word pairs capture the idiosyncrasies (“peculiar characteristics”) of the English language like a while and awhile do. Both of these terms are expressions of time, but one is written with a space while the other is one word. These two terms represent different parts of speech. The two-word expression a while is a noun phrase, consisting of the article a and …

Judgement Vs. Judgment

Is judgment spelled with an e? Have you ever seen the word judgment spelled two different ways? Sometimes, it appears as we spelled it here (no e), and other times it appears with an e: judgement. Which one is correct? Well, the short answer is that judgment is the prevailing (“dominant”) spelling. Many think that the difference between judgement and judgment is that the longer version is the British …

Let’s Pause And Talk About Commas

What is a comma? You’ve probably heard a lot of things about the comma and may have questions about when to use a comma. A comma (,) signifies a short pause in a sentence. It can also divide clauses (“parts of a sentence”) or items in a list. It is often used to create division or to improve the clarity of a sentence. When to use a comma …

Everyday Vs. Every Day

What’s the difference between everyday and every day? Do you eat breakfast every day or everyday? The word everyday describes things that are commonplace or ordinary, and it also answers the question “what kind?” For example, in the sentence “Wear your everyday clothes,” the word everyday tells you what kind of clothing to wear. The phrase every day indicates that something happens each day. It also answers the question “when?” …

‘Tis the Season To Learn More About ‘Tis

What does ‘tis mean? Well, it’s an old—very old—contraction of it is. The apostrophe replaces the i in the word it to create ’tis . . . not quite how we create contractions today. According to Google’s Ngram Viewer, the contraction ’tis was a fan favorite in the early 1700s. At this time, it was likely used more often than it’s. Why is ’tis used? ‘Tis is also known as a proclitic. …

Cockcrow: Visual Word of the Day

Dont be a Rodney. Let people sleep past cockcrow.

Word of the Year 2017

As 2017 comes to a close, it’s time for us to reflect on the words that impacted all of us this year—for better or for worse. At Dictionary.com, the Word of the Year serves as a symbol of the year’s most meaningful events and lookup trends. Our 2017 Word of the Year Is Complicit. Complicit means “choosing to be involved in an illegal or questionable …

Advice vs. Advise

Why are advice and advise so similar? It’s no wonder that advice and advise are often confused; they are used in similar contexts and are separated by just one letter. But, that letter signals important distinctions to keep in mind when using the terms. So, what are the differences between the two? What are the differences between advise and advice? Advise is a verb meaning “to give counsel to; offer an opinion …

Snowflake: From Winter Wonderland to Petty Insult

Every snowflake is unique. Reclaim the snow. Snowflake is one of the words that has taken a jump from normal noun to pointed insult. When used as an insult, it means that someone is easily offended and has a hard time accepting anything outside of their comfort zone. It’s often used against younger people (generally, those of the millennial generation) and left-leaning people.

Imply Vs. Infer

Imply and infer both refer to unspoken communication. The sender of this unspoken message is the one who implies, while the receiver is the one who infers. To imply is to subtly hint at a hidden message that isn’t part of the actual words spoken or written. For example, you can imply that you like someone by sending them flowers. To infer is to read …

Better Than Bakemeat . . . Nosh On This Quiz!

Feeling torporific after the holiday break? Restart your brain with the Word of the Day Quiz! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

Pennyworth: Visual Word of the Day

Nothing haunts us like the things we don’t buy…especially when there’s a great pennyworth!

Turkey: A Bird or a Nation?

The republic of Turkey (look north of Egypt, east of Greece) isn’t exactly a breeding ground for the bird that Americans associate with Thanksgiving. In fact, the turkey is native to North America . . . so, why do they share the same name? Let’s get the word facts The word turkey has been used to refer to “land occupied by the Turks” since the …

This Quiz Could Be Macaronic

Here’s your chance to scrimshank . . . it’s the Word of the Day Quiz! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

Claque: Visual Word of the Day

Seinfeld wasn’t the first to use a laugh track: It’s over 2,000 years old.

The Top 10 Current Parenting Buzzwords

This isn’t your parents’ parenting The language of parenting is constantly evolving, and these changes often occur in tandem with new parenting movements and styles. The early 20th century authoritarian style of parenting gave way to a more permissive parent in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The ‘80s and ‘90s parent became more intricately involved and focused on building their children’s self-esteem. Trophies for everyone! Now, …

What Do “Numpire” and “Ewt” Have in Common?

These funny-looking words may not be recognizable, but they were the ancestors of our modern-day umpire and newt. So, how did they evolve into their current forms? Because of the pesky letter n, the indefinite article a/an, and the fact that a bunch of English-speakers hundreds of years ago had hearing problems. The bouncing n and rebracketing Words like numpire and ewt underwent a process we’re playfully calling the …

Clickbait Isn’t New

Clickbait existed before clicking did “When you find out what these kids are jumping into, your jaw will drop!” “Baby ducks see water for the first time—can you BELIEVE what they do?” Confronted with such emotionally charged lines, it’s almost impossible not to click. Do the tykes tumble into a vat of chocolate syrup? Are ducklings reaching for toothpaste to brush their beaks? Can you …

This Quiz Is More Than Razzle-Dazzle

There’s no enjambment here: Take a break; it’s quiz time. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

Are You a Master of the Arts? (A Quiz of Skill)

What should you get your master’s in? MAs, MFAs, and MBAs don’t stand a chance against these obscure arts and sciences. Ace this quiz, and you’ve got an official Master’s in Madcap. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Whose Vs. Who’s

What do who’s and whose mean? Apostrophe or no apostrophe? That may be the real question. To begin to answer these questions, whose is the possessive form of the pronoun who, while who’s is a contraction of the words who is or who has. However, many people still find whose and who’s particularly confusing because, in English, an apostrophe followed by an s usually indicates the possessive form of a word. (For example, a purse belonging to a woman is “the woman’s purse.”) …

Arete: Visual Word of the Day

Who in your life embodies the idea of arete?

Slang Every 90s Kid Knows

Props if you’re in the know. If not, watch this:

What’s the #’s Real Name?

On Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, you tag your friends with the @ symbol and topics with the #. If you see something that says “#WordoftheDay,” the tweet or post has something to do with Word of the Day. And once you click on that marked topic, you’ll likely see all public posts about it. It’s a great tool for finding people who are talking about a …

Their, There, and They’re

The trio of their, there, and they’re can flummox writers of all levels. It’s confusing; they are homophones, meaning they have the same pronunciation but differ in meaning and derivation. Even though they sound the same, they aren’t spelled the same . . . and cue the noticeable errors! Let’s explore the correct usages of the three. Their is the possessive case of the pronoun …

Take a Knee, Burn a Bra

Famous Calls to Action Phrases like “sit-in” or “bra burning” might not currently mean much to you. But, we’re here to help you sort out the top 10 most famous calls to action, so you don’t accidentally find yourself taking out your nemesis’s knee. Or igniting your frontside. 1. Taking a Knee “Taking a knee” has become a buzz phrase capable of stirring heated conversation. …

Don’t Let This Quiz Give You the Heebie-Jeebies

Keep your bonce on your shoulders: It’s quiz time. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Improve your vocabulary with our Visual Word of the Day videos. See this week’s here.

Real Fans Only: The Meaning Behind Obsessive Fandom

Whether you’re a Deadhead, Belieber, or a member of Raider Nation, extreme passion lies at the heart of all fans. Oodles of fan sites, message boards, Tumblr feeds, and those old-fashioned print newsletters help fans share the love. Fans use language to set themselves (as a group) apart from fans of rival teams or other artists. They create catchy nicknames and make references that may …

Who to Blame for English Spellings!

Let’s be honest: It’s practically impossible to be a “good” speller in English. The way words are spelled in English just don’t match how they are pronounced. Why, English language, why? Well, we can start by blaming William Caxton and the printing press. Diving into the historical context Let’s begin at the beginning, though: England, 1476. Norman French presence was in decline as the Bubonic Plague …

Ebullient: Visual Word of the Day

If you can’t pronounce the word ebullient, we have you covered.

The Best Old-Timey Insults We Should be Using Today | Video

Who doesn’t love a good comeback? These are the best insults we stopped using, but should totally bring back. Love Throwing Shade? Here are more insults for you to bring back.

Slut: From Dirty to Empowering

Most women (and probably some men, too!) can recall a time they were called a slut. This word has been used to demean and hurt, but more recently, we are reclaiming it to empower and support.

How Big is Your Vocabulary?

Even if you’re not a cruciverbalist, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this quiz. Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Words That Are Their Own Opposites

English is weird: There are words that can mean two opposite things. Here’s what we mean:

English Words in Foreign Places (A Very Silly Quiz)

Welcome to this very silly quiz. Can you figure out what these English look-a-likes mean in their native language? Things will look a little foreign, but our obvious distractors will help you reach the right destination. Bon voyage! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Preta: Visual Word of the Day

As long as there has been life, we’ve thought about death.

Don’t Let This Quiz Gorgonize You

We’re positive you’re already ducky, duckies. But this quiz isn’t nocent, so give it a shot! Tell us your favorite word from this week below (and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter)! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

How to Woo a Word Lover: Pick Up Lines From the Dictionary

There isn’t a word in the dictionary for how good you look…

Perlocutionary: Visual Word of the Day

Learn more about this Word of the Day here.

Common Words with Uncommon Opposites | Video

Like mismatched socks… As we all know every lone sock has a long-lost twin, some words we use every day also have pairs that we just forgot about. Here are some the English language’s best uncommon opposites.

Mind Your Netiquette: Take This Week’s Quiz

It’s only right that you take today’s quiz…and share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Compliment vs. Complement | Video

Do you finish your best friend’s sentences? Are you always saying sweet nothings to the love of your life? We asked video students from Cal Poly to help us visualize the difference between Compliment and Complement. Here’s Alex McCraken’s take on these two words. Craving more about this weird word pair? You can read more about it here.

What a Bawcock! Compliment or Insult?

Here are some incredible old slang compliments and insults that are so hard to figure out, it’s funny. Like bawcock. That can’t be a compliment. Or can it? You’ll have to take this quiz to find out… If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Words That Divide Us

Sometimes it feels as if our country is more divided than it’s ever been. With social media and cable news outlets acting as our own personal echo chambers, it feels like our political differences seem to be dividing us more than ever. But, we should also recognize that this isn’t the first instance of divisive politics in US history. Think about the incredibly tumultuous 1960s, …

Moribund: Visual Word of the Day

Learn more about this Word of the Day here.

Solving the Mystery of Babbling Baby Talk

“Baby needa burpie?! Yeees?? [burp] Oh! WHOOOZa good baby? YOU are! Yeeesssssyouare!” Whether you find this adorable or aggravating, gaggles of parents around the world speak to their infants in singsong “goos” and “gahs.” The style has diverse names, from baby talk and motherese (but what about Dad?) to the neutral and more official-sounding child- or infant- directed speech. Whatever you choose to call it, …

Attention, Word Offenders: Avoid These Words

Are you guilty of using these crutch words? Never fear: So are we! See more words to remove from your speech here.

Stay Woke: Test Your Word of the Day Vocabulary

Take our Word of the Day and make it better! Test your knowledge of this past week’s words. (Test your friends, too: Facebook and Twitter.) If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

A Paroxysm of Laughter

They say laughter’s contagious… Have you ever burst out laughing for no reason? Or caught your friend’s laughter without knowing why? That is an example of paroxysm. Although it can come in many forms (not all positive, such as a paroxysm of rage), we chose to highlight how infectious this type of joy can be.

Suffering From Anhedonia? This Quiz Can Fix That.

It’s that time again! How many words do you remember from this past week? Test your friends, too: Facebook and Twitter. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Deadpan: From American Slang to Comedic Style

Deadpan. It’s not just for people who suffer from bitchy resting face. Deadpan is often used in comedy to make viewers feel uncomfortable, or to add contrast to an otherwise slapstick set. This term is an Americanism from the 1920s, when it started being used as slang for the face itself.

This Quiz Is Not Clandestine

While all of your options are out in the open, it might still be tough to score a perfect 7/7 on this week’s quiz. Good luck to the polyhistors out there, and don’t forget to vote on your favorite word of the week (in the poll beneath the quiz). After you challenge your friends to a quiz off, check in with your results on Facebook or …

Deciduous: Visual Word of the Day

Pine and fir trees kept their green while their deciduous brothers were a riot of color. — Crickett Starr, Violet Among the Roses Learn more about this Word of the Day here.

Who Said It: Presidential Wit & Wisdom

Think you know your presidents? Take this quiz and see if you can match the style, wit and ideology of these memorable lines to the right POTUS. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Tickle Your Sensorium With This Week’s Quiz

We hope you get a mickle of right answers this week! Check in on Facebook or Twitter to let us know how you do on the Word of the Day Quiz. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite word in the poll below. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Whoosis? Take The Word of the Day Quiz!

Get your brain ready for this serotinal WOTD quiz. We know you’re ready to fossick answers—and no gramarye should be required. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite word in the poll below! And when you have your results, tell us how you did on Facebook or Twitter. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

A Quiz To Take You To Elysium

To those in the United States, happy Labor Day! We hope you’ll find Elysium in a moment of rest (and potentially, a good BBQ). Check in on Facebook or Twitter to let us know how you do on the Word of the Day Quiz. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite word in the poll below. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in …

The Meaning of Labor Day

For many of us, Labor Day means the end of summer vacation, a guilt-trip for anyone wearing white, and an excuse for department stores to have sales. But, it’s important to keep in mind the true history behind this holiday: Labor Day is a celebration of laborers, introduced at a time when labor meant something far more grueling than it generally does today. In the …

Word of the Day Quiz August 21-27

Can a funster be banausic? It’s Monday again, and whether you’re ready to go or stretching for another cup of coffee, it’s verisimiliar that your brain can take the weekly Word of the Day quiz. So get clicking, and say hello on Facebook or Twitter after you’re done. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite word of the past seven days in the poll beneath the quiz! …

More “Man” Words in the Making

As we get deeper into this new millennium, one that we like to think might free us from things like racial and gender inequities and stereotypes, some interesting “man-” words have found their way into English. What’s going on? Are we widening the gender chasm, at least linguistically? Manly, Mean, or Meh? The proliferation of male “gender marked” nouns, like man bun, man purse, or …

Athleisure Explained

Who doesn’t like to be comfortable? Athleisure is one of many new words recently added to Dictionary.com. Simply put, athleisure is a style of clothing that’s worn as athletic apparel but is also suitable for casual, everyday wear. If this description means absolutely nothing to you, you’re not alone! The word is a recent addition to the English language, and one that even we needed …

Word of the Day Quiz August 20-26

9/9 is the goal! Since today’s news is all about the eclipse, we’ve upped the challenge and added two additional words to the Word of the Day Quiz. Report in your results on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite word of this week in the poll beneath the quiz. Good luck (and be sure to protect your eyes from screen glare)! …

Yuo’re Albe to Raed Tihs - But Only Up To A Point

Remember that word-scrambled email that’s (re)circulated through virtually everyone’s inbox at some point between 2003 and now? Here’s a reminder: Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can …

Word of the Day Quiz August 7-13

The mussitation begins… We’re sure your Word of the Day knowledge will fructify just in time for today’s quiz—but you may need to call an Australian to ask what arvo means. Good luck, and don’t forget to report in on Facebook or Twitter with your results! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser. Did you have a favorite word this …

Word of the Day Quiz July 30 - August 6

Our paladin has arrived! Your chances are good for this week’s Word of the Day quiz—two fifty-fifty chances, and one word where you’ll have to choose which definition isn’t correct. Will you be able to get 7 out of 7? Don’t forget to vote on your favorite word of the week in the poll below, and after you’re done with the quiz let us know …

Word of the Day Quiz July 23-29

Is autarky polemic? And can a membranophone help create ballon? These questions (and many more) may bumfuzzle you while taking this week’s Word of the Day quiz. Will you get 7 out of 7? Find us on Facebook or Twitter to let us know. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Word of the Day Quiz July 16-22

What did that mean, again? Give yourself a true challenge and don’t check your notes before taking this Monday’s quiz! How many will you get right without any extra help? Don’t forget to let us know how well you did on Facebook or Twitter. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Word of the Day Quiz: July 9-15

Harrumph. Are you ready for this week’s challenge? And just as importantly, will your favorite word of the week be the popular choice among the seven? After you’re done with the quiz, let us know how you did (and where you were fooled) on Facebook or Twitter. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

What’s a Bastille?

On Bastille Day, the world parties in the name of France. But do you know what makes Bastille Day so important—not just for France but the history of all democracies? The occasion is typically honored with military parades and copious consumption of libations. This mix of weapons and wooziness arguably sums up the legacy of July 14, 1789. Bastille is French for “fortress,” “castle,” or “bastion.” The Bastille …

What’s Net Neutrality?

You may have heard the term “net neutrality” in the news lately. Net neutrality is the idea that the relationship between you and content on the internet shouldn’t be altered by internet service providers—that ISPs should provide nondiscriminatory access to internet content, without manipulating the transfer of data. Take a look at the infographic below for a visual, and check out these net neutrality resources: 7 Quotes That …

Word of the Day Quiz: July 2-8

We have a smorgasbord… …of words for you this week (and every week)! Think back to those Word of the Day alerts you saw during the BBQs of the last seven days, and test your memory by taking the quiz. When you’re done, don’t forget to tell us your favorite word of the bunch on Facebook or Twitter and in the poll below. If the quiz …

Word of the Day Quiz: June 25-July 1

Is it doublethink… …to remember checking in on the Word of the Day all week, but also to have serious questions about whether exurb is a noun or a verb? (The answer: no. That’s just another reason why we need quizzes.) After you ace the test, don’t forget to tell us your favorite word on Facebook or Twitter and in the poll below! If the quiz …

The Forgotten Verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

Do you know all the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner”? Many people have difficulty memorizing the lyrics of the first verse of this song, which is commonly performed at sports events and other public gatherings. But did you know that there are three additional verses that we almost never hear? In 1814, the poet and lyricist Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled …

O Say Can You Hear? A Look at Our National Anthem’s Poetic Roots

This weekend, many Americans will gather with loved ones to commemorate our country’s heritage by firing up the grill, admiring some fireworks, and attempting to sing one of the most difficult songs in the English language. “Star-Spangled Banner” was adopted as our national anthem in 1931, and its soaring melody and densely packed lyrics have been tripping up those tasked with performing it ever since. …

Word of the Day Quiz: June 18-24

With a few estival choices… …these words are whizzo. But do you remember what polishing a particular fruit can mean? Take the quiz, and don’t forget to tell us your favorite from the week on Facebook or Twitter and in the poll below. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Word of the Day Quiz: June 11-17

That sibylline behavior… …is hard to decipher. Does it mean you’re ready to ace this quiz? Let us know your score on Facebook or Twitter, and vote on your favorite in the poll below. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

The Wonder-ful Nature of Greek God Names

Batman lurks like a bat in the shadows. Spider-Man slings webs like a radioactive spider. Superman is a literal translation of Friedrich Nietszche’s term ubermensch. And Wonder Woman is…well, what does Wonder Woman’s name tell us about her? A lot, it turns out. When William Moulton Marston created Wonder Woman in the early 1940s, he made her not just Diana, an Amazon princess, but also …

Word of the Day Quiz: June 4-10

Hoping for a little serendipity… …but if you don’t have that, a good memory will help. Will you be able to identify all seven words from last week’s Word of the Day selections? Let us know your score on Facebook or Twitter! And if you had a favorite of the bunch, don’t forget to share in the poll below. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try …

Word of the Day Quiz: May 28 - June 3

You’re true-blue… …and we don’t think that’s puffery. If you’d like a quick reminder of the word list, take a look at the poll below. Then tackle the quiz, and let us know how you do on Facebook or Twitter. Good luck! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

6 New Words We Need in English Right Now

English is a vast, glorious language, yet even with its incredible number of words, it feels like it’s still missing some absolute basics. The lack of these words leads to either lengthy clarifications or awkward situations—like getting stuck taking your friend’s llama to the flea market (more on that below). Of course, we can’t just go adding words to the dictionary all willy-nilly, but if …

Word of the Day Quiz: May 21 - 27

Do you know all 7 words memoriter? This week’s quiz is tough, but don’t let it leave you slumberous. When you’re done, make sure to vote on your favorite word from this week in the poll below! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Farther vs. Further

Differentiating two words that go the distance… Do you use farther and further interchangeably? You’re not alone. The terms have very similar meanings, and English speakers have been using them as synonyms for centuries. But if you’re ready to get picky, there is one major difference that can guide your usage of these words! The widely accepted rule is to use farther when being literal and …

Word of the Day Quiz: May 14-20

Some forgettery, some luck… If you have one, invite your moggy over for moral support, then dive in to this week’s quiz. After testing your memory, vote on your favorite word from this week in the poll below! If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the Chrome browser.

Fast and the Furious - From Scottish Hootenanies to Street Racing

The eighth installment in the Fast and the Furious franchise was released in April 2017, and their continued box office success gives moviegoers and word-lovers something to cheer about. Beyond the stunning action sequences, though, let’s take a moment to appreciate the movie’s title, The Fate of the Furious, which sounds awesome. That probably has something to do with its alliteration, a figure of speech in …

Let’s Talk About Bitchface

Wait, what? Bitchface? Yes, bitchface is a word. Some people may find that offensive (why do we swear, anyway?), but it’s also interesting that the word describes a reality that often causes offense—unintentionally! Also called resting bitchface (that’s RBF, of course), bitchy resting face, or chronic bitchface, bitchface most often refers to a facial expression that doesn’t consciously express a particular emotion, but that others …

Whose vs. Who’s

We’ve all been there: agonizing over whether or not to add that apostrophe to who. Here’s an easy way to remember the difference. Whose is the possessive form of the pronoun who, while who’s is a contraction of the words who is or who has. Many people find whose and who’s particularly confusing because in English, an apostrophe followed by an S usually indicates the possessive form of a word. For example, a purse belonging to a woman is “the woman’s purse.” …

What Are We Gonna Call Self-Driving Cars If “Automobile” Is Already Taken?

We’ve reached the era of the self-driving car! Congratulations, us. Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen are all in the autonomous driving game, along with many up-and-comers. Waymo (a division of Alphabet, Google’s holding company) describes theirs as “a safer car for everyone.” In a way, it’s shaky ground we’re standing on. One, because we’re standing on a foundation of dated perceptions of the future, and …

Word of the Day Quiz: May 7-13

You have our imprimatur… …to cheat if you have to. But if you find yourself searching Dictionary.com a little bit too often, may we suggest you sign up for our Word of the Day emails? Let us know how you do on this week’s quiz by sharing your results on Twitter or Facebook (good luck)! And whether you do it holus-bolus or come back later, don’t …

The Other Easter Eggs: Coded Messages and Hidden Treats

When was the last time you discovered an Easter egg hiding in plain sight? If your answer was “at the last Easter egg hunt I went to,” it’s time to expand your playing field. The term Easter egg started popping up in the 16th and 17th centuries. As most would guess, its original meaning refers to a hollowed-out or hard-boiled egg, dyed or painted for …

What’s the Difference Between a Bunny, a Rabbit and a Hare?

While the religious contexts of Easter can be well understood, the commercialized variants get a little crazy: an anthropomorphized bunny, baskets, pastel colors and eggs? There’s too much to tackle in that semantic basket, so we’ll answer a different crucial question: what’s the difference between a rabbit, a hare and a bunny? Let’s start with the two that have scientific names. Hares and rabbits are both …

The Reasons to Swear. A Lot.

Fair warning: The language here could get a little strong for some tastes. Raise your hand if you’ve ever slipped up and said a curse word in front of your boss, your grandma, or anyone else you probably shouldn’t have. We’re right there with you (totally raised our hands). Don’t be too hard on yourself. Swearing has a long history—words tend to stick around when …

Where Are You From, Loanword?

Let’s save some time and say it: Being exposed to other cultures and languages is one of the best things that can happen to you. Throughout history, English speakers have constantly been in contact with people who speak other languages. One of the coolest things that happens from that contact is language exchange. When a word from one language gets absorbed into another language, that’s …

Word of the Day Quiz: April 30-May 6

Not a minatory challenge… …at least, we hope not. Recap your week full of words by taking on this Word of the Day challenge! How many tries will it take you to get all seven correct? And when you’re done, don’t forget to tell us your favorite word of the week in the poll below. If the quiz doesn’t display, please try opening in the …

Practice vs. Practise

The difference between these two mainly comes down to British vs. American spelling. In British English, practise is a verb and practice is a noun. In American English, practice is both the noun and verb form. American English doesn’t really use practise. The Noun Practice As a noun, practice means “habit or custom” (as in “a religious practice“). It can also mean “repeated exercise to …

How -Able Lets You Expand Your Descriptive Abilities

-Able is a cool suffix that allows you to describe things in new and interesting ways. Adding -able to a word makes it into an adjective that indicates something or someone is capable of or worthy of something. For instance, if a doughnut is dunkable, that means it can be dipped into a cup of milk or coffee. Verbs With -Able You’ll most often see …

Proved vs. Proven

Have you proved your point, or proven it? Both words are both forms of the verb prove, which means “to establish truth through evidence or argument.” Both words are past participles, which basically means they completed actions that took place in the past. Generally speaking, proved and proven are interchangeable. You can usually choose between the two words based upon which one sounds better in the …

Reeking vs. Wreaking

Does Godzilla wreak havoc or reek havoc? Reeking is a word that usually describes something with a bad smell. Wreaking refers to something that causes destruction or damage. So really, it depends. Want to know more about these homophones? Keep reading. Reek As a verb, reek means a few things. Most often, it refers to a bad smell. You can either say “The pile of …

Paramount vs. Tantamount

Turns out, paramount doesn’t have that much to do with mountains. It does, however, describe something that’s of highest importance. Tantamount, on the other hand, refers to something that’s equal to something else. While the two words sound similar, that’s really all they have in common. Paramount Paramount is an adjective meaning “of utmost importance.” It can also describe someone with the highest level of …

Palette, Pallet, or Palate

Palette, pallet, and palate are homophones, which means they’re all pronounced the same way, but mean different things. Palette is mostly related to art. Pallet often refers to shipping equipment. Palate has several meanings related to taste. If you’re looking for a little more detail than that, read on. Palette When you picture a painter, you probably imagine them holding a flat board with a …

APRIL FOOLS! When? Where?

There are people who wait all year for April 1st. The fake bugs have been collected, the keys have been swapped, and the stories have been carefully thought through—and the cameras are probably ready. You already know why: because it’s fun (at least for the pranksters; please be kind to your victims)! But how long have we been celebrating this odd holiday? And where did …

The Mystery Behind April’s Name

Mark Twain once wrote: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.” Twain’s referring to the first day of April or, as it’s often known, April Fools’ Day. While the first day of the fourth month of the year is sure to bring plenty of shenanigans (will you be the perpetrator or the …

Overwhelm vs. Underwhelm

These two might seem like straightforward antonyms, but there are a few differences to keep in mind. Overwhelm is a verb that means “to overpower” or “to cover or bury.” Underwhelm means “to fail to impress.” Basically, these words have opposite meanings. Overwhelm Overwhelm is a versatile verb. A situation can overwhelm someone. That same person can be overwhelmed by a situation. They might describe …

Opinion Of, Opinion On, or Opinion About?

What do you believe the difference is? Opinion of values an opinion, opinion on emphasizes the topic of an opinion, and opinion about emphasizes the opinion itself. All three are fair ways to use the word opinion, but there are some major differences in how each phrase is typically used. Opinion Of Opinion of is the most common phrase among the three. Your opinion of …

Word of the Day Quiz: April 23-29

It’s the dinkum thing… …this week’s Word of the Day quiz is ready for you. Take a deep breath (maybe grab a drupe to enjoy?), and check in with us on Twitter or Facebook to let us know your results. And while you’re at it, vote for your favorite word of the last seven days in the poll below!

From Headlines to Hollywood to Hangry: New Words in the Dictionary

The latest update to Dictionary.com includes over 300 new words and definitions, reflecting everything from news stories to fashion trends. We’ve also updated several existing Dictionary.com entries. Once again, many new words came straight from the headlines, from Black Lives Matter and Burkini to alt-right and clicktivism. Some words like 420 and Kush reflect broader acceptance of marijuana use and culture, as it’s becoming medically …

Older vs. Elder

Both older and elder describe someone or something with the higher age in a comparison. Basically, they can both be the opposite of younger. They’re similar words that are usually interchangeable. For example, let’s say a woman has two sons, one 15 years old and one 18 years old. She could describe the 18-year-old boy as her older son or her elder son, and the …

Oblivious To vs. Oblivious Of

Oblivious to and oblivious of can both be used the same way. You can generally pick one based on which sounds better in the context of the sentence. Essentially, they both mean that someone is unaware of something. Synonyms Oblivious to and oblivious of share a meaning with a number of phrases, like ignorant of, unaware of, unconscious of, and blind to. Similarly, it may …

Not Good vs. No Good

Here’s something that’s good to know: No good means something has no use or value, and has no potential of becoming good. Not good means something is bad or undesirable. The correct way to use them isn’t that clear cut. At times, there’s no difference, and they can be used interchangeably. No Good When good is used as a noun, no can quantify or modify …

Motherland vs. Fatherland

The terms motherland and fatherland both refer to one’s native country, one’s country of origin, or the home of one’s ancestors. Whether a particular group uses motherland or fatherland tends to be a matter of custom. It’s unusual for a group to use both. Noah Webster’s The American Dictionary of the English Language, from 1847, referred to motherland as “the home of one’s mother’s ancestors” …

Mistrust vs. Distrust

Trust us on this one. There’s a difference between these two. Distrust is a complete lack of trust, and it’s often based on experience. Mistrust is a general lack of trust or confidence, sometimes based on instinct. Both words can be used as either verbs or nouns. As adjectives, they’re distrustful and mistrustful, respectively. Distrust tends to be used far more frequently than mistrust. Distrust …

Every English “Rule” Has An Exception: I Before E, Except, Well, A Lot of Things

A lot of times you’ll come across articles about English grammar that are like “You can do X, but not Y, and if you do Z your writing will be bad and you should feel bad.” OK, ouch. On the one hand, yes, English does have a lot of helpful rules in place that have developed over hundreds of years. And yes, rules help standardize …

Moral vs. Ethical

Maybe you’ve heard these terms and wondered what the difference is. A lot of people think of them as being the same thing. While they’re closely related concepts, moral refers mainly to guiding principles, and ethical refers to specific rules and actions. A moral precept is an idea or opinion that’s driven by a desire to be good. An ethical code is a set of …

Word of the Day Quiz: April 16-22

Hope you’re jammy… …if getting seven right has been easy, let’s see if you’ll be able to place number eight in today’s quiz. Good luck. And as always, tell us your favorite in the poll below!

Math vs. Maths

Both math and maths are short for the word mathematics. Math is the preferred term in the United States and Canada. Maths is the preferred term in England, Australia, and most other English-speaking places. Math The word math can refer to either the discipline or subject of mathematics. It can also refer to mathematical procedures. In a sentence like “She enjoys studying math and science,” …

Marshal vs. Martial

While the words are pronounced the same, they do have different meanings. Martial is an adjective that describes things related to war. A marshal is a police or military officer. Martial can only be used as an adjective, but marshal can be used as either a noun or a verb, but not an adjective. “But what about marshall?” you ask? We’ll get to that in …

What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox?

We get pretty excited about the spring equinox bringing us out of winter and officially starting the season of spring. But what exactly is the spring equinox? And does an equinox happen at the start of every season? First, let’s get into the equinox, which actually occurs just twice a year. The word equinox comes from Latin and means “equality of night and day.” So, the …

Manor vs. Manner

A manor is a mansion or stately home. A manner is a characteristic way of doing something. These words are homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings), so it’s easy to mix them up. Manor In the context of a feudal system, manor referred to an estate or territorial unit consisting of a lord’s home and lands. In other words, the area …

Make Peace With vs. Come to Terms With

These two phrases mean almost the same thing, but it can be useful to know the difference. Making peace with something means you “become resolved or reconciled.” Coming to terms with something means you “accept or become resigned” to it. It can also mean to reach an agreement. Make peace with is usually used to talk about humans. Come to terms with is usually used …

Ludicrous vs. Ridiculous

Ludicrous means something is silly enough to cause amusement. Ridiculous means it’s absurd enough to invite mockery or derision. Ludicrous has a more playful and amusing sense than ridiculous. Ridiculous We use ridiculous when something is absurd enough to be laughable. Saying something is ridiculous often means you think it deserves mockery or disrespect. An 1857 guide called English Synonyms says that “Ridiculous includes an …

Loose vs. Lose

Did you lose that sock in the dryer, or loose it? Lose is a verb, while loose is almost always an adjective. They’re often confused because of their similar spelling. Lose Lose can only be used as a verb. It describes when you “come to be without something” (e.g. “to lose a sock in the laundry”) or “to suffer defeat or fail to win” (e.g. …

Loath vs. Loathe

It can be easy to mix up loath and loathe because of their extremely similar spellings, but here’s the difference: Loath is an adjective that means reluctant. Loathe is a transitive verb that means to be disgusted with. The fact that both words carry negative connotations also makes it easy to confuse them. It might help to know that their pronunciations are slightly different. Loath …

Word of the Day Quiz: April 9-15

Be a mensch… …and let us know how well you do on this week’s Word of the Day quiz. After you vote on your favorite in the poll below, find us (we promise it won’t be a rebarbative search) on Twitter or Facebook!

Kudo vs. Kudos

You’ve probably heard these words floating around various celebrations, but do you know the difference? Kudos is a noun that means “praise, honor, or acclaim.” Kudo is the singular version of kudos, but kudos is also singular. Kudos comes from the Greek word kydos, which means praise or renown. Kudos are usually offered in response to an exceptional achievement. A Brief History of Kudos The …

Jury-rigged vs. Jerry-rigged

This one’s for you, DIY fans. Jury-rigged means something was assembled quickly with the materials on hand. Jerry-built means it was cheaply built. Jerry-rigged is a combination of these two words. Jerry-rigged is a relatively new word. Many people consider it to be an incorrect version of jury-rigged, but it’s widely used in everyday speech. Jury-Rigged The word jury has a few different meanings. It …

Juridical Process vs. Judicial Process

Let’s bring some order to these two similar terms. The juridical process relates to the administration of the law. The judicial process is the series of steps a legal dispute goes through in the court system. It deals with procedural issues, and it determines the roles of the judge and the jury in a courtroom. The judicial process also deals with the role and jurisdiction …

Itch vs. Scratch

Okay, this one might make you feel a little itchy. An itch is a skin irritation that causes the desire to scratch. Scratch describes the action used to relieve an itch. The grammatically correct construction is “to scratch an itch.” People often use itch and scratch in place of each other in everyday speech. For example, you may hear people saying they need to “itch …

“It is I” vs. “It’s Me”

Hello, it is I. Those are the lyrics, right? Should they be? The phrase it is I is correct for formal writing. It’s me is considered an informal style. Today, most native English speakers use it’s me instead of it is I. Classic, Formal Usage Traditionally, the use of I is appropriate when it follows a linking verb like is, was, or were. Linking verbs …

USA: Noun or Adjective?

USA is an abbreviation for the United States of America. US tends to be the more popular way to abbreviate United States. Both of these abbreviations can serve as either adjectives or nouns. However, some style guides prefer United States as the noun form and US as the adjective form. USA USA is a noun because United States of America is a noun. A noun …

Word of the Day Quiz: April 2-8

Fanfaronade for everyone! Unless, of course, you’re more the calm and inveterate type. Can you identify all seven of last week’s Word of the Day definitions? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter—and be sure to vote on your favorite in the poll below. Good luck!

Have A Slice Of Pi (And Other Homophones)

March 14 is one of the geekiest days on the calendar. The date is read as 3/14, also known as Pi Day. Strictly geek-speaking, pi is the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet (II, p). The character to represent pi is “the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant—the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter—which is approximately 3.14159. Pi has …

What’s the Word for More Than One Software?

The word software is a mass noun because it can be used to refer to a mass (or nonspecific number) of computing programs or products. Mass nouns function as both singular and plural nouns. They can describe either one item, multiple items of the same type, or an entire category of items. Some examples include bread, rice, hair, garbage, and ice. It isn’t necessary to add …

From Suffrage to Sisterhood: What Does “Feminism” Actually Mean?

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing women in our lives. It’s also a time to remember how far women have come over the course of American history, and the inspiring women who made it happen. From the suffragist movement of the 1800s to the Women’s March on Washington in 2017, women have used the enduring power of language to …

Libel vs. Slander

Libel and slander are both types of defamation. Defamation is the act of making negative statements that hurt another person’s reputation. Libel is written, published, or broadcast defamation, while slander refers to spoken defamatory statements. Both are illegal in the United States. Those who make defamatory statements may find themselves facing civil or criminal suits in state courts. In the United States, defamation suits are …

Survey Time! What Words Do You Always Misspell?

It’s like having a mental block…permanently. Somewhere along the line, your brain decided to have a problem with the spelling of a particular word, and now you always seem to misspell it. Don’t feel bad. It’s something we all deal with. Some of us use spelling tricks to resolve these conundrums, like the tried and true “I before E except after C” method (except for when …

Irreparable vs. Unrepairable

The words irreparable and unrepairable are synonyms that mean unable to be fixed. Both irreparable and unrepairable are adjectives (words that modify nouns by describing an aspect of them). Irreparable was first used between the late 1300s to early 1400s. It’s a Middle English word derived from the Latin term, irreparabilis, meaning not able to be recovered. Unrepairable is a related form of the verb …

“Spring Forward, Fall Back” And Other Popular Mnemonics

It’s the time of the year (to be exact, 2 a.m. Sunday March 12, in 2017) when we all spring our clocks forward one hour, and summarily gripe about losing an hour of sleep. The official term for it is daylight-saving time or daylight-savings time, but the easiest way we’ve found to keep DST straight is the helpful little expression “spring forward, fall back.” Mnemonics (named …

9 of the Longest Words We Know

In today’s world, some of us may naturally gravitate towards shorter words. After all, the shorter the word, the easier it is to type on your phone. Short and pithy may be a convenient form for most of us, but tongue twisters deserve a place in our linguistic lexicon, too. Have you ever considered what the longest words are? Let’s take a look at a few—and …

Intrusive vs. Obtrusive

Intrusive and obtrusive both refer to invading a situation. Obtrusive is the more intentional one of these. The meanings and sounds of both words are close enough that it can be easy to confuse them. Some thesauruses present the words as synonyms, but there are a few subtle distinctions between them. Similarities These two words have very similar meanings. They both involve inserting oneself into …

Insidious vs. Invidious

Insidious and invidious both describe the way someone does something bad. Insidious implies secrecy, while invidious is more open. An insidious action is sneaky and harmful. An invidious action is also negative, but it happens out in the open. Insidious Insidious actions are covert. Those who carry them out hope to accomplish some act of evil. For example, lies are insidious. Secret meetings and intrigue …

Inquire vs. Enquire

And just what, may we ask, is the difference between these? While inquire means “to seek information in a formal way,” enquire means “to ask in a general way.” They can be used interchangeably. Inquire and enquire both originate from the same Latin word, meaning to seek. Both words mean to request information or examine facts. Inquire or enquire can be used as either a …

Recuse vs. Resign

As with many legal and political terms, recuse and resign are often confused with each other. The differences between these terms are important to understand, especially in light of recent calls for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to do both. To recuse means to withdraw from performing legal duties because of potential bias or a conflict of interest. This can apply to judges, jurors, lawyers, and so on, but …

Inhibit vs. Prohibit

Inhibit and prohibit are both verbs that mean to prevent or to forbid. Both verbs require a direct object to make sense, and they always involve two parties. Though both words have similar definitions, inhibit and prohibit aren’t interchangeable. In general, someone is inhibited by internal feelings or prohibited by an external source. Inhibit Inhibit is a verb with several meanings, including “to restrain, hinder, …

Word of the Day Quiz: Mar 26-Apr 1

Is mumpsimus good, bad, or something in-between? This week’s Word of the Day quiz gives you the chance to beat all of your prior 7/7 records with a bonus question—connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to let us know if you’re able to achieve that 8/8! And don’t forget to take 5 seconds to vote in the poll below. Which word will be crowned …

Ingenious vs. Ingenuous

Are you ready, Grammar Genius? Both ingenious and ingenuous are adjectives. Ingenious indicates cleverness or intelligence, while ingenuous refers to sincerity or a naive nature. How To Use Ingenious When you say ingenious out loud, it sounds like a combination of the words in and genius. Since a genius is an intelligent person, you can use that part of the word to associate ingenious with …

In Case Of vs. In the Event Of

Do you break the glass in case of emergency or in the event of emergency? The phrases in case of and in the event of are both prepositions. The first one means if it should occur. The second means if or when something happens. A preposition is a word or phrase that shows a relationship between two elements in a clause. Some common prepositions are …

Wanna Get Away? 9 Synonyms For Screwing Up

We’ve all had moments where we’ve really and truly screwed something up. An epic mistake (OK, maybe not on a historic, global scale like the February 26, 2017 Oscars). But still, we’re human, and mistakes do happen. There are a lot of words to describe things going south in a hurry. We’ve gathered a few here. You’ll notice they’re all very close in definition. Maybe …

Imply vs. Infer

Imply and infer both refer to unspoken communication. The sender of a message is the one who implies, while the receiver is the one who infers. This applies to both spoken and written communication. To imply is to subtly hint at a hidden message that isn’t part of the actual words spoken or written. For example, you can imply that you like someone by sending …

Imminent, Immanent, or Eminent

When something is imminent, that means it’s impending. Immanent isn’t a typo, it means inherent. Eminent means distinguished. Imminent Imminent means likely to occur at any moment or impending. It refers to something that’s approaching, about to happen, anticipated, or threatening to occur. For example, in Coquette, author Frank Swinnerton uses the word to describe someone’s arrival: “While she was waiting, she one day received …

Immigrants, Emigrants, or Migrants

There’s been a lot of talk in the news about these three groups. Sometimes you’ll see the terms being used interchangeably, but there are some differences you should be aware of. It’s important to understand what these words mean so you can use them correctly. Immigrants are people who come into a new country to settle permanently. Emigrants leave one country to settle in a new …

Word of the Day Quiz: Mar 19-25

What will your comportment be after taking this quiz? Report in your results (and your reactions) on Facebook or Twitter. And let us know if one of the words of last week really shined for you by voting for your favorite in the poll below!

Hot Dog! Are They Sandwiches, Or Not?

Sandwich. This is a word worth pondering on several levels. First, what’s its origination? Why is a piece of meat between two slices of bread called a sandwich? Second, many of us mispronounce it, referring to a sammich. And we’re saving the biggest controversy for last. Is a hot dog…a sandwich? We feel obligated to get to the heart of this matter. It’s why we’re …

3 Easy Tips for Writing Realistic Dialects

Dialects are unique ways that people speak within a language. They may be distinguished by special grammar, words, sentence structure, and pronunciation. Dialects may emerge in languages due to differences among regions, classes, or ethnic backgrounds. Many writers use dialects to enhance realism in their stories, especially for characters in specific locations. However, it’s easy to overuse or misuse dialects if you aren’t careful. To …

Exoplanets And Planets: The Truth Is Out There

Exoplanets are in the news, and not just because Google did a doodle on them, either. On February 22, 2017, news of the discovery of seven new exoplanets was announced by NASA. This may be a new word for you non-NASA geeks out there. Let’s examine the difference between planets and exoplanets. A planet is sometimes also called a major planet. It’s any of the …

Unlock the Full Potential of Punctuation Marks

Punctuation marks have a lot of different uses. The period, question mark, and exclamation point are used to end sentences. The comma, semicolon, colon, and dash indicate a pause or break. Parentheses contain words, while hyphens combine them. Apostrophes show the omission of letters, and also show possession. Ending a Sentence A period (.) ends any sentence that forms a statement. Periods are also used …

Loan, Lend, Loaned, and Lent

The words loan and loaned are the present and past tenses of to loan. Lend and lent are the present and past tenses of to lend. As verbs, loan and lend are often used interchangeably. For example, “A bank loans people money to buy a home. It also lends borrowers money to buy a car.” Loan and lend also have identical meanings when they’re used …

And The Award Goes To…

The four major performing arts honor their respective members with separate and distinct award ceremonies. Some award recipients may show disdain for the process and boycott the presentation, but others seem happy to accept the recognition of their peers on the world stage. It’s interesting to note that three of the four award ceremonies make use of peoples names for their award, while the fourth …

Let’s Pause and Talk About Commas

You’ve probably heard a lot of things about the comma. A comma (,) signifies a short pause in a sentence. It can also divide clauses or items in a list. It can be used to create division, or to improve the clarity of a sentence. Pauses, Adjectives, and Nonessential Phrases In writing, commas usually signal a pause that would be heard if the sentence were …

Pitfalls And Perils Of Twitter’s 140-Character Barrier

Any Twitter user knows about the 140 character limit for a tweet. You only have so many characters to work with, which makes brevity essential. How many of you have composed a tweet only to see “-5” in red, indicating you ended up with 145 characters (five too many)? You have all these words you want to say! But it’s not going to happen. (That’s …

Footnotes vs. Endnotes

Let’s say you have a bit of extra information that’s too long for parentheses. What do you do? That’s where footnotes and endnotes come in. What are they exactly? Footnotes appear at the bottom of each page they refer to, while endnotes appear at the very end of a text. They usually show up in academic writing. Read on if you want to know more …

Enemy vs. Nemesis

Who do you think would win an epic showdown like this one? We often see these words used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences between them. An enemy is a foe who’s hostile toward the protagonist (or central character) of a story. A nemesis is an opponent or rival whom a protagonist can’t overcome. The Enemy In literature, an enemy is often referred to …

Word of the Day Quiz: Mar 12-18

What did you think of the words this week? Getting all seven correct will be good reason for vaunting. But which word did you like the most? Whether you preferred Cimmerian to luciferous (or would rather lean on arithmancy for your choice), let us know in the poll below this week’s quiz.

Assent vs. Ascent

Homophones: Love them or hate them, they’re everywhere. These two are a great example. They may sound the same, but their meanings couldn’t be any more different. Assent is a word that indicates agreement or approval. Ascent refers to an upward movement. Assent As a verb, assent means to agree or to give in. When used as a verb, it’s often followed by the word …

What Are You Doing, Action Verb?

Action verbs are typically single words that describe what a person or thing in a sentence does (like run, write, yell, and think). So if it answers the question What is the subject doing? it’s the action verb. In the sentence “John paints the garage,” the subject is John. To find the action verb, ask yourself What is John doing? John paints, so the action …

Quiz Yourself: When to capitalize “President”

Meet the president: Mr. President Have you ever worried about when president should be capitalized? You should only capitalize it as a title before an individual’s name or when directly addressing a person in that role. You’ve probably seen plenty of variations in the news and on social media. But do you know when you’re actually supposed to capitalize titles like president or governor? Take …

Quiz Yourself: How Many Emoji Can You Name?

Who are you, emoji? Emoji are everywhere. They’re all over your social media feeds, your mom likes to text them to you, and they’re even making their way into ads. You know and love them, and so do we. But did you know that these fun, familiar characters have official names? Each emoji has a specific name that’s determined by the Unicode Consortium. Some names …

Hail To The Chief: The Origination Of Presidents’ Day

If you live in the United States, you might have a Monday in February off (unless you work retail). That special Monday is Presidents’ Day! But you might be interested to know that the Presidents’ Day holiday isn’t the official name of the holiday at all, and some states customize the day, too. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act The day was originally established in 1885 …

Zlopp! Ptakk! Biff! Holy Bat-Onomatopoeia!

We define onomatopoeia as “the formation of a word, as cuckoo, meow, honk, or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its reference.” Or, if you prefer, “the use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical, dramatic, or poetic effect.” In the pop culture realm of 1960s television, no one made better use of the onomatopoeia concept for dramatic effect …

This or That: Do You Know the Difference Between Adjectives and Pronouns?

Sometimes these two just look so similar. It can be easy to mix them up. The simplest explanation is that adjectives modify nouns or pronouns, and pronouns refer back to nouns that were mentioned earlier in a sentence or paragraph. Keep reading if you need more details. Using Adjectives Adjectives are useful for creating vivid descriptions because they can add specific traits to a person …

Totespeak on Fleek

Every generation has its own style of verbal communication. It usually starts young, so it makes sense that the prime users of social media can be blamed (or applauded, depending on your point of view) for the explosion of trendy slang we’ll call totespeak. Totes? Yes, it’s obviously a derivation of the word totally, which you squash down like this: “That puppy is totes adorbs!” …

And Now…Transition Words!

Good transitions connect one sentence or paragraph to the next. A word, phrase, or sentence can serve as a transition to help make a shift in relationship, space, or time. Transitions connect ideas and supporting examples. They signal the coming of additional information or a conclusion. Transitions in Relationship Some transition words and phrases are used to compare and contrast. These include comparable to, in …

10 Ways To Say You’re Sorry

You may have been friends with someone for years, but it only takes a second to damage that friendship with the wrong word or two. Now that you’ve made the mess, it’s time to clean it up with a well chosen apology. There are different ways to say you’re sorry, of course. Let’s examine the words and a few of the situations they’re most suited …

Emphasis on Italics

Italics are typically used to show emphasis or to denote titles of stand-alone works. Different style guides have different rules about what to italicize. Here are some good general guidelines, but the most important thing is to stay consistent within your work. Titles of Works In most cases, you should italicize the titles of complete works, like books or movies. Some style guides, like APA …

Pesky Homophones: Too, To And Two

The three words too, to and two sound exactly alike but have three distinct usages! They are classic examples of what we refer to as homophones—words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings and spellings. They often end up in the wrong spot in written language as a result of an over-eager spellcheck program on your phone. Let’s examine which one fits in the …

Say What? Direct Questions vs. Reported Dialogue

A direct question is when you ask a question by speaking directly (e.g. “How are you doing today?”). Reported dialogue is when you report what someone else says (e.g. “Joan asked how you’re doing today.”). Reported dialogue usually uses the third person point of view. Direct Questions Direct questions usually include interrogative pronouns or adverbs. Interrogative pronouns and adverbs include words like as who, what, …

When to Use Definite vs. Indefinite Articles

Articles are a unique type of adjectives that indicate which noun (person, place, or thing) you’re talking about. The only definite article in English is the, and it refers to a specific noun. Indefinite articles (a or an) refer to nouns more generally. Indefinite Articles Indefinite articles refer to non-specific nouns. Think “I need a pen” or “I want an orange.” In both cases, we …

Word of the Day Quiz: Mar 5-11

Don’t just stravage through …with a little research, we’re sure you can correctly identify the meanings of all seven of last week’s words. And don’t forget to vote for your favorite after you’ve completed the quiz!

Using a Comma with “As Well As,” and Other Phrases

Okay, yeah, this sounds like a very specific topic, but it’s useful to know the answer. Basically, you should use commas with as well as when it’s part of a nonrestrictive modifying clause. There should be commas before and after any nonrestrictive modifying clause. That’s the broad answer, but read on if you want to get to know details. Nonrestrictive Clauses A nonrestrictive modifying clause …

? All You Need Is Love ?

? Love is all you need ? The words “I love you” are traveling around the world at warp speed as Valentine’s Day creeps closer. Have you ever thought about how different cultures say these three simple yet highly complex and emotionally charged words? Were you thinking we’d roll out a quiz for this? Do we even need to ask such a question? Need to …

Getting to Know Predicate Nominative and Predicate Adjective

In general, a predicate completes a sentence by providing information about what the subject is or does. The subject of a sentence is who or what is doing the action. The predicate explains the action. There’s often a linking verb (like is or became) in between the two. A predicate nominative is a noun that completes the linking verb in a sentence. Predicate adjectives complete …

Dictionary.com Gets To The Heart Of Valentine’s Day

It’s a day that has spawned more Hallmark cards and movie specials than you can possibly imagine. If you have a special someone to share it with, you’re really into it. If there is no special someone at the moment, you send a card to yourself and wait for the 15th. Love is a complex emotion and is thoroughly integrated into this non-public holiday. It’s …

A Lyrical Look At Grammy “Song Of The Year” Hopefuls

The 2017 Grammy Awards - the glitzy extravaganza honoring the best and brightest in the music industry—are Sunday night on CBS. Music is an emotional thing, and it can reach you in different ways. Sometimes it’s the music of the song, and sometimes the lyrics themselves speak to you. They might remind you of something happening in the here and now, and other times the …

Coordinating Between Independent and Dependent Clauses

You might have seen these terms floating around. Clauses are the building blocks of sentences. They’re groups of related words (phrases) that contain both a subject and a verb. When a clause can stand alone as a complete sentence with a clear meaning, it’s considered independent. If it only makes sense when you join it with another clause, it’s dependent (or subordinate). For example, “in …

Quiz Yourself: Affect vs. Effect

Get to know your cause and…consequences. We get a lot of lookups every day for these homophones. To make a long story short, one is a (usually) a verb, and the other is (usually) a noun. Do you remember which is which? Test your skills! Need a refresher? Read the article on affect vs. effect here.

3 Action-Packed Types of Verbs

Verbs do a lot of things. There are 3 types of verbs: verbs of being, linking verbs, and action verbs. Most verbs are either action or linking verbs, depending how they’re used in a sentence. Verbs of Being Verbs of being demonstrate a state of existence. Yes, your yoga teacher was right: you can just be. The major verbs of being are to be and …

Its vs. It’s

One confusing pair of words to write out is its and it’s. Its is a possessive form of it, meaning belonging to it. It’s is a contraction of the words it is or it has. To figure out which is correct for your sentence, just swap in “it is” and then “it has“. If the sentence makes sense with either of those substitutions, use it’s. If the resulting …

What’s In A Name: 18 Popular Brands

Number two in our miniseries of “What’s In A Name” deals with popular brand names and their etymology. While some names are easy to figure out—Ford cars are named after Henry Ford—other brand name origins are a bit more complex, or in some cases, convoluted. Nike Nike refers to the Greek winged goddess of victory as well as a tactical missile of the 1940s. As …

How Long Should My Paragraph Be?

There isn’t really a required number of sentences to make a paragraph, but there are some guidelines you might want to consider. A typical paragraph consists of 3 to 6 sentences. Paragraphs are meant to express a central idea. They can be made of any number of sentences as long as they meet the structural requirements. The basic structure of a paragraph has three parts: …

5 Types of Nouns that You Use All the Time

Nouns come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. The major ones are common nouns, proper nouns, abstract nouns, possessive nouns, and collective nouns. A noun is a person, place, or thing. The category of thingsmay sound super vague, but in this case it means inanimate objects, abstract concepts, and activities. Phrases and other parts of speech can also behave like nouns, and be …

10 Different Ways To Say You’re Speechless

We’ve all been there. You’re on a roll with some spontaneous train of thought, then the train gets derailed. “After London, we left for Paris and were held up at Heathrow because of a problem with the plane’s … er, uh…oh, what was that thingy—?” Your hard drive brain freezes, and it’s not because of a milk shake. The right word simply escapes you; your …

I vs. Me

Is it “my friends and I,” or “my friends and me?” I is a subject pronoun, and me is an object pronoun. This means I can be used as the subject of a sentence, and me can only be used as the object of one. I can perform an action, while me can only have actions performed upon it. Subject vs. Object Pronouns A subject …

Word of the Day Quiz: Feb 26-Mar 4

Your weekly hydra has arrived. Do you consider yourself a lotus-eater? Or are you not quite sure if that’s insulting? The Word of the Day quiz is ready for you, either way. And when you’re done, don’t forget to tell us what word was your favorite this week!

Gettin’ Short and Sweet with Apostrophes

An apostrophe (’) can show possession or indicate that letters or numbers have been omitted. They can also indicate ownership. Possessive Nouns When a singular noun doesn’t end in S, you just need to add an apostrophe and an S to make it possessive. Examples include “the boy’s bike,” “the dog’s leash,” and “Bob’s house.” If a singular noun does end in S, you should …

The Language Of The 1980s: Like, Bag Your Face

The decade of the 1980s will forever be remembered for the way it looked and sounded. On the visual end, you had the explosion of color on networks like MTV and shows like Miami Vice. With MTV, you didn’t need to have a great song, you just needed to have a flashy, catchy video. With Miami Vice, it was all about the pastels and art …

In The Huddle, They Speak A Different Language

With the Super Bowl coming up this Sunday, it’s a good time to take a look at the language of the sport of professional football. Whether you’re referring to words used for penalties such as offside and clipping or actual play calling (which is truly arcane), football has a language all its own. With that in mind, here’s a list of curious football terminology. On …

Stand Apart from the Crowd (with Parentheses)

Parentheses offset text that isn’t important to the meaning of a sentence. Things like extra information, clarifications, asides, or citations. The information inside the parentheses can be as short as a number or a word, or it can be as long as a few sentences. Parentheses always appear in pairs. They’re often used where commas would also be appropriate. Clarifying and Adding Extra A sentence …

Time For The Doggone Puppy Bowl

There are two big games being played on Super Sunday, February 5. For football fans, there’s the Falcons and the Patriots. And for puppy fans, Animal Planet presents Puppy Bowl XIII. Team Ruff tangles with Team Fluff for all the marbles. Or all the dog bones. Many dog references have made their way into everyday speech. For example, when it seems as though everyone is …

Active vs. Passive Voice: Hear and Be Heard

First, a quick overview, in case all you need is a reminder: In active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb. In passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb. If you feel like you need a little more than that, keep reading. Passive Voice The subject of a sentence is the person or thing that sentence is about. You can …

Irregular Plural Nouns: People Change, but Aircraft Don’t

Irregular plural nouns are nouns that become plural in a way other than adding -s or -es to the end. It can be tough to remember which nouns are irregular, but here are a few guidelines for how to handle the ones that are. Regular Nouns First off, a noun is a person, place, or thing. Nouns are singular when they represent one item and …

Custom-Made Descriptions with Hyphens

The shortest of the dashes, hyphens (-) link words and parts of words. They can connect prefixes or break up a word at the end of a line of text. They can also combine two or more words that describe a noun. For example, in George Orwell’s 1984, hyphenated words help create unusual descriptive phrases: “He felt deeply drawn to him, and not solely because …

En Dashes from A-Z

You don’t hear as much about them as other dashes, but you’ve most likely seen them around. En dashes (-) can denote a range or connect the endpoints of a route. They can also show a contrast or connection between two words. You can use them to replace the words to, and, or versus. An en dash is longer than a hyphen (-) and shorter …

The Joining and Separating Power of the Em Dash

Few punctuation marks are as divisive as the em dash. Used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons, the em dash (—) sets off a word or clause with added emphasis. It’s the longest of the dashes, and it signals a disruption in the sentence’s flow. For example, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses one in The Great Gatsby to show an interruption in train of thought: …

Don’t Leave Us Dangling, Modifier!

When you see a phrase in a sentence, and you can’t be sure which word it’s referring to, chances are it’s a dangling modifier. Having nothing to modify, the phrase just “dangles” without purpose (hence its name). Modifiers usually apply to the nearest noun to them. When writers leave out the noun or noun phrase they intend to modify, the modifier may appear to refer …

Wish You Were Here, Subjunctive Mood!

The subjunctive mood is a way of talking about unreal or conditional situations. You can also use it to describe desires, wishes, needs, or intentions. You’ll often see it as the format for idioms and expressions. Unreal Situations The most common use of the subjunctive mood to express imaginary or hypothetical situations. It’s often used in if clauses. To show the subjunctive mood, you should …

Coming Home for the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest holidays in East Asia. Because it’s based on the Chinese lunisolar calendar, we tend to call it Chinese New Year here in the West. For millions of Asian Americans, this is a time to gather with family, start the year off right, and eat a lot of delicious food. Like, a lot. You may have seen …

Gung Hei Fat Choi: Welcome To The Year Of The Rooster

In the United States, New Year’s Day is always celebrated on January 1. The Lunar New Year, however, falls on different dates every year. This year, it’s on Saturday, January 28. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2017 will be Year of the Rooster. Curious about the zodiac? Let’s take a look at some fun facts. New Year: New Animal The Chinese Zodiac is made up …

She Turned The World On With Her Smile: A Farewell To Mary Tyler Moore

Mary Tyler Moore passed away today at the age of 80 due to complications related to diabetes. She had been in poor health for some time. Moore first burst into America’s collective pop culture consciousness in the 1960s with her winsome portrayal of Laura Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show. She then rose to superstardom on the eponymous Mary Tyler Moore Show—which saw additional …

Super 6: The Major Punctuation Marks

You’ve definitely seen them around, but do you know how they’re supposed to be used? The major punctuation marks are the period, comma, exclamation point, question mark, semicolon, and colon. These marks organize sentences and give them structure. The Period A period (.) ends a sentence. It comes immediately after the last letter of a sentence, and there only needs to be one space between …

Word of the Day Quiz: Feb 19-25

Avoid dudgeon, study up and take the quiz! Can you beat your score from last week? Whether your goal is getting all 7 right or just 1, your opinion on this week’s words will be ungraded. Be sure to share your opinion below, after you’ve aced the quiz. ..

It’s Time to Talk About Infinitives

An infinitive is the most basic form of a verb. You’ll usually see it with the word to, as in to eat or to think. An infinitive phrase is an infinitive plus complements and modifiers. To eat vegetables daily and to think about a solution are infinitive phrases. While infinitives themselves are verbs, infinitive phrases can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Adverbial Infinitives …

What’s In A Name: Tech Talk

In the modern world we occupy, tech company names like Google, Yahoo, Amazon, eBay and others are a part of our daily life and conversations. Some of them, like Google, become synonymous with the act itself. If you need to search something, you “just Google it,” which is much like what happened to Xerox when copiers came into vogue. Have you ever stopped to consider where …

The Upcoming “Star Wars” Film Now Has A Name

The latest installment (Episode VIII) of the Star Wars series now has a name. The follow-up to 2016’s The Force Awakens will be titled The Last Jedi. Star Wars fans and even non-fans are quite familiar with the name Jedi: “a person who claims to live according to a philosophy based on that of the fictional Jedi, a caste of wizards in the Star Wars series …

Poetic Foot vs. Meter

Poetry has a lot of moving parts. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re starting to explore poetic analysis. Poetic foot and meter are a great place to start. Once you have these basics down, the rest becomes a lot easier. A poetic foot is a unit of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry. Poetic meter refers to the number of feet …

The Roman Numeral Bowl: Are You Ready For Some Football?

Sunday, February 5 is the date for the latest and greatest Super Bowl, to be played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots will battle for the National Football League title, with one of the winning players ending up at a parade in Orlando the next day. The Super Bowl is without a doubt one of the biggest …

Glögg Is A Great Word (And A Potent Winter Drink)

Old Man Winter has his clutches firmly on us in the United States and in other parts of the world. After a long day, there’s nothing better than kicking back on the sofa with a warm drink while the snow falls (and then falls some more, and some more). Looking for something new to add to your hot drink repertoire? Here are some warm and …

The Other Kind of Apostrophe

When you hear apostrophe, you probably think of this ’, right? Today, we’re talking about the literary device, which is completely different. A literary apostrophe is when a speaker addresses an absent party as if they were present. Literary apostrophes are great for conveying emotion. They allow the speaker more expression and offer a better view of the their inner thoughts and feelings. In Greek, …

Dictionary.com Tongue Twister Challenge Kickoff

What does the dictionary do for fun? Challenges you to a tongue twister duel, of course! Get in on the action on Twitter!

Creating Rhythm and Balance with Parallelisms

When writers use very similar wording across several sentences or lines of poetry, it’s known as parallel sentence structure. Doing this creates rhythm and balance. Parallel sentence structures are also known as parallelisms. Simple parallelisms may be as short as words or phrases. More complex ones may combine entire clauses or sentences. Parallel sentence structures can highlight aspects of stories and poems in many ways. …

Speech Spikes: Trump’s Inauguration Address

Donald Trump took the oath of office on Friday, January 20th and officially became the 45th President of the United States of America. Everyone has an opinion on the word choices and speaking styles of politicians, and speeches from world leaders often cause words to spike in lookups on Dictionary.com. Inauguration and inaugurate (to induct into office with formal ceremonies; to install) were the top lookups throughout …

Try Tongue Twisters Today!

Try saying this out loud: “Does this shop stock short socks with spots?” Not so easy? That’s because it’s a tongue twister. Tongue twisters are fun verbal exercises full of words that rhyme or sound similar. People will usually try to say them quickly, several times in a row without making any mistakes. Why They Work There are plenty of well-known tongue twisters. One of …

A Full (White) House Of Acronyms

In today’s 140-word character challenged powered world, abbreviations and assorted acronyms are more prevalent than ever. The most powerful of these acronyms might well reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, otherwise known as the White House—home to POTUS (President of the United States) and FLOTUS (First Lady of the United States). In that POTUS definition, note that only the upper-case version applies to the nation’s Chief …

All About Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases are the kinds of things you use all the time without thinking about them. They’re groups of words that begin with a preposition and end with an object. Prepositions are words like about, across, after, for, and in. You’ll see them in simple prepositional phrases, like about zebras, after school, and with friends. Objects of Prepositions When we say object, we mean the …

End of an Era: Word Lookups From Obama’s Farewell Speech

President Barack Obama’s second and final term is at an end. He gave his farewell speech Tuesday January 10 in Chicago, the city that launched his rise to national prominence. Word choices and speech patterns of our world leaders are a constant source of discussion (and comedy skits), as every administration has a style and at least one tic. Long known as an effective public …

Word of the Day Quiz Feb 12-18

And the calliopean crowd goes wild! Another seven days gone, another seven words that you’ve studied, glanced at, or straight up neglected. Whatever level of ready you are, it’s time take this week’s quiz. How many can you get correct? And after you’re done with the quiz, don’t forget to tell us which one was your favorite.

4 Ways to Structure Your Sentences

The four types of sentence structures are simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. The quantity and arrangement of clauses determines the makeup of each type of sentence structure. A clause is a grouping of words with both a subject and a verb that can (but doesn’t always) form a sentence. If the clause can form a complete thought on its own, it’s considered an independent clause. …

Foodies! Put Down That Fork And Take This Quiz!

Is anybody hungry out there? We all call food different things in different places. In other words, one man’s soda is another man’s tonic. It’s called regionalism, a speech form, expression, custom, or other feature peculiar to or characteristic of a particular area. There are food items with unique names that are particular to a certain part of the country, too—can you guess where they’re …

Time for A Presidents’ Day Quiz!

Hail to the Chief There are 45 individuals who have held the title of president, and as you might expect, there’s a lot of trivia associated with the nation’s Chief Executive. For example, did you know that Grover Cleveland answered the White House telephone? Can you imagine that happening today? “Hello, Donald Trump speaking.” After you recover from that thought, take our quiz (that question’s …

Alumni vs. Alumnus

Do you know if you’re an alumnus or an alumni? Alumni actually is the plural form of alumnus, a Latin word that means a graduate or former student of an educational institution. Although alumnus usually refers to academics, it can also mean a former employee, associate, or member of any organized group. Alumni refers to more than one alumnus (think of a graduating class). The …

The Oath Of Office: Thirty-Five Words That Can Change History

Like clockwork, we hear the presidential oath of office every four years. Thirty-five words that basically give the incoming Chief Executive the keys to the proverbial car. And the nuclear launch codes. The National Museum of American History says that Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution “requires that before presidents can assume their duties they must take the oath of office.” Once the incoming …

5 Relative Pronouns That You Use Every Day

Spoilers: We’ll be diving into who vs. whom in this one! The first thing we should mention is that relative pronouns introduce relative clauses. A relative clause is a type of dependent clause (a clause that can’t stand by itself as a complete sentence). It adds extra information to a sentence. The five relative pronouns are who, whom, whose, which, and that. Who vs. Whom …

Comparative Adjectives Just Keep Getting Better

Let’s say you want to describe a noun (a person, place, or thing). You can use an adjective, as in “Jane’s hair is long,” but what if you want to describe the way Jane’s hair compares with Natalie’s? That’s where comparative adjectives come in. Comparative adjectives highlight the differences between two nouns. They let you say things like “Jane’s hair is longer than Natalie’s hair.” …

Will You Be Our Valentine?

Calling All Cupids! Valentine’s Day is more than just a box o’ chocolates. There’s a lot of hidden history to this red-letter day. Take our Valentine’s Day quiz, and expand your knowledge of this heart-filled holiday. Need to know more? Read about the many histories of Valentine’s Day.

5 Types of Lexical Verbs Bursting Onto the Scene

Lexical verbs are the main verbs (or action words) in a sentence. They can show the subject’s action or express a state of being. They fall into several categories: transitive, intransitive, linking, dynamic, and static. Transitive and Intransitive Verbs A transitive verb expresses action, and needs a direct object to receive that action. “Alice sees the candle,” is an example. Sees is the lexical verb …

Can You Name the 3 Types of Adjectives?

For starters, Adjectives are words that describe nouns or pronouns. They answer questions like what kind, how many, and which one? The three main types of adjectives are descriptive adjectives, quantitative adjectives, and demonstrative adjectives. Descriptive Adjectives Descriptive adjectives describe the characteristics of a noun. They can tell you about a noun’s size, color, shape, taste, and more. Some examples are small, red, round, friendly, …

Is “Supposably” a Real Word?

What does it mean? Supposably means capable of being supposed. In other words, it describes something that’s capable of happening. Though supposably is a valid word, it can be tricky to use in a sentence, and isn’t often used in modern speech. Contemporary writers are more likely to use its synonym, conceivably. Supposably is frequently confused with the similar-sounding word supposedly. The main difference is …

Friday the 13th Fears

Can you turn to the person next to you, look them in the eye, and honestly say that you’ve never felt even a slight pang of concern when waking up on the morning of Friday the 13th? No? You’re not alone. Maybe it’s triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number thirteen, that gets you down. But if thirteens don’t bother you unless it’s Friday, you might be …

Word of the Day Quiz: Feb 5-11

It’s going to be a bonzer day …we can feel it. So get those brainwaves jumping and take this week’s Word of the Day quiz!

My Apology vs. My Apologies

If you need to say you’re sorry, it helps to know whether you’re sending your apology or apologies.The phrase my apologies is an idiom, while the phrase my apology literally means my act of apologizing. As an idiom, my apologies means excuses or regrets. This phrase is a way of saying you’re sorry. The phrase my apology is not an idiom. It only has a …

Anyway, Anyways, and Any Way

Which word is it, anyway? Anyway is a common adverb used to mean in any case, while any way is an adjective-noun pair that means whichever path. Anyways is the very informal form of anyway. It never appears in formal writing, and its only real use is to simulate the spoken word in lines of dialogue. Anyway Anyway, used as an adverb, suggests a disregard …

Sometime, Sometimes, and Some Time

While they appear very similar, sometime, sometimes, and some time have slightly different meanings. Sometime means a vague point in time, and usually refers to a long amount of time. Sometimes means occasionally. Some time refers to a period of time. Sometime Sometime refers to an unspecified point in time. It functions as an adverb, and is also synonymous with someday, one day, or sooner …

Stupider vs. More Stupid

It turns out stupider is an actual word. Stupider and more stupid are both comparative forms of the adjective stupid. They can be used interchangeably. In the English language, stupid is one of just a few adjectives that have two grammatically correct options for their comparative form. The superlative forms of stupid are stupidest and most stupid. Stupid The word stupid is an adjective (a …

Amidst vs. Amid

Amid and amidst sound so similar it can be easy to confuse them. They’re prepositions that both mean in the middle of or surrounded by. A preposition is a word that describes the relationship between two things in a sentence. The two words are interchangeable. Usage Grammatically, there’s no difference between the words amid and amidst. The primary distinction lies in when and where people …

Let’s talk about your resolutions.

Hey there. You know what tomorrow is? We’re about to finish the very first week of 2017. Unbelievable, isn’t it? Just seven days ago you were counting down to midnight, ready to take on the new year. By now, the confetti’s been (mostly) swept up. The party hats are boxed away, and the champagne glasses are washed and rolled up in tissue. There might be …

Assume vs. Presume

The words assume and presume both mean that you take something for granted as being true, but the difference is based on how certain you are. Assume is typically used in situations where someone takes something as the truth with a very low level of certainty or with no proof at all. Presume usually involves a higher level of certainty and is used in situations …

Nauseated vs. Nauseous

The word nauseated means to be affected with nausea or to feel sick to your stomach. Nauseous describes something that causes a feeling of nausea. These words have the same root word, nausea, a Latin word that refers specifically to seasickness. Nauseous and nauseated originally had different definitions. In current common usage, though, the words have evolved to become practically interchangeable. Nauseous The word nauseous …

Word of the Day Quiz: Jan 29-Feb 4

There’s no need for an equivoque …just dive right in and see if you can ace this week’s quiz!

Why Is It Called a Blockbuster?

Do you consider yourself a movie buff? The 74th Golden Globe awards aired on January 8, and the nominations for Best Drama, Best Musical or Comedy, and Best Animated Film got us thinking—is Deadpool a drama or a comedy? And on that note, why do we often call superhero movies and summertime smash hits “blockbusters“? The linguistic origins of the blockbuster are fittingly militaristic, since …

Hyperbole vs. Hype

Are you excited? We are. Hyperbole is a literary device that relies on exaggeration, while hype is a word associated with excitement and publicity. Hyperbole Hyperbole is extreme exaggeration. It’s not meant to be taken literally. Writers use hyperbole to create imagery, emphasize feelings, or provide insight about a character. Hyperbole appears in novels, songs, poems, and daily speech. The song “1,000 Miles” by Vanessa …

Ace This ’80s Lingo

Hey dudes and dudettes! Whether you experienced the 1980s first-hand or only know about the decade through the miracles of online search, you can prove just how rad you are by totally taking our ’80s lingo quiz! Can’t get enough? There’s a lot more ’80s lingo to learn.

Hyper vs. Hypo

Let’s start from the top: Hyper- is a prefix that means excess or exaggeration, while hypo- is another prefix that means under or beneath. Both hyper and hypo are usually used as prefixes, which are elements or partial words added to the beginning of a base word to modify its meaning. Hyper is derived from the Greek word for over, and hypo is a Greek …

Former vs. Latter

First thing’s first: Former and latter are both terms that denote an item’s place in a two-part sequence. They usually appear in the sentence immediately following the sequence. Former refers back to the first of a set, while latter refers to the last item. An easy way to remember the difference is to recall that both former and first begin with an F, while both …

Quiz Yourself: Lights, (Camera Emoji), Action!

Let’s all go to the lobby! Award season brings out the movie lovers in all of us. Whether you go to all of the midnight premiers or just watch for the red carpet fashion, you probably have an Oscar favorite or two this year. Even though we all know better than to text in the theater, we couldn’t resist writing some of our favorite movie …

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Learn to Expertly Talk About Split Infinitives

Sometimes infinitives need a little space. A split infinitive occurs when there’s an adverb between two parts of an infinitive. An infinitive consists of the word to and the simple form of a verb (e.g. to go and to read). “To suddenly go” and “to quickly read” are examples of split infinitives because the adverbs (suddenly and quickly) split (or break up) the infinitives to …

Whomever vs. Whoever

Raise your hand if you’ve had the who vs. whom argument. Isn’t it time to put that struggle to rest? Whoever is a pronoun that describes someone who performs an action, while whomever is a pronoun that describes someone who receives an action. Both whoever and whomever are interrogative pronouns that deal with people. Whoever Whoever is a subjective pronoun: It describes an unknown person …

Word of the Day Quiz: Jan 22-28

Gather up a talisman …and get ready for this week’s Word of the Day quiz.? We’re ready for a shivoo if you are!

Wednesday Winner: Sockeroo

Today’s Word of the Day is sockeroo, which means “a notable success.” Adodo O. from Lagos, Nigeria chose today’s word saying, “I love this word!” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Here’s When to Capitalize Words

There are a few specific cases where words should be capitalized. They’re easy to remember. In English, capital letters are most commonly used at the start of a sentence, for the pronoun I, and for proper nouns. The First Word of a Sentence You should always capitalize the first letter of the first word in a sentence, no matter what the word is. Take, for …

Stop and Think About Run-On Sentences

A run-on sentence is a sentence where two or more independent clauses have been incorrectly joined together. An independent clause contains both a subject and a verb and can stand on its own as a complete sentence. Some examples of independent clauses include “Jane ate dinner,” “John went to the store,” and “Sue made a pie.” Comma Splices A comma splice is a grammatical error …

Inter- vs Intra-

What’s the difference between the interstate highway and the intrastate highway? Inter- is a prefix that means between two groups, and intra- is a prefix which means within or inside one group. Inter- and intra- are both prefixes, which are groups of letters that are placed at the beginning of a word in order to change its meaning. Inter- Inter- is a common prefix that …

Does Boxing Day Have Anything to Do with Boxing?

In the US, the word boxing usually refers to two athletes stepping into a padded ring, each with the intention of knocking the other off their feet. The holiday known as Boxing Day is generally obscure in the States. But in Britain, the celebration is ubiquitous—and doesn’t usually involve a boxing ring. Let’s spend a minute with the origin of the box in the pugilistic sense of …

Be a Grammar Expert: Master the Semicolon

It’s one of the hottest things grammar nerds argue about: Just when are you supposed to use semicolons? Semicolons can join two or more independent sentences or divide items that are separated by commas in a list. A semicolon indicates a slight break in the flow of thought. Joining Independent Sentences A semicolon links two or more independent clauses that are closely related. An independent …

Word of the Day Quiz: Jan 15-21

A little bit of katzenjammer doesn’t have to be bad …but let’s focus on esperance. How well will you score on this quiz of last week’s Word of the Day choices?

Wednesday Winner: Genuflect

Today’s Word of the Day is genuflect, which means “to bend the knee or touch one knee to the floor in reverence or worship.” Suzanne O. from Ontario, Canada, chose today’s word because her and her sister were stumped by it in school. Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Introducing: Colons!

Colons are used to introduce lists, quotes, or further explanation. They’re also used to separate items in non-grammatical structures. Introducing a List A colon can be used to introduce a list. In general, the portion of sentence before the colon should be a complete sentence (it should contain a subject and a verb). Phrases like the following may sometimes be used to signal an introduction …

Take Our NFL Final Four Quiz!

Only in the NFL are Patriots, Steelers, Packers and Falcons related… The “Final Four” isn’t really the accepted term for the AFC and NFC title games. It’s actually used most commonly in connection with the NCAA basketball championships (also see: March Madness). But it’s catchier than “AFC/NFC Conference Title Games,” so here we are. The New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC title, …

Sentence Fragments: Yes or No?

A sentence fragment is a group of words that doesn’t contain all of the required parts of a sentence. In other words, a sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence. It generally lacks a main subject, a verb, or both. A subject is the noun (person, place, or thing) that performs the main action of the sentence. This main action is the verb. Conversely, a complete …

Quiz Yourself: Money Slang Worldwide

We bet you a dollar you won’t know this money slang. Hey world traveler. Here in the US, we call our dollars things like bucks, greenbacks, and bones. But other countries? They get even more creative with their currencies. There’s a wealth of money slang from around the world. Can you get all of these right? There are a bunch of nicknames for the US …

Quiz Yourself: At Last, Suffixes!

Let’s get to the bottom of this. A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word. Suffixes do so many things. They’re great when you want to chat briefly about going on a trip. Or when you’re shopping for a waterproof phone case to bring with you. Do you have your suffixes down? Take the quiz! Need a refresher? Just …

Everyday vs. Every Day

Do you eat breakfast every day or everyday? The word everyday describes things that are commonplace or ordinary, and the phrase every day indicates that something happens each day. Everyday answers the question what kind? For example, in the sentence “Wear your everyday clothes,” the word everyday tells you what kind of clothing to wear. Every day answers the question when? In the sentence “He …

Among vs. Amongst

When you’re among friends, you talk amongst yourselves, right? Or is it the other way around? Among and amongst are variations of the same word. Among is more common in American English, while amongst used almost exclusively in British English. History and Meaning Amongst may feel more archaic to speakers of American English, but among is actually the older word, dating back to Old English …

Word of the Day Quiz: Jan 8-14

It’s easy to create crambo… …but less easy to ace Word of the Day quizzes. How will you do with this week’s selection of words?

Wednesday Winner: Peccadillo

Today’s Word of the Day is peccadillo, which means “a very minor or slight sin or offense; a trifling fault.” Two people submitted this word to us: Tinamoni T. from Assam, India, and Vonda R. from Florida, USA. Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections.

What’s the Big Idea, Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a short summary of the main idea, purpose, or argument of an essay that usually appears in the first paragraph. It’s generally only one or two sentences in length. A strong thesis statement is the backbone of a well-organized paper, and helps you decide what information is most important to include and how it should be presented. This thesis statement, for …

Quiz Yourself: Luck of the Draw

“Do you feel lucky? Well, do you?” The first Friday the 13th of 2017 is upon us. Whether you’re triskaidekaphobic or not, it’s hard not to feel slightly uneasy whenever this date rolls around. There are a lot of words to describe your luck (or lack thereof). Are you super superstitious? Take the quiz and see if you can tell good luck from bad! Want …

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Et Al.

Et al. is used to shorten the list of names when a writer refers to a book, article or other published work that has three or more authors. Et al. means “and others.” It’s an abbreviation of the Latin et alii. It’s mainly used by academic writers when they cite other authors’ work in a paper or article. In popular media, et al. may be …

Quiz Yourself: It’s Raining Cats and Dogs…and Idioms!

Idioms: You can say that again We’re head over heels for idioms, and hope you are, too. Can you go the whole nine yards, or do you need to go back to the drawing board? Test your idiom skills now! Can’t get enough idioms? Need to go back to square one? Check out the article here. Want to go the extra mile? Here’s another idiom quiz …

You’ve Just Got to Know All About Imperatives

An imperative sentence gives a command, demand, or instructions directly to an audience, and typically begins with an action word (or verb). These sentences often appear to lack a subject, or the person, place, or thing that performs the main action. This is because the subject of this type of sentence tends to be the audience that’s being directly addressed or commanded to do something. …

Word of the Day Quiz: Jan 1-7

We’d like to offer you a handsel… …but first you’ll need to prove you’re up to this challenge. How well will you do on this week’s Word of the Day quiz?

Do You Know When to Capitalize the Seasons?

As a general rule, when you’re using the name of a season in a sentence as a noun or an adjective, it shouldn’t be capitalized. There are only a few times when seasons should be capitalized, including when they’re used as proper nouns, when they start a sentence, when they’re used in titles, or when they’re personified. Seasons as Nouns or Adjectives When a season …

Wednesday Winner: Asomatous

Today’s Word of the Day is asomatous, which means “having no material body; incorporeal.” Sharon D. from Peterborough, Ontario chose this word after learning it and musing, “you never stop learning, do you?” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Do Double Entendres Mean What You Think They Do?

A double entendre is a subtle literary device that uses one statement to convey two very different meanings. Taken literally, a double entendre is usually an innocent statement that has no ironic or inappropriate overtones. Taken another way, the same statement often can mean something too indelicate to be said in polite company. A double entendre can also work in reverse, with an apparently dirty …

Let’s Cut to the Chase: Idioms Are a Piece of Cake

Idioms are expressions whose meanings are figurative and different from the literal meanings of the words within them. For example, the idiom “It costs an arm and a leg” means that something is very expensive. The literal meaning (that something has to be paid for with body parts) isn’t typically considered. English language learners may have a difficult time understanding idioms, since their figurative meaning …

Drunken Words Quiz

Sloshed, sozzled, soused, snockered… One of the strangely wonderful things about English is how many words there are for being drunk (note that there are far fewer words for being sober). But what distinguishes a drunken word connoisseur from a day drinker? Take this quiz to see how you measure up!

Running, Jumping, and Playing with Gerunds

A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun or object in a sentence or phrase. Though a gerund may look like a verb, it doesn’t behave like one in a sentence. A gerund can act as the subject of a sentence, as the object of a preposition, or as the object of a verb. When a gerund has …

Word of the Day Quiz: Dec 25-31

What a sockeroo! Seven more days, seven more chances to prove yourself a Word of the Day master. How well can you do on this quiz of 2016’s final featured phrases?

Quoting Accurately with Sic

Sic indicates that the word or phrase it follows has been written or spelled in the same way it originally was, even though it appears to be a mistake. Writers often use sic (which comes into English from the Latin word for so or thus) when they’re quoting material from another source. The use of sic lets the writer off the hook for any spelling …

Quiz Yourself: Prefixes From the Top

“First thing’s first.” A prefix is a group of letters added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. You’ll probably recognize them from the last time you’ve needed to rewrite an email or undo a typo (thanks, Autocorrect). Prefixes are all around us, but how well do you know them? Take the quiz! Need to start over? Just want to learn more? …

Word of the Day Quiz: Dec 2, 2016

Do you know soliloquize from heartsease? Take our quiz on the words from the last week of November 2016 to find out!

Dictionary.com’s 2016 Word of the Year: Xenophobia

At Dictionary.com we aim to pick a Word of the Year that embodies a major theme resonating deeply in the cultural consciousness over the prior 12 months. This year, some of the most prominent news stories have centered around fear of the “other.” Fear is an adaptive part of human evolutionary history and often influences behaviors and perceptions on a subconscious level. However, this particular …

Prefixes and Suffixes from Start to Finish

Prefixes and suffixes are super useful for customizing the meanings of words, but what are they? A prefix is a group of letters (or an affix) that’s added to the beginning of a word, and a suffix is an affix that’s added to the end of a word. Prefixes modify the meaning of a word. They can make a word negative, show repetition, or indicate …

Cyber Monday and the Origin of the Word “Cyber”

For many, Cyber Monday provides the perfect shopping solution: all the holiday deals with none of the holiday crowds. But where did this term come from? Cyber Monday was first used in 2005 by Shop.org to encourage people to shop online; it refers to the Monday following "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving and one of the busiest shopping days of the year). Until the advent …

Having It All Figured Out

Have and has are different forms of the verb to have. Even though they come from the same word, there are slight differences in the way they’re used. Have is used with I, you, we, and they, while has is used with he, she, and it. The verb to have has many different meanings. Its primary meaning is to possess, own, hold for use, or …

Word of the Day Quiz: Dec 18-24

How well do you remember last week’s Word of the Day choices? Do you know humbuggery from plonk? Take the quiz to find out!

Getting Your Subjects to Agree with Verbs

No one wants a grammar argument, so if your subjects and verbs are fighting, you have a problem on your hands. Subject-verb agreement refers to having the subject and the verb in a sentence match, both being either singular or plural. The subject of a sentence is a noun (a person, place, or thing) that tells what the sentence is about, and the verb is …

Quiz Yourself: Do You Use “A,” “An,” and “The” Correctly?

“Hand me an avocado and a radish for the salad, please.” Articles are words that make it clear whether a noun refers to something specific or something general. The English language has three articles: a, an, and the. You use them everyday whether you’re talking about the lunch you just ate, a foodie trend you’re dying to try, or really, anything else. But do you …

The Mistake That Gave Turkey (the Bird) the Same Name as Turkey (the Nation)

The republic of Turkey (look north of Egypt, east of Greece) isn’t exactly a breeding ground for the bird that Americans associate with Thanksgiving. In fact, the turkey is native to North America - so why do they share the same name? Let’s get the facts on the two turkeys. The word turkey has been used to refer to “land occupied by the Turks” since …

Wednesday Winner: Savoir-faire

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Allen B. of Cary, North Carolina. Savoir-faire means “knowledge of just what to do in any situation; tact.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Remember the Turducken

While it’s less popular now than it was a few years ago, we can’t pass on the opportunity to consider a dish named with one of the greatest portmanteaus of all time: the turducken. A portmanteau is a blended word that’s made by putting together parts of other words - like motel, made from motor and hotel, or brunch, from breakfast and lunch. So, if …

Are These Yams or Sweet Potatoes?

The yummy portion of your Thanksgiving dinner that happens to be orange ? is it made of yams or sweet potatoes? Even if you think you used yams, they might be sweet potatoes after all. Yams and sweet potatoes are in fact two different root vegetables. And unless you shop in a specialty store, it’s likely that you’ve only purchased sweet potatoes (even if they were labeled as yams). …

Present, Past, and Sometimes Perfect Participles

Participles are words derived from verbs that can function as adjectives or as parts of verb phrases to create verb tenses. The two main types of participles are the present participle and the past participle. The perfect participle depends on the past participle for its forms. Participial phrases function as adjectives that modify the subjects or other nouns in sentences. The Present Participle Adding -ing …

He’s Been Ghosted. Have You?

Or are you the one doing the ghosting? This video short by film student Ally Evans of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo should help clear things up. If this is all news to you, read more about the history of ghosting. Check out some of our other videos /center>

Word of the Day Quiz: Dec 11-17, 2016

Hotsy-totsy or peccadillo? We think your score will tell. Take this week’s Word of the Day Quiz and see how many definitions you can match correctly!

Cue vs. Queue

When do you cue, and when do you queue? Cue typically refers to a signal that encourages someone to take an action, while queue indicates an ordered line or file. Both cue and queue are pronounced like the letter Q, and are considered to be homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings. Additionally, both cue and queue can be used …

Verb Tenses Past, Future, and Even Perfect

The six basic verb tenses are past, present, future, past perfect, present perfect, and future perfect. Verb tenses identify the time period when an action occurs. They also show relationships between events that happen at different times. The simple tenses (past, present, and future) are the most basic forms. Simple Tenses Present tense describes events happening now. It’s also useful for describing a direct action …

Wednesday Winner: Pleonasm

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Jerry A. of Vancouver, British Columbia. Pleonasm means “the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Meet the president, Mr. President

Have you ever worried about when president should be capitalized? You should only capitalize president as a title before an individual’s name or when directly addressing a person in that role (e.g. “President George Washington”). Variations of the word, such as presidential, should not be capitalized unless they begin a sentence or are used as part of a proper name (e.g. “Presidential Medal of Freedom”). …

The Force at Work: Star Wars Words

Words for a galaxy far, far away… The conversations are flowing, and the debates are raging: Do we call Rogue One: A Star Wars Story a stand-alone? A spin-off? A prequel? An offshoot? A sequel? All of the above? Whether you’re a dedicated contributor to Wookieepedia or just proud of yourself for knowing what a Wookiee is, there are some great words at work in a galaxy …

Irregular Verbs Are Irregularly Difficult

Verbs (the action words in sentences) are grouped as either regular and irregular, based on whether they follow standard rules of conjugation. Some common irregular verbs include go, have, make, say, take, and know. Regular Verbs To form the past tense of a regular verb, just add -d or -ed to the end of it. For example, learn becomes learned in the past tense. Irregular …

The FANBOY Conjunctions

What are coordinating conjunctions, and how are they used? Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses that have the same grammatical function. You can remember the seven coordinating conjunctions by using the mnemonic device FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. The coordinating conjunctions and, or, and but are most commonly used. They’re often essential for forming complete sentences because they balance related …

Quiz Yourself: Personification vs. Anthropomorphism

You see these things all the time on TV and in books. Personification is when you describe non-human things as if they’re humans, and anthropomorphism is when something walks and talks like a human. They’re so similar that a lot of people mix them up. Can you tell them apart? Take the quiz to find out!

Word of the Day Quiz: Dec 4-10, 2016

Is it footle or is that stickybeak? Take the Word of the Day Quiz to see if you know the definitions of last week’s words!

Wednesday Winner: Syncretism

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by John of Livonia, Michigan. Syncretism means “the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Democrats vs. Republicans: Which Came First?

Since Democrats and Republicans appear to have an inexhaustible appetite for enjoying political friction, it seems worth offering some insight on which label came first, in the hopes that each group can use it to browbeat the other. The short answer is that republican came first, but as with so many political issues, that does not necessarily mean what we might think.

When X Always = 10

Roman numerals are a collection of symbols that make up the number system that was used by the ancient Romans. Today, Roman numerals are more commonly used in titles, to number parts of works, in music theory, and on clock faces. Where do you see Roman numerals most often? The Symbols The Roman numeral system uses only seven symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, …

Wednesday Winner: Infra Dig

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Ralph S. of Newport Beach, California. Ralph tells us that infra dig is, “one of the many words I learned from listening to the late William F. Buckley’s ‘Firing Line’ TV show.” Infra dig means “beneath one’s dignity.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Pore Over or Pour Over

We asked some Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students to give us their take on the difference between the words pore and pour. This short is the result of film student Marion Beachum’s creativity. Want a more detailed explanation? Check out this article on pour over vs. pore over. Check out some of our other videos

Please, Adverb, Tell Us When

The most common types of adverbs are those of frequency, manner, place, purpose, and time. They describe when, how, where, and why an action occurs. Adverbs are sometimes used to intensify an action, or they may describe the circumstances in which an action takes place. Adverbs usually modify verbs. They can also describe adjectives and other adverbs. Adverbs tend to end with the suffix -ly, …

Why We Say “Trick or Treat”

It’s one of a kid’s favorite parts of Halloween. There’s no feeling quite like waiting for a stranger to open his or her door so you can scream the words “Trick or treat!” But why do we say it? What does it actually mean? The practice of donning a costume and asking for treats from your neighbors dates back to the Middle Ages, but back then it wasn’t a game. …

Will You Use All 8 Types of Pronouns Today?

The eight types of pronouns are personal, possessive, reflexive, reciprocal, relative, demonstrative, interrogative, and indefinite. Certain types of pronouns closely relate to one another, and many words can function as multiple different types of pronouns, depending how they’re used. Personal Pronouns Personal pronouns take the place of people or things. They can be either singular or plural, depending whether they refer to one or multiple …

How, Where, Why - Adverbial Phrases Will Tell You

An adverbial phrase is a group of words that refines the meaning of a verb, adjective, or adverb. Similar to adverbs, adverbial phrases modify other words by explaining why, how, where, or when an action occurred. They may also describe the conditions of an action or object, or the degree to which an action or object was affected. Consider the following sentence: “He drove the …

Wednesday Winner: Lionize

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Bibi Penner of Bologna, Italy. Lionize means “to treat (a person) as a celebrity.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Are You the Cat’s Pajamas? Test Your Idiom Knowledge!

This quiz might be a piece of cake, but you’ll have to bite the bullet to see if you can cut the mustard. Can’t get enough idioms? Want to go the extra mile? Here’s another idiom quiz for you to try.

The Clarifying Powers of A, An, and The

Articles are words that make it clear whether a noun refers to something specific or something general. The English language has only three articles: a, an, and the. This stanza from Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Bird Came Down the Walk” demonstrates the use of all three: A Bird came down the Walk— He did not know I saw— He bit an Angleworm in halves And …

Telling Us How and When: Adverbs at Work

What does an adverb do? An adverb is a word that modifies or describes verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs typically answer questions like how or when in relation to the action of a sentence. Many, but not all, common adverbs end in -ly, like quickly, usually, and completely. Modifying Verbs As their name implies, adverbs describe or modify verbs. A verb is the action …

ACTION! Verbs in the Spotlight

A verb conveys the action or state of being within a sentence. It answers the question what happens? In the sentence “John drives to the store,” for example, the answer to “What happens to John?” is that John drives. The base form of a verb starts with the word to and ends with the infinitive, or root, verb. Examples include to walk, to go, to …

A World Without Adjectives Would Be ______

What does an adjective do? Adjectives describe or modify nouns and pronouns by providing specific details about their kind, color, quality or quantity. They generally answer questions like what kind, how many, whose, and which one? You can help readers imagine situations, characters and settings by using adjectives to provide information about what is seen, tasted, felt, and heard. Adjectives can be placed either before …

Wednesday Winner: Harum-scarum

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Brian M. of Johannesburg, South Africa. Harum-scarum means “reckless; rash; irresponsible.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Quiz Yourself: How Well Do You Know Roman Numerals?

Did you use Roman numerals today? You may not think of them often, but if you’ve ever read a clock or talked about the Super Bowl, you’ve probably needed to remember V = 5. Check to see how well you know them in our quiz!

The Jack of Our Lanterns

This month thousands of Americans will scoop out the flesh of a gourd, carefully carve a haunting face into its rind, and stick a candle inside. The creations are called jack-o’-lanterns, and will be proudly displayed on porches and stoops across the country. But who, or what, is the namesake of this autumn tradition? Jack has been a general term for a boy since the 16th century, and …

Making Connections With Conjunctions

A conjunction is a connecting word used to join words, phrases, sentences, and clauses. Conjunctions are often single words (like and, but, and because). In some cases, they can also be phrases (e.g. in any case). The two main types of conjunctions are subordinating and coordinating. Subordinating Conjunctions A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. A clause is any group of …

Wednesday Winner: Opuscule

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Richard M. of Greensboro, North Carolina. Opuscule means “a small or minor work.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Category 4 or Category 1: What Hurricane Category Numbers Mean

It’s rare that we talk about hurricanes in October, but 2016 will be a noted exception. Hurricane Matthew has already wreaked havoc across the Carribbean, and continues to move across the southeastern US. Part of the drama of hurricane season revolves around the predicting and changing of the severity - or category - of the storm. What category will the hurricane be when it hits land? What kind of …

Wednesday Winner: Deleterious

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Vic B. of Louisville, Kentucky. Vic explains that deleterious is a, “fitting word to know and use considering the technical times in which we live.” Deleterious means “harmful; injurious.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Pore Over vs. Pour Over

Since pour is a common word and sounds identical to pore, many English speakers use the verb pour in the verb phrase pore over meaning “to meditate or ponder intently.” However, looking closely at their meanings, the correct choice becomes apparent.

The Meaning of “Rosh Hashana”

Today is Rosh Hashana, the day that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. At sunset today, families and friends will gather to pray and then eat the traditional honey and apples, which symbolize the hope for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashana comes from Hebrew and most simply put means “beginning of the year.” Why isn’t the Jewish New Year on December 31st? The Hebrews used …

The Origin of October

October is here, and in the northern hemisphere that often means the days are flush with falling leaves, chilling weather, and growing anticipation for the holiday season. The tenth month by our Gregorian calendar, October shares a root with octopus and octothorpe—the Latin octo-, meaning “eight.” In the Roman calendar, which had only ten months, October was month eight, as January and February hadn’t been …

Hurricane “Lisa?” Hurricane “Matthew?” Who picks storm names, and what’s next on the list?

Nobody can guess how serious the next hurricane will be, but you might be able to find out what it will be named. An important thing to note is that weather events aren’t eligible for a name until they transform from a tropical depression into a tropical storm. When tropical storms reach a certain velocity, they become cyclones, which North Americans call hurricanes. Then, the name of a hurricane …

Wednesday Winner: Eristic

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Ian D. of Cambewarra, Australia. Eristic means “pertaining to controversy or disputation; controversial.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Wednesday Winner: Afflatus

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Derek Ashton of Oceanside, California. Afflatus means “inspiration; an impelling mental force acting from within.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Wednesday Winner: Longanimity

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Larry I. of Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Longanimity means “patient endurance of hardship, injuries, or offense; forbearance.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Why the Ninth Month Comes from the Word “Seven”

For many, the month of September signals the end of summer, the beginning of autumn, and the start of a new school year. With respect to the calendar, September marks the beginning of the months that signify nothing other than their numerical position in the year.

Wednesday Winner: Corybantic

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Lizzie S. of Bayonne, New Jersey. Corybantic means “frenzied; agitated; unrestrained.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

What’s the Origin of the Term Hipster?

Hipsters have become simultaneous objects of ridicule and desire, associated with the new and in vogue, and also with an absurd form of consumerism. Why do we call them hipsters, and how did this word, born of jazz music in the early 1930s, make the transition to describe young men in skinny pants and classes on how to properly sharpen a pencil?

Wednesday Winner: Nodus

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by James B. of Kansas City, Missouri. James explains that, “In many dramas the nodus is not easily discernible. It may require a critical analysis of all the characters, rather than the main character.” Nodus means “a difficult or intricate point, situation, plot, etc.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the …

Accept vs. Except

Do I accept an invitation or except it? If someone is left off of an invitation list, has she been excepted or accepted? What’s the difference between these two terms, and how can we keep them straight? Accept means, most broadly, to take or receive (something offered) or receive with approval or favor, as in “I accept this trophy.” Except has a verb sense of to exclude; …

Wednesday Winner: Thrummy

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by John P. of Mill Valley, California. John chose thrummy because, “it’s apt, descriptive and amusing.” Thrummy means “shaggy or tufted.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

The City of “Denim” - And How “Jeans” and “Pants” Got Their Names

Whether they’re boot-legged, low-rise, or skinny, most Americans have at least one pair that they can’t live without. Blue jeans are as American as apple pie, right? Well, kind of. The word “jean” comes from the French jean fustian. Fustian is a type of twilled cotton cloth originally from Genoa, Italy. But the plural form of the word was first used in the United States, in 1843. …

Wednesday Winner: Mountebank

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Christine N. of Nottingham, United Kingdom. Christine explains that mountebebank is, “just a delicious sounding word which conjures up all kinds of images of rogues in my mind!” Mountebank means “any charlatan or quack.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Wednesday Winner: Titivate

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Tony B. of London, United Kingdom. Titivate means “to make smart or spruce.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Go for the Gold: The Strange History of Olympic Medals

At the first Olympic Games back in 776 BCE, competitors did not receive medals. Instead the top athletes were crowned with wreaths made of olive leaves. This tradition continued until Roman emperor Theodosius I (or perhaps his son) abolished the Olympics around the year 400 CE. The revival of the Olympics dates from the late 19th century, with the first modern Games taking place in …

Wednesday Winner: Fletcherize

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Audrey H. of Irvine, California. Fletcherize means “to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Which Overachiever Is August Named For?

August has arrived. If you’re in Europe, it’s likely you’re taking an extended holiday. If you’re anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you might just be trying to stay cool. August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar, and the sixth month of the Roman calendar. Its original name was Sextilus, Latin for “sixth month.” In 8 BCE, the month was named in honor of Augustus …

Wednesday Winner: Sonorous

Today’s Word of the Day was picked by Rudy Francisco, a well known spoken word poet from San Diego, California. Sonorous means “rich and full in sound, as language or verse.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Zika, Athleisure & Hot Take: New Words Added to the Dictionary

In our latest update to Dictionary.com, we added more than 300 new words and definitions, and revised over 1,700 entries. Many of the newly added terms are pulled straight from the headlines like Daesh, intersectionality, warmist, woke, and Zika virus. Several of the new words relate directly to the media, including lamestream, presstitute, and hot take. Mainstream cultural conversations give Dictionary.com’s lexicographers an endless supply …

Quiz Yourself: Baseball Words

How well do you know baseball? It’s time to brush up on your baseball terminology. These start out easy, but can you get all 10 correct?

Is it i.e. or e.g.? Take the Quiz

Do you use i.e. or e.g. often in your writing? Take this quiz to test your understanding of these two abbreviations. If you need a refresher on these commonly confused terms, read about the differences between i.e. and e.g.. How did you do? Share your results in the comments!

Wednesday Winner: Bildungsroman

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by James N. of Marikina, Philippines and Gregory G. of Forest Hills, New York. Bildungsroman means “a type of novel concerned with the education, development, and maturing of a young protagonist.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

What is a Bastille?

On Bastille Day, the world parties in the name of France. But do you know what makes Bastille Day so important not just for France but the history of all democracies? The occasion is typically honored with military parades and copious consumption of libations. This mix of weapons and wooziness arguably sums up the legacy of July 14, 1789.

Wednesday Winner: Vox Populi

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Rohan Sirohia of Kolkata, India. Rohan tells us that he chose this word because, “It has appeared in the famous sppech in the film V for Vendetta and it is in direct connection with Democracy.” Vox Populi means “the voice of the people; popular opinion.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of …

Wednesday Winner: Skerrick

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Rev. Nagi M. Skerrick means “a small piece or quantity; a bit.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Cyclone, Typhoon, Hurricane…Are They All The Same?

Are hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons distinct meteorological phenomena, or just different names for the same horrible type of storm? Let’s start with cyclone, since it has the clearest and most precise definition of the three. A cyclone is “a large-scale, atmospheric wind-and-pressure system characterized by low pressure at its center and by circular wind motion.” And cyclones spin “counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.” Since cyclones …

Wednesday Winner: Supererogatory

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Ryan K. of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Ryan explains that supererogatory, “is an uncommon word which describes a common situation.” Supererogatory means “going beyond the requirements of duty.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Top Misspelled Words Quiz

There are lots of words that are commonly misspelled as people are looking up meanings on Dictionary.com. We’ve picked just a few from the list—can you figure out the correct spelling for each of these terms? Share your results in the comments!

Wednesday Winner: Tohubohu

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Sarah B. of Charlotte, North Carolina. Sarah tells us, “It’s funny sounding and a great word to describe many days at the office.” Tohubohu means “chaos; disorder; confusion.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Catch the Real Words in this Pokémon Quiz

Will you be able to catch all of the real words hiding among the Pokémon? Let us know how you did!

Is it Accept or Except? Quiz Yourself

Many people confuse the words accept and except. Are you ready to accept the challenge…or is it except!? Share your results in the comments!

The Origin and Grammar of Father’s Day

While Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914, Father’s Day took a little longer to be considered a national holiday. The origin of Father’s Day lies in two unrelated tragic events.

Wednesday Winner: Iatrogenic

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Lalit N. of Mumbai, India and David B. of Utica, New York. David explains, “how convenient it is to have a word that describes the adverse developments resulting from medical treatment.” Iatrogenic means “caused by the diagnosis, manner, or treatment of a physician.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word …

Wednesday Winner: Onomatopoeia

13 people submitted today’s Word of the Day: • Kendall H. • Blossom A. • Ocean W. • Brad P. • Karen W. • Mozelle M. • Kathy R. • Louis B. • Ryan J. • Angel K. • Karen M. • David Q. F. • Tracy S. Angel explains, “I chose this word because I like the meaning, and the sound of it. It’s …

Common English Language Mistakes: Can You Avoid Them?

Why Is the Sixth Month Called June?

For students and teachers alike, June is often their favorite month. School’s out and the days are long. But where did the first month of summer get its name? In Old English, this month was often referred to as simply “midsummer month.” It also may have been called “sere-month,” meaning “dry and withered,” though this term may have meant June, July or August. In the …

Wednesday Winner: Tickety-boo

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Jasmine of Manchester, England. She chose this word because it makes her smile. Tickety-boo means “fine; OK.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Wednesday Winner: Hypnagogic

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Liz M. of Toronto, Canada. Liz states that, “one of my favourite things to do is sleep.” Hypnagogic means “of or relating to drowsiness.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Wednesday Winner: Embonpoint

Abimbola A. from Lagos, Nigeria chose today’s Word of the Day. Embonpoint means “excessive plumpness; stoutness.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

What Does the “Bee” in “Spelling Bee” Mean Exactly?

As spellers from across the country and around the globe gather to take part in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, let’s try to settle a basic question: Where does the bee in “spelling bee” come from? Bee is derived from the Old English ben meaning “a prayer, a favor.” By the late eighteenth century, bee had become commonly associated with the British dialect form, been or …

Wednesday Winner: Eldritch

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by David S. of Libery, Kentucky, Adelina A. of San Clemente, California, and David F. of Vancouver, Canada. Adelina notes that eldritch “refers to otherworldly qualities, which I love, being somewhat eldritch myself.” Eldritch means “eerie; weird; spooky.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Word Fact: When To Use Whom

Over the last 200 years, the pronoun whom has been on a steady decline. Despite its waning use in speech and ongoing speculation about its imminent extinction, whom still holds a spot in the English language, particularly in formal writing. Understanding when and how to use this embattled pronoun can set your writing apart. Whom is often confused with who. What’s the difference between these …

Wednesday Winner: Toponym

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Vally G. from Chicago, Illinois. Toponym means “a place name.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

Wednesday Winner: Amanuensis

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by four people: Melaney L. from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Leroy J. from College Park, Georgia, Randy O. from Elk Grove, California, and Carolina from Richardson, Texas. Melaney states that, “I first encountered this word during my first reading of Toni Morrison’s ‘Song of Solomon.’ I had no idea what it meant, but I loved the look …

What’s Your Punctuation Mark?

Shakespeare’s Novel Neologisms We Still Use

In honor of William Shakespeare, we’d like to share some words popularized by the Bard himself. Shakespeare died on April 23rd and was baptized on April 26th; his actual birth date remains unknown. Did Shakespeare coin the following terms? Probably not—these words may have been in conversational usage when he committed them to the page, or they may have previously appeared in the writings of his …

When to Capitalize “Earth”

When it comes to writing, this common English word confuses many native speakers who aren’t sure whether to use Earth or earth. Why is this an issue? Earth can be either a proper noun or a common noun. In English, proper nouns (nouns which signify a particular person, place, or thing) are capitalized.

Wednesday Winner: Esemplastic

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Jeffery B. of Dayton, Ohio and Chennai of India. Jeffrey feels that esemplastic “expresses the essence of creativity.” Esemplastic means “having the ability to shape diverse elements or concepts into a unified whole.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! My new fav word is "esemplastic": …

Cankers, Caterpillars, and Malt-worms: 3 Shakespearean Insults

Great insults pepper the comedies and tragedies of William Shakespeare. (Though the Bard of Avon is known for his terms of endearments as well.) From A Midsummer Night’s Dream to King Henry IV, here are a few of our favorites. You canker blossom! This flowery barb is delivered by the newly lovelorn Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream after her beloved, Lysander, expresses his disinterest …

Wednesday Winner: Avuncular

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by five people this week: • Laura T. • Randy W. • ML O. • Penelope J. • William G. William G. thinks that, “it brilliantly captures the subtle nature of an “uncle-like” personality.” Avuncular means “of, relating to, or characteristic of an uncle.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word …

Words on the Move: Thug

In recent past the word thug has been receiving quite a lot of attention, following its use to describe rioters, looters, and occasionally, non-violent protesters in Baltimore last year. Thug has been poked and prodded, argued over ad nauseam, and written about quite extensively. At issue is the question of whether or not it has become a euphemistic code word for people of color, generally …

Wednesday Winner: Contretemps

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Gail M. of McCandless, Pennsylvania. After reading the word, Gail “wondered what it meant.” Contretemps means “an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Thx @Dictionarycom summed my life with word of the day: contretemps! — Peggy Sue Conrad (@peggysueconrad1) April …

Acronym or Abbreviation

Is there a difference between acronyms and abbreviations? Yes.

Wednesday Winner: Valetudinarian

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by a few people, including Lisa W. of Arcadia, California. Lisa said she chose today’s word because she wanted people to know what “it was like to speak in the renaissance time period.” Valetudinarian means “a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one …

Your College in a Word 2016

In 2014, you may have seen our analysis of what words are most looked up in certain US cities. We found that Boston was looking up fender-bender and Dallas was looking up peep. Last year we took that approach to a different sort of community: college campuses.

Wednesday Winner: Joie De Vivre

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Rohan Banerjee of Kolkata, India. Rohan states that, “we must all enjoy the life from within…” We agree, those are great words to live by. Joie De Vivre means “a delight in being alive; keen, carefree enjoyment of living.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! …

Why Irish Spelling Looks Familiar Yet Strange

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Irish), named for one of the most recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who died on this date around 493 A.D. While St. Patrick is famous for allegedly driving snakes out of Ireland, he is also responsible for the oldest known Gaelic composition in existence. This fact provides to explore the question …

Wednesday Winner: Skulduggery

Errol S. from Saint Albans, New York chose today’s Word of the Day. Errol recalls seeing “a movie with this title, starring Burt Reynolds.” Skulduggery means “dishonorable proceedings; mean dishonesty or trickery.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! None of this today please > Word of the Day from @Dictionarycom - skulduggery - dishonorable proceedings …

Capital vs. Capitol

Capital and capitol are both commonly used in political contexts and are separated by just one letter, making them frustratingly easy to confuse. When it comes to these two terms, it’s important to note that one has a number of meanings while the other refers to a certain type of building. Capital has many definitions. It can mean “the wealth owned or employed in business …

Words on the Move: Nazi and Fascist

Linguists have a good number of fancy words to describe language evolution. When a word’s meaning becomes more negative over time it is referred to as pejoration. When the meaning changes to be closer to a more approved meaning, it is called melioration. It is quite common to see a word change in one direction; some words even manage to change in both directions. Two such words …

Wednesday Winner: Catawampus

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by 8 people: Wayne Y. of Bishop, California Robin G. of Missouri City, Texas Robin Z. of Middleburgh, New York Michelle C. of Richmond, Virginia Marty L. of Saint Paul, Minnesota Susan B. of Carrboro, North Carolina Nile F. of Paradise, California Michelle said she chose “catawampus” because “it is a fun word to use and …

Wednesday Winner: Rodomontade

Barry T. from Salisbury, United Kingdom chose today’s Word of the Day.

Is It “Different From” or “Different Than”?

Both different from and different than are accepted in standard American English, and both have been in use for the last 300 years. But is one of these phrases more correct than the other? In formal writing, different from is generally preferred to different than. This preference has to do, in part, with the historical use of the word than. This term entered English as …

Why Do We Have Leap Year?

Even though the standard calendar year is 365 days, the Earth actually takes 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds to go completely around the sun. (This is called a solar year.) In order to keep the calendar cycle synchronized with the seasons, one extra day is (usually) added every four years as February 29th.

Your Candidate in a Word

We can learn a lot about our presidential candidates from the individual words they use. Through computational analysis, we’ve pulled together lists of words that each candidate tends to use more frequently than their competition. These words shed light on the issues, policies, and rhetoric of individual candidates on an extremely granular level, ultimately giving us valuable insight into the people vying for the title …

By the Numbers: The Language of Political Parties Today

You can learn a lot about politicians from the words they use. Recently Five Thirty Eight had political speech writer Jeff Nussbaum construct and annotate “the Perfect Stump Speech” for imaginary Democratic and Republican candidates. Even without the expertise of a seasoned political speechwriter, it’s possible to gain insight on the words and rhetoric of a political party through computational analysis.

Wednesday Winner: Supercilious

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Gita M. of New York, New York and Lee C. of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Denotation and Connotation

If you want to discuss the meaning of a word, it helps to know the difference between denotation and connotation. These two terms are easy to confuse because they describe related concepts. Additionally, both denotation and connotation stem from the Latin word notare, meaning “to note.”

Wednesday Winner: Celerity

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Patrick R. of Catonsville, Maryland. Patrick chose celerity because he likes “the sound of it and its meaning.” Celerity means “swiftness; speed.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! @Dictionarycom Like to guess the meaning, before I click on it. Sometimes it humbles me, but today …

There’s a Word for Why Adele’s Music Makes You Cry

Adele, whose single “Hello” debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list in 2015, will be performing at this year’s Grammy Awards. Year after year, one thing remains constant with the Grammy winner’s music: It makes the tears flow.

Synonyms for the Season: Valentine’s Day

Are you tired of filling out your greeting cards with “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart!” every year? Are you one clichéd love note away from throwing in the towel altogether? We understand your pain and are here to help you woo that special someone without triggering their gag reflex. Every Valentine’s Day, people flock to Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com to explore new words to use in their …

Wednesday Winner: Fubsy

Rakib S. from New York, New York chose today’s Word of the Day. Rakib thinks fubsy is “very fun to say.” We couldn’t agree more! Fubsy means “short and stout.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! ? I’m a little teapot Fubsy Here is my handle Here is my—k, that really doesn’t work https://t.co/ONr0AHxnq9 — …

Empathy vs. Sympathy

The terms empathy and sympathy are often confused, and with good reason. Both of the words deal with the relationship one has to the feelings and experiences of another. Today we explore the differences between these terms and how they are most commonly used. Both sympathy and empathy have roots in the Greek term páthos meaning “suffering, feeling.” The prefix sym- comes from the Greek …

Wednesday Winner: Alpenglow

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Suzan V. of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Suzan said she chose alpenglow because it is “very descriptive” of her home state. Alpenglow means “a reddish glow often seen on the summits of mountains just before sunrise or just after sunset.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! …

Principal vs. Principle

Is the head of a school called a principal or a principle? These two words are frustratingly similar, leaving even the most experienced English speakers to second-guess which word means what. Today, we’ll discuss the distinct meanings between these easy-to-confuse terms and a little trick to help differentiate between your principals and your principles. A principal is a chief or head, particularly of a school. …

Wednesday Winner: Pugnacious

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by several people who found it interesting. Diana K. from Fridley, Minnesota chose pugnacious because with it she “can use one word instead of an entire sentence.” Kim O. from Medford, New Jersey said she has “a pugnacious pug.” Pugnacious means “inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome; belligerent.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen …

Normalcy and Squirmishes: Misunderestimating the Words of Politicians

Most of the time when we talk about someone creating a new word we speak of the inventor with admiration, or even awe. We think of the linguistic creations of long-dead writers, such as Shakespeare, as signs of their genius, or evidence that they singlehandedly chiseled a new life form out of granite and bequeathed it to the English-speaking people. We applaud these people who …

Wednesday Winner: Aposiopesis

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Emma S. of Richmond, Virginia. Emma chose aposiopesis because it “was a word that I could not pronounce on the first try.” Aposiopesis means “a sudden breaking off in the midst of a sentence, as if from inability or unwillingness to proceed.” Submit your favorite word

Gender-Neutral Singular They

On January 8th, 2016, approximately 300 linguists crammed into a room to vote on the American Dialect Society’s 2015 Word of the Year. From microaggression to man bun to emoji with x-rated connotations, dozens of lexical items were debated, but only one could take home the ultimate honor of Word of the Year. This year that title went to they, or more specifically, to the …

Wednesday Winner: Bellwether

Trent F. from Celina, Ohio chose today’s Word of the Day. Trent chose this week’s word because “not a lot of people use this word and it sounds cool.” We think it’s a cool word, too! Bellwether means “a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the …

Allusion vs. Illusion

The similar spellings and pronunciations of allusion and illusion can cause even seasoned writers to second-guess their choice of words. Today we will examine and clarify the differences between these two terms.

Wednesday Winner: Unputdownable

Siri H. from Drammen, Norway chose today’s Word of the Day. She states that unputdownable “sounds like a word which has been constructed just for fun but it is, in fact, a real word.” Unputdownable means “so interesting or suspenseful as to compel reading.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Unputdownable… Yes, it's an actual …

Of Man Buns and Moms: New Words of 2015

Since 1990, the American Dialect Society has held a Word of the Year vote, which is open to the public. This year’s vote takes place on January 8, 2016 in Washington DC. Over the past few weeks, linguists have been discussing nominations for various categories, and the ADS website has a nice roundup of 2015 Word of the Year candidates. Dictionary.com announced our own Word of …

The Two-headed God of January

If you were asked to pick which month is most often associated with deep reflection, you’d probably choose January. Known for recaps and resolutions, the new year starts with retrospection (as we bemoan past regrets and celebrate successes), then moves forward with hopes for the year ahead! So, in January, we’re all a little bit like Janus, the Roman god for which January is named. …

(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/11/

Dictionary.com’s 2016 Word of the Year: Xenophobia

November 28, 2016

by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News, Word Trends ?Comments Off

At Dictionary.com we aim to pick a Word of the Year that embodies a major theme resonating deeply in the cultural consciousness over the prior 12 months. This year, some of the most prominent news stories have centered around fear of the “other.” Fear is an adaptive part of human evolutionary history and often influences […]

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Prefixes and Suffixes from Start to Finish

November 27, 2016

by: Dictionary.com in: Grammar 1 Comment

Prefixes and suffixes are super useful for customizing the meanings of words, but what are they? A prefix is a group of letters (or an affix) that’s added to the beginning of a word, and a suffix is an affix that’s added to the end of a word. Prefixes modify the meaning of a word. […]

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Cyber Monday and the Origin of the Word “Cyber”

November 27, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events ?62 Comments

For many, Cyber Monday provides the perfect shopping solution: all the holiday deals with none of the holiday crowds. But where did this term come from? Cyber Monday was first used in 2005 by Shop.org to encourage people to shop online; it refers to the Monday following "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving and one of […]

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Having It All Figured Out

November 27, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?No Comment

Have and has are different forms of the verb to have. Even though they come from the same word, there are slight differences in the way they’re used. Have is used with I, you, we, and they, while has is used with he, she, and it. The verb to have has many different meanings. Its […]

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Getting Your Subjects to Agree with Verbs

November 25, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?9 Comments

No one wants a grammar argument, so if your subjects and verbs are fighting, you have a problem on your hands. Subject-verb agreement refers to having the subject and the verb in a sentence match, both being either singular or plural. The subject of a sentence is a noun (a person, place, or thing) that […]

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The Mistake That Gave Turkey (the Bird) the Same Name as Turkey (the Nation)

November 23, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events, History, Nature, Sports, Food, and Hobbies ?377 Comments

The republic of Turkey (look north of Egypt, east of Greece) isn’t exactly a breeding ground for the bird that Americans associate with Thanksgiving. In fact, the turkey is native to North America - so why do they share the same name? Let’s get the facts on the two turkeys. The word turkey has been […]

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Wednesday Winner: Savoir-faire

November 23, 2016 ?by: Finesse Sneed ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?1 Comment

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Allen B. of Cary, North Carolina. Savoir-faire means “knowledge of just what to do in any situation; tact.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Remember the Turducken

November 23, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events, Sports, Food, and Hobbies ?123 Comments

While it’s less popular now than it was a few years ago, we can’t pass on the opportunity to consider a dish named with one of the greatest portmanteaus of all time: the turducken. A portmanteau is a blended word that’s made by putting together parts of other words - like motel, made from motor […]

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Are These Yams or Sweet Potatoes?

November 22, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events, Sports, Food, and Hobbies ?101 Comments

The yummy portion of your Thanksgiving dinner that happens to be orange ? is it made of yams or sweet potatoes? Even if you think you used yams, they might be sweet potatoes after all. Yams and sweet potatoes are in fact two different root vegetables. And unless you shop in a specialty store, it’s likely that you’ve […]

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Present, Past, and Sometimes Perfect Participles

November 21, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?1 Comment

Participles are words derived from verbs that can function as adjectives or as parts of verb phrases to create verb tenses. The two main types of participles are the present participle and the past participle. The perfect participle depends on the past participle for its forms. Participial phrases function as adjectives that modify the subjects […]

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Cue vs. Queue

November 18, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?5 Comments

When do you cue, and when do you queue? Cue typically refers to a signal that encourages someone to take an action, while queue indicates an ordered line or file. Both cue and queue are pronounced like the letter Q, and are considered to be homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same but have […]

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Verb Tenses Past, Future, and Even Perfect

November 17, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?2 Comments

The six basic verb tenses are past, present, future, past perfect, present perfect, and future perfect. Verb tenses identify the time period when an action occurs. They also show relationships between events that happen at different times. The simple tenses (past, present, and future) are the most basic forms. Simple Tenses Present tense describes events […]

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Wednesday Winner: Pleonasm

November 16, 2016 ?by: Finesse Sneed ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Jerry A. of Vancouver, British Columbia. Pleonasm means “the use of more words than are necessary to express an idea; redundancy.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Meet the president, Mr. President

November 16, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?Comments Off

Have you ever worried about when president should be capitalized? You should only capitalize president as a title before an individual’s name or when directly addressing a person in that role (e.g. “President George Washington”). Variations of the word, such as presidential, should not be capitalized unless they begin a sentence or are used as […]

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Irregular Verbs Are Irregularly Difficult

November 15, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?2 Comments

Verbs (the action words in sentences) are grouped as either regular and irregular, based on whether they follow standard rules of conjugation. Some common irregular verbs include go, have, make, say, take, and know. Regular Verbs To form the past tense of a regular verb, just add -d or -ed to the end of it. […]

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The FANBOY Conjunctions

November 14, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?2 Comments

What are coordinating conjunctions, and how are they used? Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, or clauses that have the same grammatical function. You can remember the seven coordinating conjunctions by using the mnemonic device FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. The coordinating conjunctions and, or, and but are most commonly used. They’re […]

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Wednesday Winner: Syncretism

November 9, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?13 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by John of Livonia, Michigan. Syncretism means “the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Democrats vs. Republicans: Which Came First?

November 7, 2016 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?57 Comments

Since Democrats and Republicans appear to have an inexhaustible appetite for enjoying political friction, it seems worth offering some insight on which label came first, in the hopes that each group can use it to browbeat the other. The short answer is that republican came first, but as with so many political issues, that does […]

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When X Always = 10

November 3, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Symbols and Punctuation ?7 Comments

Roman numerals are a collection of symbols that make up the number system that was used by the ancient Romans. Today, Roman numerals are more commonly used in titles, to number parts of works, in music theory, and on clock faces. Where do you see Roman numerals most often? The Symbols The Roman numeral system […]

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Wednesday Winner: Infra Dig

November 2, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Ralph S. of Newport Beach, California. Ralph tells us that infra dig is, “one of the many words I learned from listening to the late William F. Buckley’s ‘Firing Line’ TV show.” Infra dig means “beneath one’s dignity.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one […]

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Please, Adverb, Tell Us When

November 1, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?2 Comments

The most common types of adverbs are those of frequency, manner, place, purpose, and time. They describe when, how, where, and why an action occurs. Adverbs are sometimes used to intensify an action, or they may describe the circumstances in which an action takes place. Adverbs usually modify verbs. They can also describe adjectives and […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/10/

Why We Say “Trick or Treat”

October 31, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events ?133 Comments

It’s one of a kid’s favorite parts of Halloween. There’s no feeling quite like waiting for a stranger to open his or her door so you can scream the words “Trick or treat!” But why do we say it? What does it actually mean? The practice of donning a costume and asking for treats from your neighbors dates back […]

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Word of the Day Quiz: Dec 2, 2016

Do you know Soliloquize from Heartsease? Take our quiz on the words from the last week of November 2016 to find out!

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Will You Use All 8 Types of Pronouns Today?

October 29, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?2 Comments

The eight types of pronouns are personal, possessive, reflexive, reciprocal, relative, demonstrative, interrogative, and indefinite. Certain types of pronouns closely relate to one another, and many words can function as multiple different types of pronouns, depending how they’re used. Personal Pronouns Personal pronouns take the place of people or things. They can be either singular […]

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How, Where, Why - Adverbial Phrases Will Tell You

October 28, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?6 Comments

An adverbial phrase is a group of words that refines the meaning of a verb, adjective, or adverb. Similar to adverbs, adverbial phrases modify other words by explaining why, how, where, or when an action occurred. They may also describe the conditions of an action or object, or the degree to which an action or […]

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Wednesday Winner: Lionize

October 26, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Bibi Penner of Bologna, Italy. Lionize means “to treat (a person) as a celebrity.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Are You the Cat’s Pajamas? Test Your Idiom Knowledge!

This quiz might be a piece of cake, but you’ll have to bite the bullet to see if you can cut the mustard.

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The Clarifying Powers of A, An, and The

October 25, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?5 Comments

Articles are words that make it clear whether a noun refers to something specific or something general. The English language has only three articles: a, an, and the. This stanza from Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Bird Came Down the Walk” demonstrates the use of all three: A Bird came down the Walk— He did not […]

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Telling Us How and When: Adverbs at Work

October 24, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?5 Comments

What does an adverb do? An adverb is a word that modifies or describes verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adverbs typically answer questions like how or when in relation to the action of a sentence. Many, but not all, common adverbs end in -ly, like quickly, usually, and completely. Modifying Verbs As their name implies, […]

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ACTION! Verbs in the Spotlight

October 21, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?No Comment

A verb conveys the action or state of being within a sentence. It answers the question what happens? In the sentence “John drives to the store,” for example, the answer to “What happens to John?” is that John drives. The base form of a verb starts with the word to and ends with the infinitive, […]

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A World Without Adjectives Would Be ______

October 20, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?15 Comments

What does an adjective do? Adjectives describe or modify nouns and pronouns by providing specific details about their kind, color, quality or quantity. They generally answer questions like what kind, how many, whose, and which one? You can help readers imagine situations, characters and settings by using adjectives to provide information about what is seen, […]

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Wednesday Winner: Harum-scarum

October 19, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Brian M. of Johannesburg, South Africa. Harum-scarum means “reckless; rash; irresponsible.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Quiz Yourself: How Well Do You Know Roman Numerals?

Did you use Roman numerals today? You may not think of them often, but if you’ve ever read a clock or talked about the Super Bowl, you’ve probably needed to remember V = 5. Check to see how well you know them. Let us know how you did!

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The Jack of Our Lanterns

October 17, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events ?396 Comments

This month thousands of Americans will scoop out the flesh of a gourd, carefully carve a haunting face into its rind, and stick a candle inside. The creations are called jack-o’-lanterns, and will be proudly displayed on porches and stoops across the country. But who, or what, is the namesake of this autumn tradition? Jack has been a […]

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Making Connections With Conjunctions

October 14, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar ?3 Comments

A conjunction is a connecting word used to join words, phrases, sentences, and clauses. Conjunctions are often single words (like and, but, and because). In some cases, they can also be phrases (e.g. in any case). The two main types of conjunctions are subordinating and coordinating. Subordinating Conjunctions A subordinating conjunction connects a dependent clause […]

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Wednesday Winner: Opuscule

October 12, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?15 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Richard M. of Greensboro, North Carolina. Opuscule means “a small or minor work.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Category 4 or Category 1: What Hurricane Category Numbers Mean

October 8, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News, Science and Technology ?34 Comments

It’s rare that we talk about hurricanes in October, but 2016 will be a noted exception. Hurricane Matthew has already wreaked havoc across the Carribbean, and continues to move across the southeastern US. Part of the drama of hurricane season revolves around the predicting and changing of the severity - or category - of the storm. What category will […]

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Wednesday Winner: Deleterious

October 5, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?19 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Vic B. of Louisville, Kentucky. Vic explains that deleterious is a, “fitting word to know and use considering the technical times in which we live.” Deleterious means “harmful; injurious.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Pore Over vs. Pour Over

October 3, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?152 Comments

Since pour is a common word and sounds identical to pore, many English speakers use the verb pour in the verb phrase pore over meaning “to meditate or ponder intently.” However, looking closely at their meanings, the correct choice becomes apparent.

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The Meaning of “Rosh Hashana”

October 2, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events ?36 Comments

Today is Rosh Hashana, the day that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. At sunset today, families and friends will gather to pray and then eat the traditional honey and apples, which symbolize the hope for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashana comes from Hebrew and most simply put means “beginning of the year.” Why isn’t […]

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The Origin of October

October 1, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events ?116 Comments

October is here, and in the northern hemisphere that often means the days are flush with falling leaves, chilling weather, and growing anticipation for the holiday season. The tenth month by our Gregorian calendar, October shares a root with octopus and octothorpe—the Latin octo-, meaning “eight.” In the Roman calendar, which had only ten months, […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/09/

Hurricane “Lisa?” Hurricane “Matthew?” Who picks storm names, and what’s next on the list?

September 29, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News, Science and Technology ?32 Comments

Nobody can guess how serious the next hurricane will be, but you might be able to find out what it will be named. An important thing to note is that weather events aren’t eligible for a name until they transform from a tropical depression into a tropical storm. When tropical storms reach a certain velocity, they become cyclones, which […]

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Wednesday Winner: Eristic

September 28, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?14 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Ian D. of Cambewarra, Australia. Eristic means “pertaining to controversy or disputation; controversial.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Wednesday Winner: Afflatus

September 21, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Derek Ashton of Oceanside, California. Afflatus means “inspiration; an impelling mental force acting from within.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Wednesday Winner: Longanimity

September 14, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?26 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Larry I. of Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Longanimity means “patient endurance of hardship, injuries, or offense; forbearance.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Why the Ninth Month Comes from the Word “Seven”

September 12, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events, History ?594 Comments

For many, the month of September signals the end of summer, the beginning of autumn, and the start of a new school year. With respect to the calendar, September marks the beginning of the months that signify nothing other than their numerical position in the year.

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Wednesday Winner: Corybantic

September 7, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Lizzie S. of Bayonne, New Jersey. Corybantic means “frenzied; agitated; unrestrained.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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What’s the Origin of the Term Hipster?

September 6, 2016 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Word Stories ?43 Comments

Hipsters have become simultaneous objects of ridicule and desire, associated with the new and in vogue, and also with an absurd form of consumerism. Why do we call them hipsters, and how did this word, born of jazz music in the early 1930s, make the transition to describe young men in skinny pants and classes […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/08/

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Wednesday Winner: Nodus

August 31, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: [Your Word Wednesday Winners] ?15 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by James B. of Kansas City, Missouri. James explains that, “In many dramas the nodus is not easily discernible. It may require a critical analysis of all the characters, rather than the main character.” Nodus means “a difficult or intricate point, situation, plot, etc.” Submit your favorite word here and it […]

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accept_except

Accept vs. Except

August 26, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: [Word Facts] ?190 Comments

Does one accept an invitation or except it? If someone is left off of an invitation list, has she been excepted or accepted? What’s the difference between these two terms, and how can we keep them straight? Accept means, most broadly, “to take or receive (something offered)” or “receive with approval or favor,” as in […]

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Wednesday Winner: Thrummy

August 24, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: [Your Word Wednesday Winners] ?11 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by John P. of Mill Valley, California. John chose thrummy because, “it’s apt, descriptive and amusing.” Thrummy means “shaggy or tufted.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Wednesday Winner: Mountebank

August 17, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: [Your Word Wednesday Winners] ?20 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Christine N. of Nottingham, United Kingdom. Christine explains that mountebebank is, “just a delicious sounding word which conjures up all kinds of images of rogues in my mind!” Mountebank means “any charlatan or quack.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of […]

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Wednesday Winner: Titivate

August 10, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: [Your Word Wednesday Winners] ?14 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Tony B. of London, United Kingdom. Titivate means “to make smart or spruce.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Gold medal

Go for the Gold: The Strange History of Olympic Medals

August 5, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events, History, Language ?102 Comments

At the first Olympic Games back in 776 BCE, competitors did not receive medals. Instead the top athletes were crowned with wreaths made of olive leaves. This tradition continued until Roman emperor Theodosius I (or perhaps his son) abolished the Olympics around the year 400 CE. The revival of the Olympics dates from the late […]

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Wednesday Winner: Fletcherize

August 3, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: [Your Word Wednesday Winners] ?6 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Audrey H. of Irvine, California. Fletcherize means “to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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august, chalkboard

Which Overachiever Is August Named For?

August 1, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Calendar Events, etymology ?144 Comments

August has arrived. If you’re in Europe, it’s likely you’re taking an extended holiday. If you’re anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you might just be trying to stay cool. August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar, and the sixth month of the Roman calendar. Its original name was Sextilus, Latin for “sixth month.” In […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/07/

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Wednesday Winner: Sonorous

July 27, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was picked by Rudy Francisco, a well known spoken word poet from San Diego, California. Sonorous means “rich and full in sound, as language or verse.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Zika, Athleisure & Hot Take: New Words Added to the Dictionary

July 19, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?10 Comments

In our latest update to Dictionary.com, we added more than 300 new words and definitions, and revised over 1,700 entries. Many of the newly added terms are pulled straight from the headlines like Daesh, intersectionality, warmist, woke, and Zika virus. Several of the new words relate directly to the media, including lamestream, presstitute, and hot […]

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Wednesday Winner: Bildungsroman

July 17, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by James N. of Marikina, Philippines and Gregory G. of Forest Hills, New York. Bildungsroman means “a type of novel concerned with the education, development, and maturing of a young protagonist.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day […]

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Place de la Bastille

What is a Bastille?

July 14, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, date, etymology, History ?43 Comments

On Bastille Day, the world parties in the name of France. But do you know what makes Bastille Day so important not just for France but the history of all democracies? The occasion is typically honored with military parades and copious consumption of libations. This mix of weapons and wooziness arguably sums up the legacy of July 14, 1789.

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Wednesday Winner: Vox Populi

July 13, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Rohan Sirohia of Kolkata, India. Rohan tells us that he chose this word because, “It has appeared in the famous sppech in the film V for Vendetta and it is in direct connection with Democracy.” Vox Populi means “the voice of the people; popular opinion.” Submit […]

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Wednesday Winner: Skerrick

July 6, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?12 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Rev. Nagi M. Skerrick means “a small piece or quantity; a bit.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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The Forgotten Verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

July 1, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, History, Language ?174 Comments

Do you know all the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner”? Many people have difficulty memorizing the lyrics of the first verse of this song, which is commonly performed at sports events and other public gatherings. But did you know that there are three additional verses that we almost never hear? In 1814, the poet and […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/06/

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Wednesday Winner: Supererogatory

June 29, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?6 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Ryan K. of Waukesha, Wisconsin. Ryan explains that supererogatory, “is an uncommon word which describes a common situation.” Supererogatory means “going beyond the requirements of duty.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Wednesday Winner: Tohubohu

June 22, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?21 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Sarah B. of Charlotte, North Carolina. Sarah tells us, “It’s funny sounding and a great word to describe many days at the office.” Tohubohu means “chaos; disorder; confusion.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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fathers_day_edited

The Origin and Grammar of Father’s Day

June 17, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, Grammar, History ?234 Comments

While Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914, Father’s Day took a little longer to be considered a national holiday. The origin of Father’s Day lies in two unrelated tragic events.

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Wednesday Winner: Iatrogenic

June 15, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Lalit N. of Mumbai, India and David B. of Utica, New York. David explains, “how convenient it is to have a word that describes the adverse developments resulting from medical treatment.” Iatrogenic means “caused by the diagnosis, manner, or treatment of a physician.” Submit your favorite […]

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Wednesday Winner: Onomatopoeia

June 8, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?24 Comments

13 people submitted today’s Word of the Day: • Kendall H. • Blossom A. • Ocean W. • Brad P. • Karen W. • Mozelle M. • Kathy R. • Louis B. • Ryan J. • Angel K. • Karen M. • David Q. F. • Tracy S. Angel explains, “I chose this word because […]

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june, letterpress

Why Is the Sixth Month Called June?

June 3, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: etymology ?338 Comments

For students and teachers alike, June is often their favorite month. School’s out and the days are long. But where did the first month of summer get its name? In Old English, this month was often referred to as simply “midsummer month.” It also may have been called “sere-month,” meaning “dry and withered,” though this […]

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Wednesday Winner: Tickety-boo

June 1, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Jasmine of Manchester, England. She chose this word because it makes her smile. Tickety-boo means “fine; OK.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/05/

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Wednesday Winner: Hypnagogic

May 25, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?17 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Liz M. of Toronto, Canada. Liz states that, “one of my favourite things to do is sleep.” Hypnagogic means “of or relating to drowsiness.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Wednesday Winner: Embonpoint

May 18, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?43 Comments

Abimbola A. from Lagos, Nigeria chose today’s Word of the Day. Embonpoint means “excessive plumpness; stoutness.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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spelling bee

What Does the “Bee” in “Spelling Bee” Mean Exactly?

May 16, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, etymology, Language ?553 Comments

As spellers from across the country and around the globe gather to take part in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, let’s try to settle a basic question: Where does the bee in “spelling bee” come from?

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Wednesday Winner: Eldritch

May 11, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?42 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by David S. of Libery, Kentucky, Adelina A. of San Clemente, California, and David F. of Vancouver, Canada. Adelina notes that eldritch “refers to otherworldly qualities, which I love, being somewhat eldritch myself.” Eldritch means “eerie; weird; spooky.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as […]

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whom, chalkboard

Word Fact: When Do You Use Whom?

May 9, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?806 Comments

Over the last 200 years, the pronoun whom has been on a steady decline. Despite its waning use in speech and ongoing speculation about its imminent extinction, whom still holds a spot in the English language, particularly in formal writing. Understanding when and how to use this embattled pronoun can set your writing apart. Whom […]

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Wednesday Winner: Toponym

May 4, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?19 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by Vally G. from Chicago, Illinois. Toponym means “a place name.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/04/

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Their, There, and They’re

April 29, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?168 Comments

The triumvirate of their, there, and they’re can flummox writers at all levels. The confusion stemming from these words is that they are homophones, meaning they have the same pronunciation but differ in meaning and derivation. Today we explore the differences between their, there, and they’re. Their is the possessive case of the pronoun they, […]

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Wednesday Winner: Amanuensis

April 27, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?18 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by four people: Melaney L. from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Leroy J. from College Park, Georgia, Randy O. from Elk Grove, California, and Carolina from Richardson, Texas. Melaney states that, “I first encountered this word during my first reading of Toni Morrison’s ‘Song of Solomon.’ I had […]

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William Shakespeare, neolgoism

Shakespeare’s Novel Neologisms We Still Use

April 22, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Education, etymology, History, Language, reading ?223 Comments

In honor of William Shakespeare, we’d like to share some words popularized by the Bard himself. Shakespeare died on April 23rd and was baptized on April 26th; his actual birth date remains unknown. Did Shakespeare coin the following terms? Probably not—these words may have been in conversational usage when he committed them to the page, or […]

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earth, chalkboard

When Should Earth Be Capitalized?

April 22, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?194 Comments

When it comes to writing, this common English word confuses many native speakers who aren’t sure whether to use Earth or earth. Why is this an issue? Earth can be either a proper noun or a common noun. In English, proper nouns (nouns which signify a particular person, place, or thing) are capitalized.

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Wednesday Winner: Esemplastic

April 20, 2016 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?6 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Jeffery B. of Dayton, Ohio and Chennai of India. Jeffrey feels that esemplastic “expresses the essence of creativity.” Esemplastic means “having the ability to shape diverse elements or concepts into a unified whole.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word […]

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caterpillar

Cankers, Caterpillars, and Malt-worms: 3 Shakespearean Insults

April 15, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: hidden meaning, History ?424 Comments

Great insults pepper the comedies and tragedies of William Shakespeare. (Though the Bard of Avon is known for his terms of endearments as well.) From A Midsummer Night’s Dream to King Henry IV, here are a few of our favorites. You canker blossom! This flowery barb is delivered by the newly lovelorn Hermia in A […]

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Wednesday Winner: Avuncular

April 13, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?14 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by five people this week: • Laura T. • Randy W. • ML O. • Penelope J. • William G. William G. thinks that, “it brilliantly captures the subtle nature of an “uncle-like” personality.” Avuncular means “of, relating to, or characteristic of an uncle.” Submit your favorite […]

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Words on the Move: Thug

April 7, 2016 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History, In the News ?35 Comments

In recent past the word thug has been receiving quite a lot of attention, following its use to describe rioters, looters, and occasionally, non-violent protesters in Baltimore last year. Thug has been poked and prodded, argued over ad nauseam, and written about quite extensively. At issue is the question of whether or not it has […]

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Wednesday Winner: Contretemps

April 6, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?19 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Gail M. of McCandless, Pennsylvania. After reading the word, Gail “wondered what it meant.” Contretemps means “an inopportune occurrence; an embarrassing mischance.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Thx @Dictionarycom summed my life with word […]

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acronym, chalkboard

Acronym or Abbreviation

April 4, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?94 Comments

Is there a difference between acronyms and abbreviations? Yes.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/03/

Print

Where Does the Fool in April Fools’ Come From?

March 31, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: date, History ?147 Comments

The origins of April Fools’ Day are uncertain, but one theory is that it began in 1582, when France adopted the Gregorian calendar. Before this time, New Year’s Day fell on March 25 rather than January 1. Those who continued to celebrate the old New Year at the beginning of April were called “fools” by […]

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Wednesday Winner: Valetudinarian

March 30, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted by a few people, including Lisa W. of Arcadia, California. Lisa said she chose today’s word because she wanted people to know what “it was like to speak in the renaissance time period.” Valetudinarian means “a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments.” […]

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college

Your College in a Word 2016

March 24, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News, Word Trends ?37 Comments

In 2014, you may have seen our analysis of what words are most looked up in certain US cities. We found that Boston was looking up fender-bender and Dallas was looking up peep. Last year we took that approach to a different sort of community: college campuses.

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easter egg, turquoise

The Other Easter Eggs: Coded Messages and Hidden Treats

March 23, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning, History ?39 Comments

The term Easter egg started popping up in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its original meaning refers to a hollowed-out or hard-boiled egg, dyed or painted for decoration. It can also refer to an egg-shaped item, such as a receptacle or chocolate, given as an Easter-time gift. In the 1980s, however, the term Easter egg […]

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Wednesday Winner: Joie De Vivre

March 23, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Rohan Banerjee of Kolkata, India. Rohan states that, “we must all enjoy the life from within…” We agree, those are great words to live by. Joie De Vivre means “a delight in being alive; keen, carefree enjoyment of living.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be […]

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bunny

What’s the Difference Between a Bunny, a Rabbit and a Hare?

March 21, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: animals, etymology ?200 Comments

The religious content of Easter is relatively easy to explain and understand. The holiday’s substance starts to blur, however, when it comes to a certain anthropomorphized bunny, baskets, pastel colors and eggs. There’s far too much in this semantic basket to tackle; let’s start with the crucial question: what’s the difference between a rabbit, a […]

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Why Irish Spelling Looks Familiar Yet Strange

March 17, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?89 Comments

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Irish), named for one of the most recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who died on this date around 493 A.D. While St. Patrick is famous for allegedly driving snakes out of Ireland, he is also responsible for the oldest known Gaelic […]

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Wednesday Winner: Skulduggery

March 16, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Errol S. from Saint Albans, New York chose today’s Word of the Day. Errol recalls seeing “a movie with this title, starring Burt Reynolds.” Skulduggery means “dishonorable proceedings; mean dishonesty or trickery.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! None of this today please > Word […]

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Capitalvs.Capitol

Capital vs. Capitol

March 14, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?141 Comments

Capital and capitol are both commonly used in political contexts and are separated by just one letter, making them frustratingly easy to confuse. When it comes to these two terms, it’s important to note that one has a number of meanings while the other refers to a certain type of building. Capital has many definitions. […]

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Words on the Move: Nazi and Fascist

March 11, 2016 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?18 Comments

Linguists have a good number of fancy words to describe language evolution. When a word’s meaning becomes more negative over time it is referred to as pejoration. When the meaning changes to be closer to a more approved meaning, it is called melioration. It is quite common to see a word change in one direction; some words […]

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Wednesday Winner: Catawampus

March 9, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?11 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by 8 people: Wayne Y. of Bishop, California Robin G. of Missouri City, Texas Robin Z. of Middleburgh, New York Michelle C. of Richmond, Virginia Marty L. of Saint Paul, Minnesota Susan B. of Carrboro, North Carolina Nile F. of Paradise, California Michelle said she chose […]

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Wednesday Winner: Rodomontade

March 2, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Barry T. from Salisbury, United Kingdom chose today’s Word of the Day.

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differentfrom_than

Is It “Different From” or “Different Than”?

March 1, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?181 Comments

Both different from and different than are accepted in standard American English, and both have been in use for the last 300 years. But is one of these phrases more correct than the other? In formal writing, different from is generally preferred to different than. This preference has to do, in part, with the historical […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/02/

leap

Why Do We Have Leap Year?

February 28, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: etymology, hidden meaning, History, Science ?76 Comments

Even though the standard calendar year is 365 days, the Earth actually takes 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds to go completely around the sun. (This is called a solar year.) In order to keep the calendar cycle synchronized with the seasons, one extra day is (usually) added every four years as […]

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Your Candidate in a Word

February 26, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News ?74 Comments

We can learn a lot about our presidential candidates from the individual words they use. Through computational analysis, we’ve pulled together lists of words that each candidate tends to use more frequently than their competition. These words shed light on the issues, policies, and rhetoric of individual candidates on an extremely granular level, ultimately giving […]

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By the Numbers: The Language of Political Parties Today

February 26, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News ?7 Comments

You can learn a lot about politicians from the words they use. Recently Five Thirty Eight had political speech writer Jeff Nussbaum construct and annotate “the Perfect Stump Speech” for imaginary Democratic and Republican candidates. Even without the expertise of a seasoned political speechwriter, it’s possible to gain insight on the words and rhetoric of […]

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Wednesday Winner: Supercilious

February 24, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?1 Comment

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Gita M. of New York, New York and Lee C. of Rancho Cucamonga, California.

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Denotation and connotation

Denotation and Connotation

February 17, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?50 Comments

If you want to discuss the meaning of a word, it helps to know the difference between denotation and connotation. These two terms are easy to confuse because they describe related concepts. Additionally, both denotation and connotation stem from the Latin word notare, meaning “to note.”

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Wednesday Winner: Celerity

February 17, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?12 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Patrick R. of Catonsville, Maryland. Patrick chose celerity because he likes “the sound of it and its meaning.” Celerity means “swiftness; speed.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! @Dictionarycom Like to guess the meaning, before […]

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Adele at the Grammys

There’s a Word for Why Adele’s Music Makes You Cry

February 15, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, Language ?364 Comments

Adele, whose single “Hello” debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list in 2015, will be performing at this year’s Grammy Awards. Year after year, one thing remains constant with the Grammy winner’s music: It makes the tears flow.

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Love Book

Synonyms for the Season: Valentine’s Day

February 12, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, Language ?7 Comments

Are you tired of filling out your greeting cards with “Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart!” every year? Are you one clichéd love note away from throwing in the towel altogether? We understand your pain and are here to help you woo that special someone without triggering their gag reflex.

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Wednesday Winner: Fubsy

February 10, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Rakib S. from New York, New York chose today’s Word of the Day. Rakib thinks fubsy is “very fun to say.” We couldn’t agree more! Fubsy means “short and stout.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! ? I'm a little teapot FubsyHere is my handle […]

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empathy_sympathy

Empathy vs. Sympathy

February 9, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?299 Comments

The terms empathy and sympathy are often confused, and with good reason. Both of the words deal with the relationship one has to the feelings and experiences of another. Today we explore the differences between these terms and how they are most commonly used. Both sympathy and empathy have roots in the Greek term páthos […]

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Wednesday Winner: Alpenglow

February 3, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?46 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Suzan V. of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Suzan said she chose alpenglow because it is “very descriptive” of her home state. Alpenglow means “a reddish glow often seen on the summits of mountains just before sunrise or just after sunset.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be […]

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Principal Principle

Principal vs. Principle

February 2, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?76 Comments

Is the head of a school called a principal or a principle? These two words are frustratingly similar, leaving even the most experienced English speakers to second-guess which word means what. Today, we’ll discuss the distinct meanings between these easy-to-confuse terms and a little trick to help differentiate between your principals and your principles. A […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2016/01/

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Wednesday Winner: Pugnacious

January 27, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?21 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by several people who found it interesting. Diana K. from Fridley, Minnesota chose pugnacious because with it she “can use one word instead of an entire sentence.” Kim O. from Medford, New Jersey said she has “a pugnacious pug.” Pugnacious means “inclined to quarrel or fight readily; […]

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Normalcy and Squirmishes: Misunderestimating the Words of Politicians

January 21, 2016 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?58 Comments

Most of the time when we talk about someone creating a new word we speak of the inventor with admiration, or even awe. We think of the linguistic creations of long-dead writers, such as Shakespeare, as signs of their genius, or evidence that they singlehandedly chiseled a new life form out of granite and bequeathed […]

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Wednesday Winner: Aposiopesis

January 20, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Emma S. of Richmond, Virginia. Emma chose aposiopesis because it “was a word that I could not pronounce on the first try.” Aposiopesis means “a sudden breaking off in the midst of a sentence, as if from inability or unwillingness to proceed.” Submit your favorite word

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Accept vs. Except

January 18, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?170 Comments

Does one accept an invitation or except it? If someone is left off of an invitation list, has she been excepted or accepted? What’s the difference between these two terms, and how can we keep them straight? Accept means, most broadly, “to take or receive (something offered)” or “receive with approval or favor,” as in […]

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they

Gender-Neutral Singular They

January 15, 2016 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Language ?23 Comments

On January 8th, 2016, approximately 300 linguists crammed into a room to vote on the American Dialect Society’s 2015 Word of the Year. From microaggression to man bun to emoji with x-rated connotations, dozens of lexical items were debated, but only one could take home the ultimate honor of Word of the Year. This year […]

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Wednesday Winner: Bellwether

January 13, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?20 Comments

Trent F. from Celina, Ohio chose today’s Word of the Day. Trent chose this week’s word because “not a lot of people use this word and it sounds cool.” We think it’s a cool word, too! Bellwether means “a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend.” Submit your favorite word here and it […]

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allusion_illusion

Allusion vs. Illusion

January 6, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?159 Comments

The similar spellings and pronunciations of allusion and illusion can cause even seasoned writers to second-guess their choice of words. Today we will examine and clarify the differences between these two terms.

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Wednesday Winner: Unputdownable

January 6, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?6 Comments

Siri H. from Drammen, Norway chose today’s Word of the Day. She states that unputdownable “sounds like a word which has been constructed just for fun but it is, in fact, a real word.” Unputdownable means “so interesting or suspenseful as to compel reading.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our […]

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manbun

Of Man Buns and Moms: New Words of 2015

January 6, 2016 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Language ?11 Comments

Since 1990, the American Dialect Society has held a Word of the Year vote, which is open to the public. This year’s vote takes place on January 8, 2016 in Washington DC. Over the past few weeks, linguists have been discussing nominations for various categories, and the ADS website has a nice roundup of 2015 Word […]

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Janus

Which Two-headed God Is January Named After?

January 1, 2016 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: date, etymology, hidden meaning ?557 Comments

January is often considered the month for deep reflection. We look back at the year behind us, bemoaning our regrets and celebrating our successes. And then, we look forward to the future year. We make well-meaning resolutions and hope for the best. So, in this way, we’re all a little bit like Janus, the Roman […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/12/

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Wednesday Winner: Probity

December 30, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Deb H. of Tower City, Pennsylvania. Deb chose probity because it is “seldom used, and even more seldom is someone qualified to claim it.” Probity means “integrity and uprightness; honesty.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day […]

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Boxing Day, boxes

Does Boxing Day Have Anything to Do with Boxing?

December 26, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, etymology ?66 Comments

In the US, the word boxing usually refers to two athletes stepping into a padded ring, each having the intention of knocking the other off his feet. Also in the US, the holiday known as Boxing Day is generally obscure. In Britain, the celebration is ubiquitous. Let’s spend a minute with the origin of the box in […]

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gift, present, Christmas

Do You Give Presents or Gifts?

December 23, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Grammar, Language ?169 Comments

Where do the words gift and present come from? Why does English use both? It’s not just so that children can ask for toys in multiple ways. Language is not a linear, predestined development.

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Wednesday Winner: Festoon

December 23, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Your Word Wednesday was selected by Hannah O. from Stewartville, Minnesota. Hannah chose festoon because “it is a word that most people don’t know and it is a word that is great for descriptive writing.” Festoon means “to adorn with hanging chains of flowers, foliage, ribbon, etc.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen […]

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XMAS

What Is the X in Xmas?

December 21, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events ?1,002 Comments

Here’s a holiday surprise that only the dictionary can provide. Do you find the word “Xmas,” as an abbreviation for Christmas, offensive? Many people do. You won’t find Xmas in church songbooks or even on many greeting cards. Xmas is popularly associated with a trend towards materialism, and sometimes the target of people who decry the […]

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Wednesday Winner: Milquetoast

December 16, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?16 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Luke of Westminster, Maryland. Luke chose milquetoast because the word and origin are unique. He states that the word “sounds like two breakfast-related words, but is really a useful adjective to describe more people than one would realize.” Milquetoast means “a very timid, unassertive person, especially […]

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Charles_Dickens

You Didn’t Invent That: Charles Dickens and Boredom

December 15, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?14 Comments

Charles Dickens is often given credit for inventing words that he was not the first to use. This is not surprising, if only because he was much more widely read than some of the people who had used these words before him. Dickens was also far more attuned to the language of the streets than […]

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Wednesday Winner: Lexicographer

December 9, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?24 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by Eric of Bronx, New York and Fidelis A. of Den Haag, Netherlands. Fidelis chose lexicographer because “many people don’t know the meaning of this word.” As a dictionary, we thought this was a great word to showcase to our users! Lexicographer means “a writer, editor, or […]

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Dictionary.com’s 2015 Word of the Year: Identity

December 8, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, In the News, Language ?207 Comments

In 2015, Dictionary.com saw a number of themes emerge in the words that gained enough traction to be added to the dictionary along with words that trended in user lookups. The most prominent theme across both of these areas was in the expanding and increasingly fluid nature of conversations about gender and sexuality. Additionally, the […]

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december

The Origin of December

December 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: date ?205 Comments

December is here: store fronts are festooned with holiday decorations, the cold is setting in, and another year is reaching its close. December has marked the end of the year and the beginning of winter since the ancient Romans established their first calendar. As its etymology indicates, December is formed from the Latin root decem- […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/11/

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Wednesday Winner: Propinquity

November 25, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?18 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was submitted to us by several people, many of whom said they love its pronunciation. Riana V. of Mullumbinby, Australia chose propinquity because she likes “the way it feels to say it.” Lisa K. of Columbia, CT said she learned the word 30 years ago and hasn’t forgotten it since! […]

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Wednesday Winner: Uxorious

November 25, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?15 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Iqbal SR of New Delhi, India because it was a rare word. Uxorious means “doting upon, foolishly fond of, or affectionately submissive toward one’s wife.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! What a fun word of […]

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turkey

The Mistake That Gave Turkey (the Bird) the Same Name as Turkey (the Nation)

November 24, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: animals, Current Events, etymology, hidden meaning ?349 Comments

The former center of the Ottoman Empire isn’t exactly a breeding ground for the bird that Americans associate with Thanksgiving. In fact, the turkey is native to North America, so why do they share the same name? First, let’s get the facts on the two turkeys. The word turkey has been used to refer to “land occupied […]

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Wednesday Winner: Slugabed

November 18, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?27 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Nat A. of Pompton Plains, NJ who challenged the word when his wife used it. She confirmed the word’s validity by showing it to him in a dictionary. Slugabed means “a lazy person who stays in bed long after the usual time for arising.” Submit your favorite […]

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hipster

What’s the Origin of the Term Hipster?

November 18, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Language, Lexical Investigations ?30 Comments

Hipsters have become simultaneous objects of ridicule and desire, associated with the new and in vogue, and also with an absurd form of consumerism. Why do we call them hipsters, and how did this word, born of jazz music in the early 1930s, make the transition to describe young men in skinny pants and classes […]

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Wednesday Winner: Magnanimous

November 11, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?57 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by John D. of Mississauga, Canada who chose the word because “it’s an act of benevolence.” Magnanimous means “proceeding from or revealing generosity or nobility of mind, character, etc.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Feels, Facepalm & Fleek: New Words Added to the Dictionary

November 10, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News, Language ?208 Comments

In our latest update to the dictionary, we added more than 150 new words and definitions, and revised over 1,000 entries. New additions such as feels, yaaas, and doge highlight the role of social media in transmitting and popularizing new terms, while fitness tracker, digital wallet demonstrate the new ways that […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015-november-new-words/

Feels, Facepalm & Fleek: New Words Added to the Dictionary In our latest update to the dictionary, we added more than 150 new words and definitions, and revised over 1,000 entries. New additions such as feels, yaaas, and doge highlight the role of social media in transmitting and popularizing new terms, while fitness tracker, digital wallet demonstrate the new ways that technological innovation is changing the way we live and speak IRL (in real life). Additionally, new entries such as sapiosexual and the gender-neutral prefix Mx. reflect cultural conversations surrounding gender and sexuality. A handful of words added in the latest update first gained currency on social media platforms. Dictionary.com users will now be able to look up the word fleek, defined as “flawlessly styled, groomed, etc.” The virality of this slang term, often found in the phrase on fleek, contributed to a massive increase in lookups over the last year. Dictionary.com lexicographers have access to billions of data points in search lookups, which they analyze to better understand interest and demand. New definitions for the gaming words tabletop, nerf, and respawn come on the heels of the addition of esports to the dictionary in May. And new definitions for the familiar terms asterisk and random reflect shifts in usage in recent years. Asterisk’s new definition is “any factor or element that makes an otherwise outstanding achievement somewhat doubtful or less impressive,” as in His win at the spelling bee came with an asterisk because two of the county’s top spellers were unable to compete. Likewise, random was updated to reflect the slang noun definition commonly used in reference to a person or thing that is unknown, unidentified or suspiciously out of place, as in a few randoms showed up to the party. In addition to looking to our users to determine what words to add, Dictionary.com lexicographers rely heavily on the time-honored practice at the foundation of dictionary writing: reading widely. Scouring sources from literature to scientific journals to news media outlets, our lexicographers are able to find and pinpoint both completely new words as well as words that are shifting in meaning and need new definitions. Here’s a selection of words added in this update and their definitions: asterisk: any factor or element that makes an otherwise outstanding achievement somewhat doubtful or less impressive. bestie: Informal. a person’s best friend. Creative Commons: a set of various licenses that allow people to share their copyrighted work to be copied, edited, built upon, etc., while retaining the copyright to the original work. digital citizen: a person who develops the skills and knowledge to effectively use the Internet and other digital technology, especially in order to participate responsibly in social and civic activities. digital wallet: an electronic device, website, software system, or database that facilitates commercial transactions by storing a consumer’s credit card, shipping address, and other payment data. doge: an Internet fad or meme typified by an image of a dog of the Shiba Inu breed accompanied by very short phrases that humorously represent the dog’s imagined thoughts and use the wrong modifiers or shortened word forms, as “such dignified” or “amaze.” drunk text: to send a text message to someone while intoxicated. EGOT: the honor of winning at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony in competitive rather than honorary categories. facepalm: the gesture of placing the palm of one’s hand across the face, as to express embarrassment, frustration, disbelief, etc. (often used as an interjection). feels: Informal. strong, often positive feelings. fitness tracker: a wearable electronic device or a software application that monitors one’s physical fitness and daily physical activity. fleek: Slang. flawlessly styled, groomed, etc. Franken-: Slang. a combining form used before something that is a hybrid of disparate parts, and meaning “strange or frightening.” IRL: in real life (in contrast with communication and interaction online or in a fictional situation). KenKen: Trademark. a brand name for a numerical logic puzzle printed on a grid subdivided into clusters of squares, or cages, the object of which is to fill in the squares so that each column and row do not repeat digits, and all the numbers within a cage combine together using the specified arithmetic operation to equal a target number. kk: Informal. (used in text messages and other digital communications) okay; OK. matchy-matchy: Informal. (of an outfit, décor, etc.) having colors or patterns that match or harmonize too closely. Mx.: a title of respect prefixed to a person’s surname: unlike Mr., Mrs., or Ms., it does not indicate gender and may be used by a person with any or no specific gender identity. nerf: Slang. (in a video game) to reconfigure (an existing character or weapon), making it less powerful. neurodiversity: the variation and differences in neurological structure and function that exist among human beings, especially when viewed as being normal and natural rather than pathological. random: Slang. a person or thing that is unknown, unidentified, or suspiciously out of place. respawn: (of a character or item in a video game) to reenter an existing game environment at a fixed point after having been defeated or otherwise removed from play. sapiosexual: a person who finds intelligence to be a sexually attractive quality in others. shootie: Informal. a woman’s shoe that reaches, covers, or extends just above the ankle. tabletop: noting or relating to a type of game that requires the physical presence of players and the manipulation of game pieces, as board games and some card games or role-playing games but not video games. TBH: to be honest. yaaas: Slang. Yes! (used as a strong expression of excitement, approval, agreement, etc.)

A Guide to Word Division

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?2 Comments

Guidelines for dividing words at the end of lines are: Pay attention to the way the word is pronounced - its syllables — and do not break the word so that it would be mispronounced or misunderstood. Check a dictionary if you are unsure of the syllable breaks. Divide between doubled consonants, except when it […]

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A Guide to Proper Nouns

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Companies The names of companies and other institutions are capitalized and spelled out as proper nouns. Abbreviations are sometimes used for ‘company’, ‘corporation’, ‘incorporated’, ‘limited’, etc. Organizations Administrative, legislative, judicial, educational, political, and special interest groups’ names (including departments, bureaus, and offices) and abbreviations are capitalized when they are used as proper nouns. Generic terms […]

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Weights and Measures

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Areas or Surfaces 1 acre = 43,560 square feet = 4,840 square yards = 0.405 hectare 1 are = 119.599 square yards = 0.025 acre 1 bolt length = 100 yards 1 bolt width = 45 or 60 inches 1 hectare = 2.471 acres 1 mile square = 1 section (of land) 1 square (building) […]

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Official Forms of Address for Letter Writing

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

(letter address; letter greeting; formal introduction) Ambassador: The Honorable ~; Dear M~. Ambassador; The American Ambassador Associate Justice: M~.; Justice ~; M~. Justice ~ baron/baroness: The Right Honorable Lord/Lady ~; My Lord/Madam or Dear Lord/Lady ~; Lord/Lady ~ baronet: Sir ~, Bt.; Dear Sir or Dear Sir ~; Sir ~ bishop/archbishop: The Most Reverend ~, Bishop/Archbishop of ~; Your Excellency […]

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Nations of the World

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Nation, capital, resident, chief of state, legislative body/bodies Afghanistan: Kabul, Afghan, President, Transitional Albania: Tirana, Albanian, President of the Republic, People’s Assembly Algeria: Algiers, Algerian, President, Parliament (National People’s Assembly) American Samoa: Pago Pago, American Samoan, President of United States of America, Legislative Assembly or Fono (House of Representatives and Senate) Andorra: Andorra la Vella, Andorran, French Co-Prince and Spanish […]

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Animal Group, Young Names, and Male/Female Names

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?5 Comments

Animal Group/Collective Names aardvark: aarmory albatross: rookery alligator: congregation alpaca: flock, herd ant: colony, nest, army, swarm, bike antelope: herd, cluster ape: shrewdness, troop ass: pace, drove, herd, coffle auk: colony, flock, raft baboon: troop, flange, congress, tribe badger: cete, colony, set, company barracuda: battery bass: shoal, fleet bat: colony, cloud bear: sleuth, sloth, slought, maul beaver: family, lodge, colony bee: colony, grist, hum, swarm, hive, cluster beetle: swarm bird (general): fleet, parcel, dissimulation, […]

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Affixes

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?4 Comments

Suffixes -able, -ible, -ile: (form adjs) able to, fit to, worthy, capable; apt to; subject to being ~-ed -ac: one affect with -ac, -al, -ane, -ar, -ary, -ch, -ese, -ic, -ical, -id, -ile, -ine, -ish, -ory: like, of, pertaining to; characterized by -aceae: families of plants -aceous, -ous: resemblance to a substance; full of -acy, -age, -ance, -ancy, -asm, -dom, […]

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Abbreviations

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Guidelines Abbreviate social titles and titles of rank, both before and after a person’s name. (Dr. Barbara Ann Kipfer) Abbreviate academic degrees. (Kyle Kipfer, M.F.A.) Abbreviate time. (A.M., a.m., AM, am, P.M., p.m., PM, pm) Abbreviate some historical periods (330 B.C. or BC) Abbreviate words associated with addresses or location. (I live on New Hampshire […]

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Wednesday Winner: Coriaceous

November 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Jan of Todos Santos, Mexico who had no idea what it meant when she first came across it. Coriaceous means “of or like leather.” Do you own anything that is coriaceous? Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the […]

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Religious Titles, Writings, and Organizations

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Titles of people serving in positions of religious organizations and churches are capitalized when used as proper nouns. Words referring to God and other deities are capitalized, e.g. ‘the Holy Spirit’, ‘He created us’, except for ‘who’, ‘whom’, and ‘whose’. Proper nouns for saints, apostles, and prophets are capitalized. Religious organizations, churches, and their members, […]

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Proper Nouns and Their Derivatives

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Always capitalized, including common nouns or adjectives which are essential parts. A common noun used alone as a substitute for the proper noun is not capitalized unless it is a very well-known form, e.g. ‘the Capitol’ (Washington, DC), ‘the Channel’ (English Channel). The plural of a common noun which is an essential part of a […]

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Personal Names

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Proper nouns, nicknames, or epithets for specific people are capitalized and usually not abbreviated. If the first and middle names are abbreviated, they are spaced and punctuated. Nicknames, epithets, and fictitious names are capitalized. If a nickname or epithet is used between the first and last names, it is often enclosed in quotation marks and/or […]

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Organizational Titles and Abbreviations

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Words/phrases used as proper nouns to describe formal professional, corporate, or governmental titles are capitalized. When such a title is used as a descriptive phrase to describe or identify a person (set in commas after their name), it is lowercased. Governmental titles which refer to a specific person may be capitalized. The word ‘president’ is […]

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Nobility Titles

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Titles of royalty are capitalized when used as a formal title, e.g. ‘Prince Charles of England’. Some British titles are also capitalized when standing alone, e.g. ‘Prince of Wales’, because nobility are frequently known by their titles rather than their given or family names. Honorific titles and forms of address are capitalized, e.g. ‘Your Majesty’, […]

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Military Titles and Organizations

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

The proper nouns for the armed forces (and their branches and units) are capitalized, as are short forms referring to specific organizations. The terms ‘army’, ‘navy’, etc. are lowercased when standing alone or used collectively and not part of a proper noun. Military titles of rank are capitalized when they are part of a formal […]

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Historical Events and Periods

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Proper nouns for names of specific cultural and historical events are capitalized, as Seattle World’s Fair, Great Depression, the Crash. Historical and cultural periods and movements that are widely recognized in archaeology, anthropology, geology, or other technical fields are capitalized, e.g. Middle Ages, Dark Ages, Iron Age; see PART 1 for specific entries. Popular terms […]

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Government Organizations

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Capitalize the proper nouns referring to government agencies, departments, offices for nations, states, counties, cities, etc. Capitalize the proper nouns which refer to foreign governmental/legislative bodies and departments. Capitalize a U.S. cabinet title if referring to either the group serving a head of state or when used in a formal title.

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Geographic Terms

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Words/phrases that identify distinct areas, regions, places, divisions, or districts of continents and countries are capitalized when used as proper nouns or in an address. Derivatives are also capitalized. Other guidelines are: Names of mountains, rivers, oceans, islands, etc. are capitalized, including generic terms when used as part of a proper noun, e.g. Pacific Ocean, […]

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Document Titles

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

The titles of published and publicly available books, magazines, newspapers, poems, movies, plays, and works of art are capitalized (except for articles, conjunctions, prepositions, and ‘to’ as infinitive — unless they are at beginning or end of title). An initial article (e.g. ‘the’) is capitalized when included. An initial article is not capitalized when used […]

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Courtesy Titles

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

These include: Miss, Ms., Mrs., and Mr. Use ‘Ms.’ when uncertain of marital status, and in general for unmarried women. ‘Miss’ is fine for unmarried women, but ‘Ms.’ is becoming more common. A courtesy title is dropped if another title, as ‘Jr.’ or a degree, is used.

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Aircraft Names

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Capitalize names of planes, e.g. Air Force One, Boeing 747, and hyphenate between letters and numbers, e.g. DC-10, L-1011. Plurals are formed by adding an ‘s’ to those that end with a number; by adding ”s’ to those that end with a letter.

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Address Abbreviations

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?4 Comments

Post office abbreviations for street addresses are: Alley (Aly), Arcade (Arc), Avenue (Ave), Boulevard (Blvd), Branch (Br), Bypass (Byp), Causeway (Cswy), Center (Ctr), Circle (Cir), Court (Ct), Crescent (Cres), Drive (Dr), Expressway (Expy), Extension (Ext), Freeway (Fwy), Gardens (Gdns), Grove (Grv), Heights (Hts), Highway (Hwy), Lane (Ln), Manor (Mnr), Place (Pl), Plaza (Plz), Point (Pt), […]

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Academic Degrees and Titles

November 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Academic Degrees Capitalize when before or after a person’s name and set off a degree from a name with a comma. Capitalize abbreviations for academic degrees. Academic degrees are usually punctuated. The initial letter of each part of an abbreviation is capitalized, the rest lowercased, e.g. Ph.D. When referred to generally, e.g. bachelor’s degree, doctor’s […]

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Bibliographies

November 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

A bibliography typically lists all the works consulted in preparing a manuscript as well as the works cited in notes. Bibliography format is also used for any list of titles, such as recommended readings. Some word processing programs may offer a template for bibliographies, but many do not. The bibliography should start on a new […]

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Online Sources

November 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

URL Addresses For online addresses or URLs (Uniform Resource Locator), list the protocol (HTTP, FTP, Listserv, Usenet, Gopher, Telnet), followed by :// and the host name. The host name has its elements separated by dots. Examples are http://www.google.com/,https://www.dictionary.com/. You should list the online address as it appears for the page or pages you are referring to. […]

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Footnotes, Endnotes and Textnotes

November 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Introduction Footnotes, endnotes, and textnotes serve two functions: 1) comments on main text, offering subordinate ideas, and 2) source references, giving the origin of something quoted/cited in the text. Footnotes are notes appearing at the bottom of the page. Endnotes are notes in one section at the end of a chapter or complete manuscript. Textnotes […]

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Italicization

November 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Sometimes underlining/underscoring is used in place of italics. The uses and guidelines for italics apply to underlining/underscoring. In general, punctuation marks are set in the same typeface, as italic, as the word that precedes them. In quotations, words that were not italicized in the original version of a text may be italicized in the quoted […]

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Capitalization

November 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Capitalize the first word of the following: a sentence, e.g. I am confused. a complete sentence after a colon, e.g. The crowd all realized the same fact: The band was not sober. a quotation, if it is a complete sentence, e.g. The teacher said, “Today we will review Chapter 11.” an independent question within a […]

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Dictionary.com Style Guide

November 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Style Guide ?No Comment

Punctuation Capitalization Italicization and Underlining Footnotes Online Sources Bibliographies Style Guide for: Academic Degrees and Titles Address Abbreviations Aircraft Names Arabic Numerals Automobile Names Courtesy Titles Document Titles Fraternal Organizations Geographic Terms Government Organizations Historical Events and Periods Labor Organizations Languages Military Titles and Organizations Nobility Titles Organizational Titles and Abbreviations Personal Names Proper Nouns […]

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November

The Origin of November

November 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: date ?68 Comments

A new November has arrived, and whether it means pulling out your winter coat, adding another blanket to your bed, or searching for the perfect pumpkin pie recipe, it’s time to begin preparation for the winter months. The etymology of our eleventh month November, however, speaks little to its role in the course of the […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/10/

jack o'lantern, halloween

Who Is the “Jack” in “Jack-o’-Lantern”?

October 29, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning ?361 Comments

This week thousands of Americans will scoop out the flesh of a gourd, crudely carve a haunting face into its rind, and stick a candle inside. Then the jack-o’-lanterns will proudly be displayed on porches and stoops. Who or what is this wacky tradition named after?

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YWW_pink_blog

Wednesday Winner: Jotunheim

October 28, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Patty W. of S. Carolina who said she likes the way it sounds. Jotunheim means “the outer world, or realm of giants.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! I’d expect to see @twhiddleston & @chrishemsworth in […]

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lay_lie

Lay vs. Lie

October 28, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?80 Comments

The difference between the verbs lay and lie is one of English’s thornier cases of confusion. Both words involve something or someone in a horizontal position, but where the two words deviate has to do with who or what is horizontal—the subject of the verb (the one doing the action) or the direct object (the […]

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Does anything rhyme with “orange”?

October 27, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?104 Comments

The rumor that orange rhymes with no other word is incorrect. Orange rhymes with Blorenge (a mountain in Wales) and sporange (a sac where spores are made). Silver has the same rumor going for it, but it actually rhymes with Wilver (a nickname) and chilver (a ewe lamb).

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YWW_purple_blog

Wednesday Winner: Kakistocracy

October 21, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?31 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Kenn A. of Bayside, NY who said, “International and domestic current events can lead one to believe that many nations are ruled by incompetent fools.” Kakistocracy means “a form of government in which the worst persons are in power.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen […]

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500x500-Blog

20 Words That Mean More Than They Did 20 Years Ago

October 15, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News ?74 Comments

For many of us, 1995 feels like just yesterday. The year marked the unveiling of Amazon, “the Rachel” haircut, and the Frappuccino. But there’s no denying that when it comes to technological advancements, 1995 was a lifetime ago. Twenty years ago, the dial-up modem and the VCR were among the prevailing technologies of the day. Today, smartphones and social […]

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definition_big

How Do I Get a Word into the Dictionary?

October 14, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1,068 Comments

“I coined a new word. How do I get it into the dictionary?” This is, by far, the question lexicographers hear the most. People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

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YWW_bluegeometric

Wednesday Winner: Obstreperous

October 14, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?17 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by a few people including Donna S. of Bossier City, LA who said, “I find it interesting and it is a word I find myself using related to my children and my spouse.” Annette C. of Eagle Bay, NY and Charles H. of Silver Creek GA both said […]

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forallintentsandpurposes

For All Intents and Purposes vs. For All Intensive Purposes

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?60 Comments

Both for all intents and purposes and for all intensive purposes are widely used to mean “for all practical purposes” or “virtually.” But which one is correct? The standard idiom is for all intents and purposes, not for all intensive purposes, though if you were to say these two forms out loud it might be […]

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What is the difference between warranty and guarantee?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?21 Comments

A warranty is a promise or guarantee given. A warranty is usually a written guarantee for a product and declares the maker’s responsibility to repair or replace a defective product or its parts. A guarantee is an agreement assuming responsibility to perform, execute, or complete something and offering security for that agreement.

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What is the difference between there and their? Your and you’re?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1 Comment

Their and your are possessive forms used as modifiers before nouns.

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What is the rule for determining whether to use a or an?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1 Comment

The rule is: Use an before a word beginning with a vowel sound, however the word is spelled.

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What is the difference between might and may?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

May expresses likelihood while might expresses a stronger sense of doubt or a contrary-to-fact hypothetical. T

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What are Informal, Nonstandard, and Slang Words?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

The status or stylistic labels informal and nonformal as well as colloquial are terms applied to written usage at the lowest level on the scale of formality.

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What is it called when you cannot recall a word?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

Most call it the tip-of-the-tongue syndrome (or phenomenon).

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What is the difference between partly and partially?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

Generally, the words may be used interchangeably to refer to some amount or degree that is less than the whole.

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How should I cite a word or a word and its definition?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

There are different ways to do this according to different manuals of style.

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What is the difference between archaic and obsolete words?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

The meaning of these temporal labels can be somewhat different among dictionaries and thesauri. The label archaic is used for words that were once common but are now rare.

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What is the difference between aluminum and aluminium?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?8 Comments

Aluminum is the American spelling and aluminium is the British spelling for this ductile, malleable silver-white metal.

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Is there such a thing as a true synonym?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?12 Comments

Thesauruses present a catalog of synonyms from which we may pick and choose words to put into our writing, but a thesaurus used alone is a very bad thing because there is no such thing as a true synonym. Every word has its particular place in the language.

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Does bimonthly mean twice a month or every two months?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?7 Comments

The prefix bi- usually means ‘every two’, so bimonthly means ‘every two months’.Semi- means ‘half’ or ‘halfway’, so semimonthly means ‘every two weeks’. However, bimonthly can also mean ‘twice a month’ - but it is rarely used that way. It is best to remember that bi- is “every two” and semi- is “halfway.”

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What Percentage of English Words are Derived from Latin?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1 Comment

About 80 percent of the entries in any English dictionary are borrowed, mainly from Latin. Over 60 percent of all English words have Greek or Latin roots.

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Comparatives vs. Superlatives

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

The positive form of an adjective or adverb is the basic form listed in a dictionary, e.g.” “red,” “awful” (adjectives); “soon,” “quickly” (adverbs). Adjectives and adverbs can show degrees of quality or amount with the endings -er and -est or with the words more and most or less and least.

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Should I say try and or try to? How about would have or would of?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?2 Comments

Replace try and (I will try and fix it) with try to (I will try to fix it). Some grammarians label try and as incorrect when really it is just very informal and best used in conversation.

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Where does the phrase cut the mustard come from?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?4 Comments

As with many slang and idiomatic phrases, the origin can be a bit unclear.

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How can I figure out when to use some time, sometime, or sometimes?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?2 Comments

Most often, sometime is one word: He will wash the car sometime.When some is used adjectivally with time to mean a short time, a long time, or an indefinite time, then it should be written as two words: She has not heard from her friend in some time.

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What is MLA style?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

MLA style is the style recommended by the Modern Language Association for preparing scholarly manuscripts and student research papers. It concerns itself with the mechanics of writing, such as punctuation, quotation, and documentation of sources.

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Are there any words that use w as a vowel?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?2 Comments

“Cwm” (a steep-walled semicircular basin in a mountain, sometimes containing a lake; a cirque) and “crwth” (an ancient Celtic musical instrument), both from the Welsh, use w as a vowel - standing for the same sound that oo stands for in boom and booth. “Crwth” is also spelled “crowd.”

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What is the difference between a philharmonic and a symphony?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

A philharmonic is a symphony orchestra or the group that supports it. A symphony is a large orchestra. An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play together on various instruments, usually including strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, and percussion instruments.

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Should I use a singular or plural verb with none?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1 Comment

None means ‘not one’ or ‘not any’ and it may take either a singular or plural verb.

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What are the 100 most commonly used words in English?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?14 Comments

These are the most common words in English, ranked in frequency order. The first 100 are said to make up about half of all written material.

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What is the difference between a bug and an insect?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?3 Comments

We tend to use the word bug loosely for any very small creature with legs.

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Basic Spelling Rules Explained

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1 Comment

You can teach yourself to be a better speller. It is important to realize that learning to spell is a process that is never complete. Spelling is something that everyone has to pay attention to and keep working at it.

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The Eight Parts of Speech in English

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

There are eight major parts of speech.

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What is the difference between the meteorological terms snow flurries and snow showers?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

Snow refers to the partially frozen water vapor which falls in flakes.

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Should I use a singular or a plural verb with a collective noun?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?5 Comments

A collective noun refers to a whole group as a single entity but also to the members of that group.

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How To Use Common Punctuation Marks

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

A discussion of each mark follows, in alphabetical order by name of mark. Also includes how to divide words; use of numerals/numbers; possessives; and common errors in punctuation.

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What is the difference between attorney, barrister, lawyer, and solicitor? How about advocate, counsel, counselor, or counselor-at-law?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?6 Comments

Lawyer is a general term for a person who gives legal device and aid and who conducts suits in court.

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Which is right: I wish it were… or I wish it was…?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1 Comment

There is often confusion about were (a past subjunctive) and was (a past indicative) after wish.

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What are context clues?

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?2 Comments

Context clues are hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word. The clue may appear within the same sentence as the word to which it refers, or it may follow in a preceding sentence. Because most of one’s vocabulary is gained through reading, it is important that you be able to […]

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YWW_orange_blog

Wednesday Winner: Alexithymia

October 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Abdulmalik O. from Baltimore, Maryland who said, “It almost completely describes me and I know others that feel the same way.” Alexithymia means “difficulty in experiencing,expressing, and describing emotional responses.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Whoever chose the @dictionarycom #wordoftheday was reading […]

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When do you capitalize words like “mother,” “father,” “grandmother,” and “grandfather” when writing about them?

October 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?No Comment

You should capitalize these when referring to your own relatives: Hello, Mother. A good rule to follow is to capitalize them if they are used as proper nouns.

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What is phonetic spelling?

October 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?7 Comments

Phonetic spelling is the representation of vocal sounds which express pronunciations of words. It is a system of spelling in which each letter represents invariably the same spoken sound. Some schools may use phonetic pronunciations to help children learn the spelling of difficult words, for instance, WEDNESDAY = Wed Nes Day.

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Are there any English words that have no vowels?

October 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?50 Comments

The answer to this depends what you mean by “vowel” and “word.” There are two things we mean by the word “vowel”: a speech sound made with the vocal tract open or a letter of the alphabet standing for a spoken vowel.

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What is the difference between average, mean, median, and mode?

October 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?7 Comments

Mean (or arithmetic mean) is a type of average. It is computed by adding the values and dividing by the number of values.

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october

The Origin of October

October 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: date, etymology ?103 Comments

October is here, flush with falling leaves, chilling weather, and growing anticipation for the holiday season. The tenth month by our Gregorian calendar, October shares a root with octopus and octothorpe—the Latin octo-, meaning “eight.” In the Roman calendar, which had only ten months, October was month eight, as January and February hadn’t yet been […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/09/

YWW_purple_blog

Wednesday Winner: Birling

September 30, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Robert B. from St. Catharines, Canada. Birling means “a game played by lumberjacks, in which each tries to balance longest on a floating log while rotating the log with the feet.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! […]

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geeknerd

Geek or Nerd: Which Came First?

September 24, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Uncategorized ?188 Comments

Which came first, the geek or the nerd? This question sounds a bit like a panel discussion you might encounter at one of the many comic-cons which take place across the country. But unlike many of the fiercely partisan arguments you will find geeks and nerds having, this one has an almost simple answer: geeks […]

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YWW_green_blog

Wednesday Winner: Snickersnee

September 23, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Bill L. from Milford, DE who learned it from his coworker. Snickersnee means ”a knife, especially one used as a weapon.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Sounds more like a laughing, sneezing snack food […]

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supposedly

Supposedly vs. Supposably

September 23, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?213 Comments

Have you ever heard someone use the word supposably and wondered what they meant? Maybe it’s a synonym for supposedly? Or a mistake? Supposedly and supposably are often confused, most famously by Joey from Friends.

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slugabed_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 17, 2015

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Last Day of Summer

When Does Summer Really End?

September 21, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, date, space ?47 Comments

Summer is the season for basking in the warm sun and rejoicing in the freedom of summer vacation. So when the rest and relaxation is shooed away for cooler days and the start of school, it’s easy to forget that the summer season is far from over.

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TV

Origin Story: Why Do We Call Them “Emmys”?

September 18, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning ?25 Comments

Many viewers know the names and faces of the actors and actresses that walk the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, but few are familiar with the story behind the true star of the show: Emmy. Where does this popular awards show get its name? The word Emmy refers to the statuette that’s handed out […]

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20150916_crackerjack

Wednesday Winner: Crackerjack

September 16, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Meredith Walker on behalf of Smart Girls in honor of Amy Poehler’s birthday! Smart Girls was founded by Amy Poehler and Meredith Walker to help young people to cultivate their authentic selves. Meredith explains why she chose crackerjack for Amy’s birthday: I chose the word crackerjack for Amy’s birthday because she is […]

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logophile_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 10, 2015

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YWW_bluegeometric

Wednesday Winner: Fata Morgana

September 9, 2015 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Goldie L. from Kailua-Kona, HI because it’s ”very seldom used.” Fata Morgana means “a mirage of consisting multiple images, as of cliffs and buildings, that are distorted and magnified to resemble elaborate castles.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day […]

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landloper_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 3, 2015

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Labor Day

Labor Day and May Day: The Origin of Two Holidays

September 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, date, History ?50 Comments

For many of us, Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September, means the end of summer vacation, a forceful ordainment not to wear white, and an excuse for department stores to have sales. Outside of North America, Labor Day falls on May 1, and the existence of two separate Labor Days can […]

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dis-un

Disinterested vs. Uninterested

September 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?39 Comments

If a new movie stars an actor you can’t stand, are you disinterested or uninterested in paying to go see it on opening night? These two words are often used interchangeably, but not by grammarians in the know. Do know the difference between disinterested and uninterested?

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ferhoodle_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 27, 2015

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YWW_generic_4

Wednesday Winner: Gubernatorial

September 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Ari B. from Natick, MA, who said, “I love the way it sounds - and is deceptively hard to read if you’re seeing it for the first time.” Gubernatorial means “of or relating to a state governor or the office of state governor.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/08/

scuttlebutt_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 20, 2015

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2014-08A261

The Truth About Vocal Fry

August 26, 2015 ?by: Kelly Rafey ?in: Around the Web, Language ?32 Comments

Perhaps you’ve heard of vocal fry, a quality of speech often associated with the likes of Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry. Countless media stories detailing vocal fry warn us that it’s sweeping the nation like an epidemic, that it’s damaging to our vocal cords, and that women who use vocal fry are jeopardizing their job […]

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supper, dinner, chalkboard

Supper vs. Dinner

August 26, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?257 Comments

In parts of the US, supper and dinner are used interchangeably to refer to the evening meal, but elsewhere dinner is the midday meal, akin to lunch, and supper, the evening meal. What do these words really mean?

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Absquatulate

August 26, 2015 ?by: Evelyn, Dictionary.com Support ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?4 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by a few people for a variety of reasons. Rheanna B. of Montana said the pronunciation was “quite funny”, while Jasreen G. of Malaysia thought it sounds “serious and sudden.” Ivan D. of Kansas City remembered it from a talk show many years ago while Marty H. in Washington […]

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PresumeAssume

Presume vs. Assume

August 19, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?94 Comments

When do you presume, and when do you assume? These two words are often used interchangeably, likely because they come from the same Latin root and are used in similar contexts. However, there are subtle differences in meaning between the two. Today we put all assumptions aside, and get to the bottom presume and assume. […]

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YWW_generic_2

Wednesday Winner: Eleemosynary

August 19, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by a few people for a variety of reasons. William S. in Cocoa, Fl., and Ken R. of Easton, PA, both chose the word because not many people have heard of it. Jack F., of Lexington, KY liked it for the way it sounds while James B. of Palmerston […]

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obstreperous_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 13, 2015

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pimgpsh_fullsize_distr

What Is It Called When You Misinterpret Lyrics?

August 14, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Language ?1,315 Comments

Have you ever heard someone sing the wrong lyrics to a song? Maybe a child gave the nursery rhyme “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” a new meaning by replacing the line “life is but a dream” with “life’s a butter dream,” or an adult belted out “Hold me closer, Tony Danza” instead of “Hold me […]

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flummox_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 6, 2015

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YWW_generic_3

Wednesday Winner: Mellifluous

August 12, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by actor and logophile Matthew MacCaull of Vancouver, Canada. MacCaull has acted in several TV series and films including Disney’s Tomorrowland and the drama iZombie. We thought he picked mellifluous because he writes music in addition to acting, but MacCaull was inspired by the TV show The Sopranos: “Little […]

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crab monster fixed

What word spiked thanks to a Martian crab monster?

August 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?10 Comments

An intriguing image from the Mars Curiosity rover, developments surrounding Cecil the Lion, and the first GOP presidential debate caused terms to spike in lookups this week. extradition: the procedure by which one nation turns over to another nation an individual charged with or convicted of a crime in that jurisdiction. The killing of Cecil […]

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clown, vintage, train car

Why are we calling the GOP presidential slate a “clown car”?

August 6, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: In the News, Language ?18 Comments

The humble clown car has been having a resurgence of late. Not the actual vehicle (the overstuffed car which spills out a seemingly improbable number of red-nosed and bewigged jesters), but the phrase. The reason for this has much to do with the crowded slate of candidates for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination; there are […]

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espial_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 29, 2015

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YWW_generic_4

Wednesday Winner: Twitterpated

August 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Brittany C. of Deer Harbor, WA who said “It’s fun and sounds phonetically appropriate for its definition.” Twitterpated means “excited or overcome by romantic feelings; smitten.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! #WOTD @Dictionarycom twitterpated - […]

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inflammable

Why Do Flammable and Inflammable Mean the Same Thing?

August 2, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Language ?184 Comments

English is a trickster of a language, evidenced by the fact that two words that appear to be antonyms can actually mean the exact same thing. For the most part we manage to bumble along without confusing the two, and can figure out which meaning is intended based on context (although in the case of […]

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7 Things Teenagers Are Saying & What They Really Mean

August 1, 2015 ?by: Wordiness ?in: Word Trends ?3 Comments

Twerk and selfie are so old. Here are 7 words teenagers are using now and what they actually mean.

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cats on couch

Bond Ambition: “Squads” and “Squad Goals” Explained

August 1, 2015 ?by: Wordiness ?in: Uncategorized ?4 Comments

There’s one phrase motivating social media users everywhere. Maybe you’ve heard of relationship goals, or workout goals, but what about “squad goals?” Here’s the rundown.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/07/

earl_cropped

What word did Earl the Grumpy Puppy cause to spike in lookups?

July 31, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?17 Comments

This week, Jake Gyllenhaal, Charles Darwin, and the internet’s new favorite canine curmudgeon caused spikes in lookups on Dictionary.com. bravura: daring; brilliant; spirited. The release of Southpaw, a drama about a boxer who loses his wife in a tragic accident and struggles to get his life back in order, has critics raving about the performances […]

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irregardless

Is Irregardless a Word?

July 29, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?517 Comments

Few words draw the ire of grammarians as swiftly as irregardless. The term has been in use in English for over a century, but its validity continues to be the subject of debate. Today we will explore the uses of and controversy surrounding irregardless. Irregardless is a nonstandard synonym for regardless, which means “without concern […]

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Saxicoline

July 29, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Johnny N. of Ottawa, Canada who said it was an “unusual” word he learned back when he was about ten years old: “It was used by a presenter at a symposium I had attended and I had to go and ask him afterwards what it meant.” Saxicoline means […]

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galumph_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 22, 2015

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hone_home

Hone In vs. Home In

July 22, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?79 Comments

Does a plane home in on a target or hone in on it? Does a musician hone her skills or home them? Are these two verbs interchangeable or do they have discrete meanings? Today we explore the origins and uses of hone and home. Hone entered English as a noun for a pointed rock used […]

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YWW_generic_2

Wednesday Winner: Risibility

July 22, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Jiggy W. from Port Saint Lucie, FL who picked it because “it felt right.” Risibility means “the ability or disposition to laugh.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! A useful tool to have in one's arsenal: WoD […]

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Pluto

Jimmy Fallon and Pluto Drive Top Lookups

July 17, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?8 Comments

The normally sluggish news cycle of July was interrupted with a major internet scandal, Jimmy Fallon’s hand injury, and photos of everyone’s favorite dwarf planet, Pluto.

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tommyrot_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 15, 2015

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YWW_generic_3

Wednesday Winner: Allegiant

July 15, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Nooshin A. from Tehran, Iran who picked it for the meaning, the pronunciation, and the book with the word as the title. Allegiant means “loyal, faithful.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! I pledge allegiance to the United […]

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blarney_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 8, 2015

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movie camera illustration

Why Is It Called a Blockbuster?

July 11, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Language ?28 Comments

Summer is upon us, and we are increasingly being treated to all the usual signs of its arrival: itchy and hot weather, dripping ice cream cones, and superheroes vanquishing villains in the latest comic book revival. The last of these things are often referred to as blockbusters; why do we call them that?

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Sherbet Sherbert

Sherbet or Sherbert?

July 8, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?161 Comments

In efforts to beat the summer heat, you may have encountered two different spellings of the same scrumptious treat: sherbet and sherbert. Why do both forms exist, and which one is correct?

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Wednesday Winner: Proprioception

July 8, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by RaghuRam K. from Chennai, India! Proprioception means “perception governed by physiological receptors, as awareness of the position of one’s body.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! #WordOfTheDay - proprioception: http://t.co/r2hrlGRxVw @dictionarycom I always know where my body is — Chet (@ChetShirle) July 8, 2015

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wedding rings

The Future of the Word “Partner”

July 7, 2015 ?by: Gretchen McCulloch ?in: In the News, Language ?17 Comments

With the Supreme Court’s legalization of gay marriage, what happens to the word partner?

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DogDays

What’s the Origin of the Dog Days?

July 6, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, date, etymology, space ?62 Comments

It’s hot again, up in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s that time of year when the sun shines its most unforgiving beams, baking the ground and, indeed, us. It’s the portion of summer known as the hottest time of the year. Or, more delightfully, the dog days.

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What word trended after a world leader broke into song?

July 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?4 Comments

An apocalyptic animal uprising, the Women’s World Cup, a presidential hymn, and the Supreme Court caused terms to spike in lookups this week. Check out what words captured people’s curiosity on Dictionary.com. grace: favor or goodwill; mercy or pardon. This term was trending on Friday, June 26, after President Obama broke into song during the […]

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snuck, sneaked, chalkboard

Snuck or Sneaked

July 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?203 Comments

You may have heard that snuck as the past tense of sneak is improper English, but does this designation hold water?

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ibidem

Word of the Day Quiz: September 1, 2015

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Contradistinction

July 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Benjamin A. from Washington D.C.! Contradistinction means “distinction by opposition or contrast.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/06/

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Basketball Trades and German Television Shows Drive Lookup Spikes

June 26, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?3 Comments

Podcast interviews, Father’s Day, and the German version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? made unusual words trend in lookup volume this week. What words were people looking up more than usual?

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letters, man, blond, speaking

Can an Inhaled Word Mean Something?

June 25, 2015 ?by: Gretchen McCulloch ?in: Language ?4 Comments

A surprising number of languages say yes—sometimes If there’s one thing you thought you knew about talking, it’s that speech is produced by pushing air out of the lungs, not by breathing in. But is that always true? This video shows a particular sound that means “yes” in Swedish, and it’s produced while inhaling:

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argy-bargy_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: August 25, 2015

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fiance

Fiancé vs. Fiancée

June 24, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?159 Comments

Much debate and change surrounds the terms fiancé and fiancée in the recent past. English speakers borrowed these gendered terms from the French in the mid-19th century, importing both the masculine (fiancé) and feminine (fiancée). This term ultimately derives from Latin, fidare literally meaning “to trust,” combined with the suffix -ance, which is used to […]

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Wednesday Winner: Ennui

June 24, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Two people suggested today’s Word of the Day! Robert K. from Peoria, IL said it is “musical in sound” and JW-T from Bedford, TX said, “I taught high school English for 31 years, and I loved to tell my students they were responsible if ennui set in because I was going to dazzle them with knowledge […]

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soccer, field, ball

Why Is It Called Soccer?

June 22, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Current Events, Language ?59 Comments

The most popular sport in the world is one in which people chase after a ball and kick it with their feet (and give it an occasional head-butt). In most places where this sport is enjoyed it is referred to in a straightforward fashion: football.

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gprx_0245.cdr

What Do Donald Trump and the Pope Have in Common?

June 19, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?7 Comments

This week Pope Francis make a big announcement about climate change, and more contenders entered the presidential race in the US. Check out the words in the news that sent our users to Dictionary.com this week.

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mnemonic_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: August 18, 2015

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continually_continuously

Continually vs. Continuously

June 17, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?47 Comments

Today we’re going to explore the meanings and uses of the adverbs continually and continuously. These terms, along with their adjective forms continual and continuous, are often used interchangeably in speech and writing, but style guides urge writers to practice discernment when using continually and continuously. In formal contexts, continually should be used to mean […]

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Wednesday Winner: Lackadaisical

June 17, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?8 Comments

Two people suggested today’s Word of the Day! Both Michelle P. from Pleasanton, CA and Sandra H. from Mapplewood, NJ said lackadaisical is just not used often enough! Michele said “it’s fancy and hardly used. I think it’s a great word.” Lackadaisical means “without interest, vigor, or determination; listless; lethargic.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be […]

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awesome

The Problem with Awesome

June 14, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?112 Comments

Many words have been wasted on the subject of when adulthood starts. Some hold that it comes about with the right to drink alcoholic beverages or vote in an election. For particularly stringent grammarians of a certain generation, the rite of passage that marks the official start of adulthood is the point at which one […]

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brickbat_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: August 11, 2015

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grayorgrey

Gray or Grey?

June 10, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?454 Comments

Google and Vocativ recently paired up to investigate which words people have trouble spelling. They released a list of the most problematic terms by state based on search data, and the word grey appeared a staggering twelve times. So is grey incorrect? Grey and gray are both accepted in the English language. They refer to […]

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Pentimento

June 10, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s word was chosen by Nancy B. from Naperville, IL! Pentimento is “the presence or emergence of earlier images, forms, or strokes that have been changed and painted over.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! #Word of the #day from @dictionarycom is one of my all-time #favorites: #pentimento “the emergence of earlier images, forms, or strokes.” — erinimus (@erinimus) […]

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graph-blue

Which celebrity caused “courage” to trend this week?

June 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?2 Comments

Caitlyn Jenner, Enrique Iglesias, and Andrew Jennings, the 71-year-old muckraker who helped expose the $150 million FIFA scandal, had people talking this week. Check out which words trended on Dictionary.com in connection with these stories. courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. […]

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mondegreen_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: August 4, 2015

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Wednesday Winner: Cryptozoology

June 3, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?12 Comments

Today’s word was chosen by Valeria M. from Dunkirk, NY! Cryptozoology is “the study of evidence tending to substantiate the existence of, or the search for, creatures whose reported existence is unproved.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! #love word of the day according […]

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advice-vs.-advise

Advice vs. Advise

June 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?82 Comments

It’s no wonder that advice and advise are often confused; they are used in similar contexts and separated by just one letter, but that letter signals important distinctions to keep in mind when using the terms. So what are the differences between the two? Advise is a verb meaning “to give counsel to; offer an […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/05/

trending

What Word Did Matthew McConaughey Cause to Trend?

May 29, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?20 Comments

Matthew McConaughey taught us an old meaning of the word ovate, the world lost a beautiful mind, and we heard an unexpected name-drop during the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Check out three of Dictionary.com’s most looked-up words this week.

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noctambulous_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: July 28, 2015

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justdeserts

Is it Just Deserts or Just Desserts?

May 27, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?67 Comments

Several months ago, Dictionary.com featured the word comeuppance as a Word of the Day. Comeuppance is defined as “deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant.” More than a few devoted users wrote in to inform us that there was a typo in the definition: just deserts should be just desserts. Were our users correct? Was […]

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Wednesday Winner: Gainsay

May 27, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Joy-Ann G. from Bridgetown, Barbados. Gainsay means “to deny, dispute, or contradict.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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nabob_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: July 21, 2015

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American flags

What Is the Former Name of Memorial Day?

May 21, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events ?85 Comments

Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May and marks the solemn time when Americans honor the soldiers that died in military service. When the observance was first declared in 1868 by General John Logan, it was called Decoration Day in reference to a tradition of decorating the graves of those whose lives were lost […]

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fogdog_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: July 14, 2015

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Wednesday Winner: Schism

May 20, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?17 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Faris K. from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Nicky P. from Ferndale, UK. Schism means “division or disunion, especially into mutually opposed parties.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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am_pm

What do a.m. and p.m. stand for?

May 19, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?320 Comments

Most English speakers know that a.m. refers to the hours from midnight and noon, and p.m. to the hours from noon and midnight. But what do these ubiquitous abbreviations stand for? The term we associate with the morning, a.m., is an abbreviation the Latin phrase ante meridiem meaning “before midday”; p.m. is an abbreviation of […]

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Which presidential hopeful caused “neophyte” to trend?

May 14, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?6 Comments

This week’s trending words touch on the race to the White House, a political controversy sparked by a legendary muckraker, and Mother’s Day. nurturing: characterized by supportive and encouraging behavior; nourishing. matriarch: the female head of a family or tribal line. unconditionally: not limited by circumstances; absolutely. role model: a person whose behavior, example, or […]

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Wednesday Winner: Syzygy

May 13, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?28 Comments

This strangely spelled word was suggested to us by several people this week, most of whom found the spelling and pronunciation fascinating! Robin B. from Everett, WA said “it’s probably the strangest spelled word I’ve ever run into.” Similarly, Linda D. from Kansas City, MO and Linda M. from Wayne, PA both recognized it from […]

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pore over chalkboard

Pore Over vs. Pour Over

May 12, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?117 Comments

Since pour is a common word and sounds identical to pore, many English speakers use the verb pour in the verb phrase pore over meaning “to meditate or ponder intently.” However, looking closely at their meanings, the correct choice becomes apparent.

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What Do Manny Pacquiao and Don Draper Have in Common?

May 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?9 Comments

Both Manny Pacquiao and Don Draper caused words to spike in lookups this week on Dictionary.com. magnanimous: generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness. The weekend’s momentous boxing match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. caused a number of terms to spike in lookups in the days surrounding […]

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momisms

that vs which

That vs. Which

May 6, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?110 Comments

To understand when to use that vs. which, it’s important to keep in mind the difference between and restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses. In formal American English, that is used in restrictive clauses, and which in used in nonrestrictive clauses. A restrictive clause contains information that limits the meaning of the thing being talked about. For […]

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flumadiddle_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: July 7, 2015

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dragoman_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: June 30, 2015

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darkweb

The Deep Web vs. The Dark Web

May 6, 2015 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: In the News, Language ?37 Comments

Dictionary.com’s latest update contains many terms ushered into existence because of technological advancements. Two of these new entries, deep web and dark web, are so technical in nature that we came across a lot of confusion as to what they actually mean in our research. More tech-savvy publications generally have a disclaimer when discussing the […]

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new words

New Words Added to Dictionary.com

May 6, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: In the News, Language ?118 Comments

In our latest update to the dictionary, we added more than a thousand new and modified definitions including gaming words like esports, permadeath and completionist, terms to prepare you for the 2016 elections like slacktivism, and gender-related terms agender, bigender, and gender-fluid.

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Wednesday Winner: Defenestrate

May 6, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?11 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day has been suggested to us by our users many times. Here are some of the reasons people love defenestrate: Eva H. from Belmont, MA, said: “I just think that it’s really cool that the English language has a word that specifically means ‘to throw out of a window.’” Scott P. […]

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Screen Shot 2015-05-01 at 3.46.44 PM

What Does “Mom” Mean in Internet Slang?

May 5, 2015 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: In the News, Language ?33 Comments

While Kim Kardashian was busy “breaking the Internet” with her controversial photoshoot for Paper in November of 2014, New Zealand singer/songwriter Lorde was teaching the world—or at least her Twitter and Tumblr followers—about a new slang use of the word mom. These three little letters tweeted out by Lorde in response to Kardashian’s cover photo caused […]

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gprx_0245.cdr

3 Trending Words from the Week’s News

May 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?11 Comments

This week’s trending words touch on the debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana, the earthquake in Nepal, and the latest economic report.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/04/

Print

Comprise vs. Compose

April 29, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?42 Comments

Earlier this year, one intrepid Wikipedia editor made headlines for his remarkable dedication to the mission of purging that website of the phrase “comprised of,” logging approximately 70 to 80 edits per week. This editor, known as Giraffedata, is one of many who hold nonstandard uses of comprise and compose among their top grammatical pet […]

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Wednesday Winner: Cacophonous

April 29, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Emma Lee H. from Greensboro, NC chose today’s Word of the Day! Cacophonous means “having a harsh or discordant sound.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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wearable, drawing

Wearable or Personal Computer: Which Came First?

April 28, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: Current Events, History ?10 Comments

The release of the Apple Watch has given the noun wearable some additional prominence. This leads to the question of which term came first: wearable or personal computer? As with so many such questions, there is no simple answer.

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ennui

Word of the Day Quiz: June 23, 2015

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Trending Words: Skol, Cyborg, Monokini

April 24, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?8 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here […]

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Shakespeare

You Didn’t Invent That: Shakespeare’s Spurious Neologisms

April 22, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?10 Comments

One of the most cherished beliefs of people who collect facts about English is that Shakespeare is the greatest linguistic inventor the language has ever seen. You cannot travel very far online before coming across some article or listicle asserting that he was responsible for giving birth to some exceedingly large portion of our vocabulary, […]

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Wednesday Winner: Mirepoix

April 22, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?15 Comments

Dianne R. from Malden, MA chose today’s Word of the Day! Mirepoix means “a flavoring made from diced vegetables, seasonings, herbs, and sometimes meat, often placed in a pan to cook with meat or fish.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Word Trends: Hobgoblin, Unsullied, Schlimazel

April 17, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?4 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here are few notable […]

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unreality

Word of the Day Quiz: June 16, 2015

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whosewhos

Whose vs. Who’s

April 15, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?56 Comments

Whose and who’s are commonly confused terms because they sound alike. Luckily, the distinction between them is relatively straightforward. Who’s is a contraction of who is or who has, and whose is a possessive pronoun. Let’s take a look at a classic comedy sketch for some grammar guidance. In Abbott and Costello’s famous “Who’s on […]

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Wednesday Winner: Schlemiel

April 15, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?11 Comments

Caleb H. from St. Louis, MO chose today’s Word of the Day! Schlemiel means “an awkward and unlucky person for whom things never turn out right.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Do you know a schlemiel? #awkward pic.twitter.com/s9EX0BOOya — Dictionary.com (@dictionarycom) April 15, […]

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sblood_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: June 9, 2015

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Word Trends: Clemency, Xanthippe, Antebellum

April 9, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?65 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here […]

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Wednesday Winner: Caustic

April 8, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?22 Comments

Charles J. from Fayetteville, NC chose today’s Word of the Day! Caustic means “severely critical or sarcastic.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Charles J. from Fayetteville, NC chose today's #WordoftheDay - what word would you choose? http://t.co/8AdvaGGDrK pic.twitter.com/gs3ln7rOLv — Dictionary.com (@dictionarycom) April 8, […]

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chalkboard, stationary, stationery

Stationary vs. Stationery

April 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?59 Comments

Stationary and stationery are just one letter off, but that seemingly small difference changes the meaning of these words entirely. These two terms share the Latin root stationarius, which derives from the word station meaning “a standing place.”

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floccinaucinihilipilification_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: June 2, 2015

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graph-blue

Word Trends: Syzygy, Psychosomatic, Libertine

April 2, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?25 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here are few notable […]

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democrats, republicans, elephant, donkey

Democrats vs. Republicans: Which Came First?

April 2, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: hidden meaning, History ?57 Comments

Since Democrats and Republicans appear to have an inexhaustible appetite for enjoying political friction, it seems worth offering some insight on which label came first, in the hopes that each group can use it to browbeat the other. The short answer is that republican came first, but as with so many political issues, that does […]

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quidnunc_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: May 26, 2015

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Wednesday Winner: Malarkey

April 1, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

For April Fools’ Day, Aditi A. from Kolkata, India has chosen this Word of the Day, referencing “the buzz about the colour of #thedress” as inspiration. Malarkey means “speech or writing designed to obscure, mislead, or impress.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! For #AprilFools […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/03/

moot point

Moot Point vs. Mute Point

March 30, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?101 Comments

You may have heard coworkers or acquaintances refer to an inconsequential or irrelevant point as a moot point, or maybe you’ve heard mute point instead. Fans of the TV show Friends may have heard a third variation: moo point (because, according to Joey, a cow’s opinion doesn’t matter). But which expression is correct, and what […]

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gprx_0245.cdr

Word Trends: Cattywampus, Tantrum, Booty

March 27, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, Word Trends ?60 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here […]

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YWW_generic_3

Wednesday Winner: Dendrochronology

March 25, 2015 ?by: Lauren Sliter ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?19 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Richard K. from New York. Dendrochronology means “the science dealing with the study of the annual rings of trees in determining the dates and chronological order of past events.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Richard K. […]

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complement vs compliment

Compliment vs. Complement

March 24, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?107 Comments

Your spellchecker will not flag either compliment or complement, but do you know the difference between these two commonly confused terms? Compliment and complement are commonly confused terms because they are pronounced alike and originally shared some meanings. Over time, however, they have become separate words with entirely different meanings. Complement with an e is […]

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March 22, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Uncategorized ?219 Comments

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CinderellaStory

The Origin of the Phrase “Cinderella Story”

March 20, 2015 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events ?18 Comments

Disney’s new live-action Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh, is the latest of countless adaptations of this cherished fairy tale. The Cinderella that English speakers know and love can be traced to the French story Cendrillon, first published in 1697 by Charles Perrault, though Chinese and Greek versions of this classic tale go back to the […]

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trending

Word Trends: Ninnyhammer, Cyclone, Scion

March 19, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Current Events, Word Trends ?14 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here are few of […]

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tatterdemalion blog

Word of the Day Quiz: May 19, 2015

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Beamish

March 18, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?13 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Danny S. from Hasting, New Zealand. Beamish means “bright, cheerful, and optimistic.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Danny S. from Hasting, New Zealand chose today's word! Send us your suggestion here: https://t.co/v3b1TuYaKw pic.twitter.com/NPn5Sz9n9O — […]

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pique 2

Is It “Piqued My Interest” or “Peaked My Interest”?

March 16, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?204 Comments

The word set we’re examining today can send even experienced writers into a spiral of uncertainty when it comes to word choice, particularly in the context of one expression: is it piqued my interest, peaked my interest, or peeked my interest? The answer is piqued—and here’s why: Pique means “to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.),” as […]

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syzygy blog

Word of the Day Quiz: May 12, 2015

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Word Trends: Fracas, Clishmaclaver, Crass

March 13, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Trends ?4 Comments

Some words, such as affect, metaphor, and irony, hold relatively steady in lookups at Dictionary.com regardless of what’s happening in pop culture, politics, or social media. Other words shift wildly in rank and volume, often as a ripple effect of a news item or event that has piqued people’s curiosity—we call those trending words. Here […]

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Wednesday Winner: Momism

March 11, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?15 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Diana S. from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections! Today's word was chosen by Diana S. from Brazil! You could choose one of our next words here: https://t.co/v3b1TuYaKw pic.twitter.com/RBDewLIfRR — Dictionary.com (@dictionarycom) […]

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judgement, chalkboard

Judgement vs. Judgment

March 10, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?198 Comments

If you’re an avid reader, you’ve likely seen the word judgment spelled two different ways across various sources. Sometimes it appears as we have it here, and other times it appears with an e: judgement. What’s going on here, and which one is correct?

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frabjous blog

Word of the Day Quiz: May 5, 2015

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March 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Uncategorized ?6 Comments

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moppet blog

Word of the Day Quiz: April 28, 2015

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bringtake

Bring vs. Take

March 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Word Facts ?166 Comments

Do you bring food to a party, or do you take food to a party? The terms bring and take are often confused, and for good reason. Both words describe the movement of something from one location to another.

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Jane Austen

You Didn’t Invent That: Jane Austen and Baseball

March 4, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?9 Comments

A good rule of thumb when informed that a word has a particularly interesting origin, or that a famous person was the first one to use it, is to assume that this is not the case. True, you will probably annoy the person who is sharing this information with you, but you will be correct […]

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Wednesday Winner: Sastruga

March 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?12 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by William G. from Moberly, MO. Sastruga means “ridges of snow formed on a snowfield by the action of the wind.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/02/

farther

Farther vs. Further

February 26, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?299 Comments

Do you use farther and further interchangeably? You’re not alone. These two terms have very similar meanings and English speakers have been using them interchangeably for centuries. However, there are subtle differences between the terms, and the prevailing distinction that informs good usage is fairly straightforward. Let’s take a look. The widely accepted rule is to […]

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Wednesday Winner: Pickwickian

February 25, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?24 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Cathy H. from Waterford, MI. Pickwickian means “meant or understood in a sense different from the apparent or usual one.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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tales of the jazz age, book cover

You Didn’t Invent That: F. Scott Fitzgerald and “Jazz Age”

February 24, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?2 Comments

F. Scott Fitzgerald is widely viewed as having been the inventor of the term jazz age. Numerous books, academic and otherwise, have proclaimed that Fitzgerald named the decade, coined the term, invented the phrase, and so on and so forth. There is no doubt that the phrase became much more widely used after the publication […]

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allright, chalkboard

Word Fact: Alright vs. All Right

February 18, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?57 Comments

Are all right and alright interchangeable? All right has a range of meanings including “safe,” as in Are you all right? or “reliable; good,” as in That fellow is all right.

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Thaumaturge

February 18, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?14 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Stuart I. from Guernsey, UK. Thaumaturge means “a worker of wonders or miracles; magician.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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ninja

You Didn’t Invent That: Ian Fleming and “Ninja”

February 17, 2015 ?by: Ammon Shea ?in: History ?10 Comments

Was the creator of James Bond (and the author of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) responsible, in some small way, for the popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? This is likely not a question that has ever crossed your mind, and the answer, as with so many ridiculous questions, is yes (and no).

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toward

Word Fact: Toward vs. Towards

February 11, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?85 Comments

Do you move toward something or towards something? It turns out, you can do both, though some contexts favor one over the other. According to the Chicago Manual of Style, the preferred form in American English is toward without the -s, while the preferred British English form is towards with the -s. This general rule […]

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Wednesday Winner: Sternutation

February 11, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?13 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Charlene M. from Millville, PA. Sternutation is “the act of sneezing.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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heart, puzzle, valentine's

The Trending Words of Valentine’s Day

February 10, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?14 Comments

Around this time every year, as retailers trot out heart-shaped balloons and boxes of chocolates in prep for February 14, people begin to look for just the right words to express their love, or as the case may be, their frustration at Cupid and his abysmally poor aim.

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grammys

Lyrics and Lexicon: Grammys 2015

February 6, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?No Comment

In honor of the Grammys, we’re exploring the literary legacies, word origins, and surprising factoids behind some of the expressions and terms in the lyrics that had many of us singing along in 2014. Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” In 2014, Iggy Azalea topped the charts with her song “Fancy,” which opens with the line “First thing’s […]

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good, well, chalkboard

Word Fact: Well vs. Good

February 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?52 Comments

You may have been scolded for saying, I’m good, instead of the more formal I’m well. But is the response I’m good actually incorrect? Not technically. Let’s explore the rules and conventions governing these two terms.

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Wednesday Winner: Winnow

February 4, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Vel L. from Sacramento, CA, because “it’s sound and meaning don’t seem to go together.” Winnow means “to separate or distinguish valuable from worthless parts.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2015/01/

football

Why Is the Biggest Football Game of the Year Called a Bowl?

January 30, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Language ?29 Comments

It’s hard to miss that pinnacle of American football, the Super Bowl. You’ve likely seen or heard the phrase so many times that the words themselves go unnoticed. But let’s take a fresh look: what exactly does the bowl in Super Bowl refer to? The word bowl is over a thousand years old. It entered English with the meaning […]

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then

Word Fact: Then vs. Than

January 28, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?61 Comments

Then and than are among the 100 most frequently used words in the English language. For some, this ubiquity translates into greater opportunity for committing grammatical blunders. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two terms. Then indicates time or consequence, as in the following examples: Bagels were cheaper then; First I’ll drink my […]

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Wednesday Winner: Cabotage

January 28, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Michael T. from Sparks, NV. Cabotage means “navigation or trade along the coast.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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H

Can a Hashtag Be a Word?

January 27, 2015 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, Language ?24 Comments

#jesuischarlie, #RupertsFault, and #SOTUBURN: 2015 has already produced hashtags that have sparked national and international conversations. But are hashtags really words? At the annual meeting of the American Dialect Society in early January, linguists and word enthusiasts vote on the Word of the Year. This year, the overall winner of this vote was the hashtag #blacklivesmatter. #Blacklivesmatter […]

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Wednesday Winner: Pyrophoric

January 21, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?15 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Carol K. from Arlingon, VA. Pyrophoric means “capable of igniting spontaneously in air.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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fewer_less

Word Fact: Fewer vs. Less

January 16, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Word Facts ?148 Comments

Misuse of the terms fewer and less will set off alarms in the heads of many language enthusiasts. According to usage rules, fewer is only to be used when discussing countable things, while less is used for singular mass nouns. For example, you can have fewer ingredients, dollars, people, or puppies, but less salt, money, […]

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letter c, handwriting

The Curious Chronicle of the Letter C

January 14, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: alphabet ?141 Comments

The English language is infamously difficult in part because its spelling befuddles even native speakers as letters take on different sounds depending on what letters surround it. Few letters exemplify this trouble more than the third letter of the English alphabet: C. Think about these words: cease, coin, chic, indict, and discrepancy.

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Wednesday Winner: Periphrasis

January 14, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?11 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Ted from South Haven, MI. He chose periphrasis because “the long winded, convoluted explanation of simple things in my life needed a word.” Periphrasis is “the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of […]

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assure

Word Fact: Assure, Ensure & Insure

January 10, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?123 Comments

One of our readers recently inquired about the differences between assure, ensure, and insure. As with many words that share ancestors, these terms’ meanings overlap thematically, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. Here’s a look at the key differences. Assure, ensure, and insure ultimately derive from the Latin word securus meaning “safe.” Assure was the […]

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bae

That’s So Bae: Beyond the Noun Uses of Bae

January 8, 2015 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Grammar, Language ?21 Comments

Over the last couple of years, the term bae has achieved widespread usage. While the noun form has been around for over 10 years, adjectival and verbal uses, along with other related forms, have more recently started popping up to describe the people and things we love, or at least like-like. Twitter, in particular, is rife […]

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Cogitation

January 7, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Christian S. from Greenville, OH. He said he chose cogitation because he likes “words that are rarely used, but mean common things.” Cogitation means “concerted thought or reflection.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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i ,chalkboard

Word Fact: What’s the Name for the Dot Over the i and j?

January 5, 2015 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: alphabet, Word Facts ?96 Comments

While many languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, add specific accents to the letters or characters throughout their alphabet, the English alphabet has only two letters that include a diacritic dot. This mark is added to a letter to signal a change in either the sound or meaning of a character. What is the additional […]

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eyesome blog 500

Word of the Day Quiz: March 3, 2015

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/12/

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Wednesday Winner: Flapdragon

December 31, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?14 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Lauren S. from Oakland, CA. Flapdragon means “a game in which the players snatch raisins, plums, etc., out of burning brandy, and eat them.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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whom, chalkboard

Word Fact: When Do You Use Whom?

December 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Word Facts ?647 Comments

Over the last 200 years, the pronoun whom has been on a steady decline. Despite its waning use in speech and ongoing speculation about its imminent extinction, whom still holds a spot in the English language, particularly in formal writing. Understanding when and how to use this embattled pronoun can set your writing apart. Whom […]

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butyraceous blog

Word of the Day Quiz: February 24, 2015

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Boxing Day, boxes

Does Boxing Day Have Anything to Do with Boxing?

December 26, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology ?46 Comments

In the US, the word boxing usually refers to two athletes stepping into a padded ring, each having the intention of knocking the other off his feet. Also in the US, the holiday known as Boxing Day is generally obscure. In Britain, the celebration is ubiquitous. Let’s spend a minute with the origin of the box in […]

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Wednesday Winner: Consanguinity

December 24, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Lara L. from Spicewood, TX. Consanguinity means a “close relationship or connection.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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XMAS

What Is the X in Xmas?

December 22, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?604 Comments

Here’s a holiday surprise that only the dictionary can provide. Do you find the word “Xmas,” as an abbreviation for Christmas, offensive? Many people do. You won’t find Xmas in church songbooks or even on many greeting cards. Xmas is popularly associated with a trend towards materialism, and sometimes the target of people who decry the […]

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thaumaturge blog

Word of the Day Quiz: February 17, 2015

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trend

11 Trending Words of 2014

December 18, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?252 Comments

Last year people couldn’t stop talking about twerk, selfie, and cronut, but what words captured people’s curiosity in 2014? To isolate the words that garnered new attention in 2014, we looked how this year’s lookups shifted in rank compared to 2013. Here are 11 that piqued our interest.

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lets

Word Fact: Let’s vs. Lets

December 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?23 Comments

In the comments of our Word Fact post about the difference between affect and effect, Carolyn K. wrote: Please, please, please, I beg you to do Lets vs. Let’s. Every sports team’s media/PR department does it wrong, and it drives me absolutely out of my mind! We thought this distinction was worth discussing because these […]

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Wednesday Winner: Chutzpa

December 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Prutha L. from Mumbai, India. Prutha chose chutzpa for its interesting pronunciation. Chutzpa means “unmitigated effrontery or impudence; gall” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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gift, present, Christmas

Do You Give Presents or Gifts?

December 15, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Language ?116 Comments

Where do the words gift and present come from? Why does English use both? It’s not just so that children can ask for toys in multiple ways. Language is not a linear, predestined development.

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WOTD_quiz_sternutation

Word of the Day Quiz: February 10, 2015

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tech_touchscreen

Vocabulary Unplugged: Technology and the Lexicon

December 11, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: computers, Language ?8 Comments

Even the least tech-savvy lexicographer understands that technology is a robust source of new words. As technologies move from the realm of science fiction into our everyday realities, new words and meanings spring up around them. While it is expected that names for these new technologies and the words describing our interaction with them are […]

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YWW_generic

Wednesday Winner: Happenstance

December 9, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Carleen J. from Mechanicsville, VA. Happenstance means “a chance happening or event.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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affect

Word Fact: Affect vs. Effect

December 8, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?45 Comments

Affect and effect are consistently among the most frequently looked up terms at Dictionary.com. The perennial interest is not surprising: both of these words can be used as verbs and nouns, and their meanings overlap thematically. This slippery duo can send even experienced writers into a spiral of uncertainty. Much of the confusion surrounding this pair […]

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Brobdingnagian

Word of the Day Quiz: February 3, 2015

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Wednesday Winner: Zoanthropy

December 3, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Kayla G. from White City, OR. She chose zoanthropy “for its bizarre definition as well as its ear catching ‘zing.’” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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nonesuch blog

Word of the Day Quiz: January 27, 2015

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/11/

yww_20141126_pabulum

Wednesday Winner: Pabulum

November 26, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Simisola O. from Abuja, MO. Simisola chose pabulum because “it sounds very interesting.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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railbird blog

Word of the Day Quiz: January 20, 2015

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chalkboard, averse, adverse

Word Fact: What’s the Difference Between Adverse and Averse?

November 20, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?18 Comments

The adjectives adverse and averse are related both etymologically and semantically, each having opposition as a central sense. Both come from the Latin root vert- meaning “to turn.”

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WOTY blog

Why Exposure Is Our 2014 Word of the Year

November 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, In the News, Language ?110 Comments

In 2014, the Ebola virus, widespread theft of personal information, and shocking acts of violence and brutality dominated the news. Vulnerability and visibility were at the core of the year’s most notable headlines. Encapsulating those themes, Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year for 2014 is exposure. The word exposure entered English in the early 1600s to […]

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Word of the Year 2014 Infographic

Dictionary.com’s 2014 Word of the Year Infographic

November 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: In the News, Infographics ?4 Comments

Download the infographic here.

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yww_20141119_chiaroscuro

Wednesday Winner: Chiaroscuro

November 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s word was chosen by Niteesh P. from Allahabad, India. Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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mackle blog

Word of the Day Quiz: January 13, 2015

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2014, numbers, confetti

What Do You Think the 2014 Word of the Year Should Be?

November 13, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: In the News ?1,129 Comments

As we near the end of 2014, we start to reflect on the year as a whole. But what word best embodies this year? Can any one word sum up the significant events and themes that marked 2014?

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cogitation blog

Word of the Day Quiz: January 6, 2015

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yww_20141112_clowder

Wednesday Winner: Clowder

November 12, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?17 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Sarah B. from Toledo, OH. She said she chose clowder because one of her favorite “animals is the domestic cat, and this is the word for a group of cats. Not only that, but it sounds like “chowder,” which not only is a type of food but is a television […]

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letter b, cursive

A Short History of the Letter B

November 10, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: alphabet ?45 Comments

The letter B was part of the Phoenician alphabet more than 3000 years ago in 1000 BCE. At that time, the letter was called beth and looked a little different, but it made the sound of b and was second in the alphabet.

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withregardsto

Word Fact: With Regard To or With Regards To?

November 5, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Word Facts ?31 Comments

Recently a couple of readers wrote to Dictionary.com with an issue they had with one of our slideshows from a few years ago. They objected to the following sentence: “Speakers tend to use [obviously]…to emphasize their point with regards to things that aren’t necessarily obvious…”

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niveous blog

Word of the Day Quiz: December 30, 2014

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yww_20141105_pusillanimous

Wednesday Winner: Pusillanimous

November 5, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?9 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by 3 people this month! Mark H. from Union, OH said he chose this word because “it sounds like a bad word but actually it’s a good descriptive word.” Graeme W. from Frankston, Australia said “I heard it used about 30 years ago and was fascinated by the […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/10/

hand-drawn letter A

What Animal Inspired the Letter A?

October 31, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: alphabet, etymology, Language ?451 Comments

There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the letter A. From its prestigious first place position to its interesting shape, tracing the first letter of the English alphabet uncovers a history that begins with, of all things, an ox. The letter A is derived from the Phoenician letter aleph—a western Semitic word referring to

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trick or treat

Why Do We Say “Trick or Treat”?

October 29, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, hidden meaning ?70 Comments

It’s one of a kid’s favorite parts of Halloween. There’s no feeling quite like waiting for a stranger to open his or her door so you can scream the words “Trick or treat!” But why do we say it? What does it actually mean? The practice of donning a costume and asking for treats from your neighbors dates back […]

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Wednesday Winner: Chthonian

October 29, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Cora B. from New Richmond, WI. She said she chose chthonian because “it sounds so dark and mysterious. I love how Tom Robbins used it in Jitterbug Perfume.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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halloween-big

What’s the Difference Between Ghouls, Goblins, and Ghosts?

October 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, hidden meaning ?122 Comments

Come Halloween, miniature ghosts, ghouls, and goblins ring your doorbell. But each of the three freaky frights has a different history and personality.

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chalkboard its

Word Fact: It’s Versus Its

October 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Word Facts ?18 Comments

English contains so many confusing words and punctuation marks you’d be forgiven for imagining some diabolical grammarian put them there to torture us. You’d be wrong, but it’s a reasonable assumption. One confusing pair that unites tricky words with slippery punctuation is its and it’s.

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mirth blog

Word of the Day Quiz: December 23, 2014

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larrikin blog

Word of the Day Quiz: December 16, 2014

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Wednesday Winner: Pavonine

October 22, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Richard N from Frisco, TX. He said he chose pavonine because “it’s exactly the right word for exactly the right situation.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Win Our New Premium App - Sign up for Word of the Day

October 18, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?15 Comments

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samuel johnson

Wretches and Drudges: The Humor in Johnson’s Dictionary

October 16, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History ?10 Comments

In honor of Dictionary Day, which marks the birthday of a pioneer of American lexicography, Noah Webster, we’d like to discuss the contributions and legacy of another dictionary editor, Samuel Johnson. Johnson authored the first comprehensive dictionary of English, Dictionary of the English Language, which was first published in 1755. The scope and quality of […]

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thalassic blog

Word of the Day Quiz: December 9, 2014

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yww_20141015_mythomane

Wednesday Winner: Mythomane

October 15, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Neal B. of Fredericksburg, TX. He said he chose this word because the ”propensity to confuse truth and fiction, or to accept falsehoods as facts has become rampant in the age of the internet. A mythomane - for whatever reasons - creates his or her own fiction so […]

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road

Word Fact: What Is the Difference Between Torturous and Tortuous?

October 11, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?13 Comments

Separated by just one pesky letter, these two similar-sounding adjectives can be torturous to keep straight. Or is it tortuous? Let’s take a look at the definitions and applications of each. Both of these terms come from the Latin verb torquere meaning “to twist.” This derivation is easy to detect in the meaning of tortuous, […]

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zyzzyva cropped

Dictionary.com Comes to Words With Friends

October 9, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?6 Comments

One of the greatest joys of language is the way it brings people together, whether in conversation or in a little friendly competition. Over the past five years, word lovers all over the world have been strengthening old relationships and fostering new ones with the help of the world’s most popular mobile word game, Words […]

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yww_20141008_wisenheimer

Wednesday Winner: Wisenheimer

October 8, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?4 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Cheri S. from Fremont, CA, USA. She said she chose wisenheimer because “in all my 40 years of teaching smart kids, I met a number of wisenheimers over the years.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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zoanthropy blog

Word of the Day Quiz: December 2, 2014

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homograph venn diagram

Word Fact: What’s the Difference Between a Homograph, Homonym, and Homophone?

October 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?20 Comments

These words are often tossed around by teachers and linguists. What do they really mean? The prefix homo- comes from the Greek word homós which meant “one and the same.” So all of these words describe some types of sameness. Homographs are words that are spelled alike, but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations. […]

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Dictionary.com’s 2014 Word of the Year Video

October 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: In the News ?3 Comments

Dictionary.com’s 2014 Word of the Year from Dictionary.com on Vimeo. Read why exposure was our Word of the Year here.

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yww_20141001_demesne

Wednesday Winner: Demesne

October 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Esther Y. from Gladstone, Australia. She said she chose demesne because “it’s such an unusual spelling for a word that we know as ‘domain’ - never have heard it pronounced correctly!” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/09/

nostomania blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 25, 2014

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frigorific blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 18, 2014

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yww_20140924_chansonette

Wednesday Winner: Chansonette

September 24, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Arush M. from New Delhi, India. Arush said he chose chansonette because he thinks ”this word, that means ‘a little song’, should help people learn more about music.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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chalkboard, i and me

Word Fact: Should You Say “Between You and I” or “Between You and Me”?

September 22, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Language, Word Facts ?315 Comments

Grammar is a combination of rules and conventions. What is the difference? Well, there are the rules, like a verb must agree with its subject. By that rule, “he say” is incorrect. Then there are conventions, which are uses of language that are common enough that even though they break the “rules” they become “correct” […]

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clowder_blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 11, 2014

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yww_20140917_higgledy-piggledy

Wednesday Winner: Higgledy-piggledy

September 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?10 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Jacinta E. from St. Charles, IL. She chose higgledy-piggledy “for both its meaning and sound effect” - how it sounds helps you remember what it means! Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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chalkboardbackground

Word Fact: I Couldn’t Care Less vs. I Could Care Less

September 15, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?125 Comments

When you want to colloquially express that you don’t care at all about something you might say “I couldn’t care less.” This phrase first popped up in British English at the turn of the 20th century and is still popular today. In the 1960s, a controversial American variant of this phase entered popular usage: “I […]

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Wednesday Winner: Scaramouch

September 10, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Bruce F. from Henderson, NV. He chose scaramouch for the ”sound and definition.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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pusillanimous blog

Word of the Day Quiz: November 4, 2014

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charactor

Word Fact: What’s the Difference Between “A While” and “Awhile”?

September 5, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?72 Comments

Few word pairs capture the idiosyncrasies of the English language as effectively as a while and awhile. Both of these terms are expressions of time, and both have been in use for over a century, but one is written with a space while the other is one word. What are the differences in meaning between […]

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puzzle pieces

Word Fact: What Is the Difference Between “Discreet” and “Discrete”?

September 4, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar, Word Facts ?133 Comments

This is another pair of homophones (words that sound alike but are different in meaning, spelling, or both) that can be very confusing. Discreet implies the showing of reserve and prudence in one’s behavior or speech. Discrete means something quite different: “distinct, separate, unrelated.”

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yww_20140903_pericope

Wednesday Winner: Pericope

September 3, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?4 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Jacqueline L. from Maplewood, MN. Jacqueline said she chose pericope because it “is a fun sounding word. You have to know how to pronounce it, you can’t depend on the spelling. It’s a good reminder of the variety of words in English and the flexibility of spelling rules.” […]

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september

If September Means “Seven” Why is it the Ninth Month?

September 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, etymology, hidden meaning, History ?341 Comments

We take the predictability of the calendar for granted. But we may have felt differently if we were living under the rule of Julius Caesar. September was the seventh month of the old Roman calendar. In this calendar, the year began in March. But the Julian calendar reform shifted the start of new year back two months to […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/08/

crapehanger blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 28, 2014

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Humpty Dumpty

Hidden Histories of 3 Popular Nursery Rhymes

August 29, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, hidden meaning ?56 Comments

Though written for children, nursery rhymes often conceal references to historical events. Here are the hidden stories behind three popular nursery rhymes. Humpty Dumpty This classic nursery rhyme is also a history lesson in the English Civil War.

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pulchritudinous

Wednesday Winner: Pulchritudinous

August 27, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?19 Comments

7 people submitted pulchritudinous! Here are some of our favorite reasons for choosing this word:

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college slang cheat sheet

Head of the Class: A College Slang Cheat Sheet

August 25, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, Language ?7 Comments

To help kick off the new academic year, we asked college students who use Dictionary.com to share slang they’ve heard around campus. We received more than 2200 responses in only a few days. Notable themes we noticed include the supernatural, food, and making out. We’ve highlighted our favorite responses below. Are you familiar with the […]

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pavonine blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 21, 2014

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TV

Origin Story: Why Do We Call Them “Emmys”?

August 22, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning ?19 Comments

Many viewers know the names and faces of the actors and actresses that walk the red carpet at the Emmy Awards, but few are familiar with the story behind the true star of the show: Emmy. Where does this popular awards show get its name? The word Emmy refers to the statuette that’s handed out […]

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singultus

Wednesday Winner: Singultus

August 20, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Linda G. of Grand Rapids, MI. She said she chose singultus because, “It refers to a common condition and it has a nice ring to it.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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ie_eg

Word Fact: What Is the Difference Between i.e. and e.g.?

August 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?41 Comments

They may be small, but their power to befuddle writers and speakers of the English language is mighty: what’s the difference between i.e. and e.g.? And what are the correct uses of these commonly confused abbreviations? The term i.e. is a shortening of the Latin expression id est, which translates to “that is.” It is […]

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duple blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 14, 2014

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web_redesign-square

News & Notes: Welcome to Our New Redesign!

August 14, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?56 Comments

We’re excited to announce the most significant redesign of our definition pages in Dictionary.com’s 19-year history. To help you find what you need quickly and easily, we’ve streamlined the pages and elevated the word features you love. We’ve also introduced exciting new items that bring words to life in innovative ways. Here’s a look at […]

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pizza, chalkboard

Word Fact: What’s The Origin of Pizza?

August 13, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Word Facts ?4 Comments

The word pizza is Italian for pie, but how that word wound up in Italian boggles etymologists. It may have come from the Latin pix meaning “pitch” or Greek pitta, but others say that it originated in a Langobardic word bizzo meaning “bite.”

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yww_20140813_desiderium

Wednesday Winner: Desiderium

August 13, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?No Comment

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Ronald O. of Ingelwood, CA. He said he chose desiderium because “it describes the feeling for something lost. Like losing a loved one.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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wisenheimer blog

Word of the Day Quiz: October 7, 2014

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newsnotes

News & Notes: iPhone 4.6

August 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?35 Comments

Welcome to News & Notes, our new blog to bring you the latest product updates and announcements at Dictionary.com! Since 1995, Dictionary.com has been bringing words to life for people all over the world, whether they want to increase their vocabulary, learn a new language, check their spelling, or hear how a word is pronounced. […]

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boobook blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 30, 2014

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yww_20140806_taradiddle

Wednesday Winner: Taradiddle

August 6, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Sakshi S. who chose taradiddle because “it is a less known word with a layman meaning. So with this opportunity I want the people around the globe to make the best use of it.”

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claires-kitchen

A Rogue Coinage: Manic Pixie Dream Girl

August 6, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, In the News, Language ?4 Comments

In 2007 film critic Nathan Rabin coined the term Manic Pixie Dream Girl in an attempt to classify Kirsten Dunst’s role in Elizabethtown. He first described this stock romantic character as a woman who “exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite […]

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august, chalkboard

Which Overachiever is August Named For?

August 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, etymology ?92 Comments

August has arrived. If you’re in Europe, it’s likely you’re taking an extended holiday. If you’re anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, you might just be trying to stay cool. August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar, and the sixth month of the Roman calendar. Its original name was Sextilus, Latin for “sixth month.” In […]

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broadway, street sign

Around the Web: Autocorrect and Common Street Names

August 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?9 Comments

The New York Times launched a new tool to analyze how they use words over time. A linguistic take on how we name bands today at the Morning News. Brush up on the history of autocorrect from Wired.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/07/

yww_20140730_disambiguate

Wednesday Winner: Disambiguate

July 30, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?4 Comments

Today’s word was selected by Dimitri A. from Montpelier, VT. He said he chose disambiguate because “it is one of the more unspoken words, yet its meaning is often seen everywhere else, just phrased differently.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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iwis blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 23, 2014

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yww_20140723_hemidemisemiquaver

Wednesday Winner: Hemidemisemiquaver

July 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s word was selected by Martin Q. from Newark, England. Martin said he chose hemidemisemiquaver because “I like the sound of the word when spoken, and I think it shows how clever language is when a word is built up to explain its meaning.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word […]

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pilar blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 16, 2014

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cliche

A New Hope for Tired Clichés

July 22, 2014 ?by: Orin Hargraves ?in: Language ?9 Comments

Dictionaries vary in particulars about the definition of cliché, but they all agree that a cliché is not a good thing; you will not find a definition that assesses clichés appreciatively, and chances are that when you use the word, it is either to lament that you do not have at hand a better expression, […]

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yww_20140716_Polaris

Wednesday Winner: Polaris

July 16, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Debra A. from Philadelphia, PA. She said she chose Polaris because “it is not used very often, and because I think it’s a word everyone should know and use every day.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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pratfall blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 9, 2014

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college slang survey

Take Our College Slang Survey

July 11, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Uncategorized ?3 Comments

Though summer vacation is still in high swing, we at Dictionary.com have our heads in the books. Are you a current college student? Have you noticed any slang terms in circulation on campus to describe collegiate life? Do you and your classmates have particular words to refer to a really difficult test or an all-night […]

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yww_20140709_panegyric

Wednesday Winner: Panegyric

July 9, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Roger L. of Richland, WA. He chose this word because it is “uncommon, but often used in classic English novels; a word that we don’t hear much but seem to encounter enough times in print that we want to remember its meaning.” Submit your favorite word here and it […]

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tintinnabular blog

Word of the Day Quiz: September 2, 2014

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apostrophe

Apostrophes 101

July 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Punctuation ?73 Comments

The apostrophe may be the most misunderstood punctuation mark in English. There are even websites dedicated to cataloging its misuse. Most punctuation marks fall between words to separate ideas or grammatical clauses, but the apostrophe is used within words and to combine multiple words which befuddles even native speakers.

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star-spangled banner 2

The Forgotten Verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

July 3, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, History, Language ?111 Comments

In 1814, the poet and lyricist Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” originally known as “Defense of Fort M’Henry.” During the War of 1812, Key witnessed the attacks on Baltimore and wrote the words based on his experiences this night. These lyrics were printed in local newspapers and set to the tune […]

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football, Brazil, soccer

Around the Web: Fútebol, Untranslatables, Bookbinding, etc.

July 3, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?3 Comments

Books About Language Where did Yiddish come from? We may never know. Before there was texting, there was shorthand. Here’s a handy article on how to write 225 words per minute with a pen. Why do writers use fake names?

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yww_20140702_lagniappe

Wednesday Winner: Lagniappe

July 2, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Donna G. from Wellesley, MA submitted lagniappe because it is “a lovely Cajun word, best spoken with a drawl, encapsulating their laid-back lifestyle and generosity of spirit.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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category thumbnail

Word of the Day Quiz: August 26, 2014

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this

This, It, and the Power of Pronouns

July 1, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Grammar, Language ?14 Comments

Earlier this year, bloggers at Gawker left behind internet slang for a formal style more in line with the New York Times than gossip blogs. As Gawker attempts to redefine itself as a publishing authority, its new editorial guidelines have adapted to explicitly forbid the language that Gawker’s readers recognize as an identifying component of […]

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Julius Caesar

How the Month of July Got Its Name

July 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, etymology, hidden meaning ?62 Comments

July, unlike June, is named for a mortal, albeit one who devised and ruled an empire. Julius Caesar was a Roman general, statesman, and historian who conquered Gaul (what is now part of Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands), changed the structure of the Roman government into a dictatorship, was assassinated in legendary fashion, and most importantly for our purposes, helped […]

(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/06/

banned words

When Publications Ban Words

June 27, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: computers, In the News, Language ?6 Comments

In April Gawker editor Max Read sent out a memo to the site’s writers with a list of banned words and practices. On the list, he includes internet slang such as “epic,” “derp,” “pwn,” “OMG,” and the standalone “this.” Read writes, “We want to sound like regular adult human beings, not Buzzfeed writers or Reddit […]

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college slang final

Infographic: A College Slang Cheat Sheet

June 26, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?5 Comments

Download the infographic here

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yww_140625_peckish

Wednesday Winner: Peckish

June 25, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Tom T. from Naples, FL chose peckish because “it sounds like what it is!” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Word of the Day Quiz: August 19, 2014

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futevolei edit

6 Portuguese Terms We Wish Existed in English

June 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language, translation ?58 Comments

Sometimes we’re at a loss for words, not because we’re speechless, but because no English term lends itself to the situation (or snack) at hand. At those times, we turn to other languages, celebrating them for the concepts we wish we could express so easily in English. Here are some of our favorite words from […]

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yww_140618_scofflaw

Wednesday Winner: Scofflaw

June 18, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was selected by Donna G. from Wellesley, MA. She chose this word because “it’s a beguilingly Dickensian portmanteau.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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center stage map

Center Stage: A Word Map for Music Festival Season

June 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?2 Comments

(Download the infographic here)

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guitar square

Center Stage: 21 Words to Know for Music Festival Season

June 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Language ?10 Comments

1. Bonnaroo This festival name may bring to mind a bonanza of kangaroos, but bonnaroo is actually a Creole slang word that means “best on the street.” The inspiration for this festival name was the 1974 album Desitively Bonnaroo by jazz legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John. Desitive is an obscure […]

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Father's Day

Dear Dad: Trending Lookups for Father’s Day

June 15, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Infographics, Uncategorized ?1 Comment

(Download the infographic here)

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Word of the Day Quiz: August 12, 2014

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fathers_day_edited

The Origins and Grammar of Father’s Day

June 14, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Grammar, History ?174 Comments

While Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914, Father’s Day took a little longer to be considered a national holiday. The origin of Father’s Day lies in two unrelated tragic events.

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The Seven Sisters Pose for Spitzer Ð and for You!

Where Does the Book Title “The Fault in Our Stars” Come From?

June 13, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: reading ?34 Comments

As more and more fans discover John Green’s best-selling novel The Fault in Our Stars thanks to the recent film adaptation starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, questions arise about this moving story: Is the book within the book, titled An Imperial Affliction, real? No. What happens to Hazel, the 16-year-old narrator, after the ending […]

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yyw_140611_foray

Wednesday Winner: Foray

June 11, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?4 Comments

Today’s Word of the Day was chosen by Hemant H. from Agra, India. Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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Word of the Day Quiz: August 5, 2014

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book, grass

Summer Reading Shortlist

June 4, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, reading ?130 Comments

Summertime brings summer reading, both the required kind and the just-for-fun variety. Whether you’re reading books in preparation for the slew of movie adaptations hitting theaters this summer (like The Fault in Our Stars, The Giver, or Gone Girl), brushing up on the latest installment of your favorite series, or indulging in a few long-awaited […]

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Word of the Day Quiz: July 29, 2014

Like our quiz? Sign up for our weekly Word of the Day Quiz email!

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sparge

Wednesday Winner: Sparge

June 4, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?No Comment

Sparge was selected by Brian W. from Cleveland, OH. He said, “It’s about a fun subject- brewing!” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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june, letterpress

Why Is the Sixth Month Called June?

June 2, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology ?101 Comments

For students and teachers alike, June is often their favorite month. School’s out and the days are long. But where did the first month of summer get its name? In Old English, this month was often referred to as simply “midsummer month.” It also may have been called “sere-month,” meaning “dry and withered,” though this […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/05/

yww_140528_meliorism

Wednesday Winner: Meliorism

May 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?7 Comments

Today’s Your Word Wednesday was selected by two of our users: E.G. from Hackensack, NJ and Maggie K. from North Attleboro. E.G. selected this word because “it has such a positive message” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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spelling bee

What Does the “Bee” in “Spelling Bee” Mean Exactly?

May 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology, Language ?150 Comments

As spellers from across the country and around the globe gather to take part in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, let’s try to settle a basic question: Where does the bee in “spelling bee” come from?

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letterpress alphabet

Enuf or Enough? Why Is English Spelling So Random?

May 27, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Grammar ?312 Comments

Have you had enough (or enuf) trouble spelling to make you want to scream (or skreem?) You are not alone. Since the 17th century, scholars have been protesting the irregularities that occur in English spelling. Reform movements can boast such iconic English-speaking figures Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, and Theodore Roosevelt. English is currently […]

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baby, name tag

The Most Popular Baby Names of 2013

May 21, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: In the News, naming ?65 Comments

The Social Security Administration recently released the most popular baby names of 2013, reminding Americans that even something as intimate as what you name your child is influenced by our shared cultural zeitgeist. Rather than just look at last year’s data, we decided to chart how the top five names have shifted in popularity since […]

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YWW: Abecedarian

Wednesday Winner: Abecedarian

May 21, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?1 Comment

This week’s Your Word Wednesday was selected by four of our users. Here are their reasons for choosing abecedarian: Michelle D. from Old Bridge NJ said “it amuses me that the word for someone learning the alphabet would be pronounced ABC-darian. It’s a fun word.” Kiera E. from Charleston, SC said “it’s fun to say. It’s […]

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high school lockers

What Does “Sophomore” Mean? Can It Be an Insult?

May 15, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, etymology ?38 Comments

Of the four tiers of high school, sophomore is the year that stands out as strange. Freshman, junior, and senior are relatively clear monikers for their associated levels, and it’s funny that in school, the place where you are most expected to know the how and why of everything, second-year students are called by a […]

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Your Word Wednesday: Grabble

Wednesday Winner: Grabble

May 14, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Paul D. from St. Austell, NY told us he chose the word grabble because it is “the perfect blend of grope and scrabble.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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yww_140507_wanderlust

Wednesday Winner: Wanderlust

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?5 Comments

19 people submitted wanderlust! Here are some of our favorite reasons for choosing this word: Alan Q. said he chose this word because “Wanderlust is a word that is part of us all, with its desire to travel and discover. Curiosity is an essential part of who we are, and wanderlust is a special and […]

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Dallas

Your City in a Word: Dallas

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?3 Comments

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for Dallas: 1. peep 2. wayside […]

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Chicago

Your City in a Word: Chicago

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?No Comment

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for Chicago: 1. peatier 2. swaddle […]

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Washington, DC

Your City in a Word: Washington, DC

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?No Comment

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for Washington, DC: 1. gun-control 2. […]

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Philadelphia

Your City in a Word: Philadelphia

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?No Comment

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for Philadelphia: 1. subnormal 2. shellfish […]

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St. Louis

Your City in a Word: St. Louis

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?2 Comments

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for St. Louis: 1. what-if 2. […]

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la

Your City in a Word: Los Angeles

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?5 Comments

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for Los Angeles: 1. walking stick […]

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Boston

Your City in a Word: Boston

May 7, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?1 Comment

We looked at all words people were searching for in the US for the months of February and March of this year, and then looked at the words people were searching in major US cities to compare those words to the national averages. Here are the top ten outliers for Boston: 1. fender-bender 2. rhabdo […]

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your city in a word

Your City in a Word

May 5, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?10 Comments

We’ve always wondered: do different cities tend to look up different words in the dictionary? Luckily, we can look at the data to see what’s trending in different metropolitan areas! Our analytics team took our search data from February to March of this year and analyzed the national averages against top looked up words in […]

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may, metal type, vintage letters

How Did the Month of May Get Its Name?

May 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology ?177 Comments

If you frequent our posts, you may detect a common theme: behind the everyday nature of common words, surprising meaning and history often lurk. Case in point: this very month of May. The fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, May, is named after a goddess named Maia. But which goddess named Maia?

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/04/

Wednesday Winner: Axiomatic

Wednesday Winner: Axiomatic

April 30, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Joseph from Nutley, NJ told us he chose axiomatic because “Its definition escapes the any identity of the word.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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capital m

Getting to Know the Em Dash

April 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Punctuation ?40 Comments

As we mentioned in our recent post about the hyphen, the en dash and the em dash are two of the most misunderstood punctuation marks in English. How should you use them? The en dash is primarily used in continuing numbers or dates taking the place of “to” or “through,” as in “The festival will […]

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caterpillar

Cankers, Caterpillars, and Malt-worms: 3 Shakespearean Insults

April 25, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: hidden meaning, History ?15 Comments

Great insults pepper the comedies and tragedies of William Shakespeare. (Though the Bard of Avon is known for his terms of endearments as well.) From A Midsummer Night’s Dream to King Henry IV, here are a few of our favorites. You canker blossom! This flowery barb is delivered by the newly lovelorn Hermia in A […]

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William Shakespeare, neolgoism

Shakespeare’s Novel Neologisms We Still Use

April 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, etymology, History, Language, reading ?138 Comments

In honor of William Shakespeare, we’d like to share some words popularized by the Bard himself. Shakespeare died on April 23rd and was baptized on April 26th; his actual birth date remains unknown.We hesitate to definitively say that Shakespeare coined the following terms. While that may be the case, it’s hard to know for sure […]

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Your Word Wednesday: Scherzo

Wednesday Winner: Scherzo

April 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Kim from Stone Mountain, GA told us she chose scherzo because “I love the way it sounds. And the meaning is very pleasant, too.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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tuesday, wood block

Tuesday Is Named for a One-handed God Named Tiw. Who Is He?

April 22, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, etymology, naming ?165 Comments

Yes, it’s true. Tiw’s remarkable myth involves women with beards (more on that in a bit.) Regardless, the past 1,000 years or so have not been kind to this Northern European divinity. To make a long story short, it seems that Tiw used to be a big shot, up there with Odin and Thor in Norse mythology. […]

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easter egg, turquoise

The Other Easter Eggs: Coded Messages and Hidden Treats

April 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning, History ?1 Comment

The term Easter egg started popping up in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its original meaning refers to a hollowed-out or hard-boiled egg, dyed or painted for decoration. It can also refer to an egg-shaped item, such as a receptacle or chocolate, given as an Easter-time gift. In the 1980s, however, the term Easter egg […]

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Easter Island

Why is Easter Island named “Easter”?

April 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, translation ?17 Comments

The instantly recognizable statues on Easter Island (887 of them), called moai, have perplexed and fascinated explorers, experts and average folks since the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen came across it in 1722. And Mr. Roggeveen is the reason it’s called Easter Island. He and his crew dropped anchor on Easter Sunday. The current inhabitants of Isla de […]

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yww_140416_picayune

Wednesday Winner: Picayune

April 16, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Aishwarya from Rocky Mount, NC chose picayune because it is a “very unusual word I learnt in GRE.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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yww_140409_ad-infinitum

Wednesday Winner: Ad Infinitum

April 9, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?3 Comments

Shirley L. from New York, NY said she chose ad infinitum because “It is a really unique word and rarely does this word get used in our daily life.” Submit your favorite word here and it could be chosen as one of our Word of the Day selections!

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hyphen, typewriter

How Do You Use a Hyphen?

April 4, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Punctuation ?43 Comments

The hyphen, along with its cousins the en and em dash, may be the most misunderstood punctuation mark in English. Hyphens are used to join parts of a word or compound phrase, as in ex-wife, full-length mirror, and by-the-book negotiations. As the Chicago Manual of Style puts it, “Far and away the most common spelling […]

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Your Word Wednesday: Ambivert

Wednesday Winner: Ambivert

April 2, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?4 Comments

Salim U. told us he chose ambivert for the following reason: “I’m one.” Submit an entry to Your Word Wednesday here.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/03/

april

Why Is April Called “April”? The Answer Is a Mystery!

March 31, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology ?303 Comments

Mark Twain once wrote: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.” Twain is referring to the first day of April or, as it has come to be known as, April Fool’s Day. While the first day of the fourth month of the […]

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Print

Where Does the Fool in April Fools’ Come From?

March 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: date, History ?44 Comments

The origins of April Fools’ Day are uncertain, but one theory is that it began in 1582, when France adopted the Gregorian calendar. Before this time, New Year’s Day fell on March 25 rather than January 1. Those who continued to celebrate the old New Year at the beginning of April were called “fools” by […]

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writing

Write a poem for National Poetry Month

March 28, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Product ?20 Comments

In honor of National Poetry Month, we want to see your Word of the Day-inspired poems. Write a poem featuring our Word of the Day each Friday in April and submit it here. We will announce the winners from each week on the following Tuesday. The winning poems will be published on the Dictionary.com Blog, viewed by millions of […]

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basketball

Bunnies or Basketballs: A March Madness Exploration

March 27, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning ?7 Comments

A few years ago, Brendan Koerner over at Slate chronicled the evolution of the name of the annual college basketball tournament March Madness. He reminds us that there was actually a civil lawsuit about whether the college teams could use the term, which had been used by a high-school tournament in Illinois. The expression has […]

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Dictionary of American Regional English: Volume V Sl-Z

Know Your Collywobbles from Your Mulligrubs with the Dictionary of American Regional English

March 26, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Language ?21 Comments

Many American English speakers know that people say pop in Chicago, soda in Philadelphia, and coke in New Orleans, and that they all refer to a carbonated, flavored, and sweetened soft drink. But most of us don’t know that a blue norther is a cold wind in Texas or a pogonip is a dense, icy […]

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Your Word Wednesday: coxcomb

Wednesday Winner: Coxcomb

March 26, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?No Comment

Kathy T. told us she chose coxcomb for the following reason: “It’s description, ‘a conceited, foolish person’, and its pronunciation, fits it to a tee! It describes several well - known people (and lesser known people). Example: He fancied himself a brilliant and and all - knowing orator. Standing proudly at the podium, dribbling his […]

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solstice, baobab, sunset

What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox?

March 20, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, History, space ?8 Comments

The equinox occurs twice a year. The vernal equinox happens around March 21, when the sun moves north across the celestial equator. The autumnal equinox occurs around September 22nd or 23rd, when the sun crosses the celestial equator going south. The word equinox comes from Latin and means “equality of night and day.”

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Woden, Odin

Wednesday’s Named for Two Very Different Gods

March 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, Language ?137 Comments

The name Wednesday derives from two mighty but distinct gods. The Old English word for Wednesday indicates that the day was named for the Germanic god Woden. In Romance languages, the name is derived from the Roman god Mercury. (For example, Wednesday is mercredi in French and

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Your Word Wednesday: susurrant

Wednesday Winner: Susurrant

March 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?No Comment

Ravenna H. told us she chose susurrant for the following reason: “It’s lovely…” Submit an entry to Your Word Wednesday here.

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julius ceasar

The Amelioration of a Term: Lean

March 13, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, History ?15 Comments

As the Ides of March rolls along, minds turn to Julius Caesar, whose assassination occurred on March 15 in 44 BCE. William Shakespeare tells one of the most popular fictionalized accounts of this famous Roman’s life in his tragic play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, first performed in 1599. Of its many memorable lines, perhaps […]

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pi, mathematical symbol

What’s the Origin of the Word “Pi”?

March 13, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: computers, etymology ?97 Comments

March 14 marks Pi Day, the holiday commemorating the mathematical constant p (pi), written numerically as 3.141592+. Since mathematic notation is a language that uses symbols from a multitude of alphabets and typefaces, it seems only fitting that this sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet get a little attention. The Latin name of the Greek letter p […]

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chair

Musical Chairs: What Janet Yellen’s New Title Really Means

March 12, 2014 ?by: Rebekah Otto ?in: etymology, hidden meaning, In the News, Language ?10 Comments

When Janet Yellen was confirmed as leader of the Federal Reserve Board, she changed the title of her position from chairman to chair. Though this shocked the media, who were both elated and censorious, the term chair has been used in this sense for a very long time.

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Your Word Wednesday: claptrap

Wednesday Winner: Claptrap

March 12, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?1 Comment

Philip T. told us that he picked claptrap for the following reason: “Because we all put up with claptrap every day.” Submit an entry to Your Word Wednesday here.

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clock, vintage

Is It Daylight “Saving” Time or Daylight “Savings” Time?

March 8, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: date, Grammar ?55 Comments

Come the second Sunday in March, most Americans are turning their clocks ahead one hour, or springing forward, in preparation for the summer months.

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Your Word Wednesday March 5, 2014

Wednesday Winner: Cockalorum

March 5, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?2 Comments

Edwin B. told us that he picked cockalorum for the following reason: “It’s a word that you can never guess or even imagine the definition to, and do to its spelling and pronunciation it catches the attention of people who are not familiar with the word. It can also replace in a way the saying ‘having […]

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Hand with calender.

Is There a Connection Between March the Month and “Marching”?

March 3, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: date, etymology ?74 Comments

The name March is derived from the Roman Martius named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March 1st marked the first day of spring, which coincided with the beginning of the calendar year and the start of the military campaign season—which may explain why soldiers “march into battle.”

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/02/

silver screen, old theater

Why Do We Call It the Silver Screen? A Look at 3 Old Hollywood Terms

February 28, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: etymology, In the News ?31 Comments

Since its introduction in the early 20th century, the film industry’s contributions to the English language have been manifold. Some terms, along with the concepts they described, were fleeting. Take Smell-O-Vision, the olfactory movie-going experience in which plot-related scents were pumped into the theater during screenings; it made its debut and last appearance in the same […]

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trophy

Congrats to the Super Short Story Winners

February 27, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?9 Comments

We challenged our followers on Twitter to submit a Super Short Story using our Word of the Day and less than 140 characters. Of the hundreds of submissions, we chose these that stood out to us:

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typerwriter, vintage, antique

Super Short Story Contest

February 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?38 Comments

Can you write a compelling story in 140 characters or less? Give it your best shot with our Word of the Day-inspired Super Short Story Contest. The winner will not only have bragging rights, but will also win an iPod!

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minecraft

Get in the Game: 10 Gaming Terms Decoded

February 21, 2014 ?by: Lauren Sliter ?in: Language ?47 Comments

Gaming terms can be as foreign to non-gamers as technical jargon and quantum mechanics, but a closer look at the gamer’s glossary reveals many of the words to be intuitive extensions of words and concepts familiar to the non-gamer. Here are some gaming terms defined and explained for the gamer in all of us. Roguelike […]

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vote

Your Word Wednesday

February 19, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Your Word Wednesday Winners ?357 Comments

It’s now your chance to help select the Dictionary.com Word of the Day, seen by over 15 million people every day. Submit your favorite word and tell us why you feel it should be selected and you may see it featured as part of Dictionary.com’s Your Word Wednesday.

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House of Cards

What’s a Whip? House of Cards Lexicon

February 14, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: hidden meaning, In the News ?No Comment

As Netflix releases the much-anticipated second season of House of Cards, viewers brace themselves for some serious binge-watching. In the show, main character Frank Underwood’s job title is House Majority Whip, and in the British 1990s version of House of Cards, the corresponding character is a Chief Whip. Do these titles have anything to do […]

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candy, Valentine's

Lesser-known Terms of Endearment

February 14, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: date ?5 Comments

Why settle for ubiquitous pet names like “honey,” “sweetie,” and “darling” when you could woo your beloved with lesser-known noms d’amour that capture the truest essence of your romance?

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valentine's day searches

Sweet + Sour Synonyms

February 14, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?3 Comments

(Download the infographic here.)

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Love Search Volume

Love Is All You Need

February 14, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?2 Comments

(Download the infographic here.)

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courtship, dancing

The Lost Language of Love and Courtship

February 13, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Lexical Investigations ?44 Comments

To modern ears, the following excerpt from Anthony Trollope’s He Knew He Was Right, published in 1869, sounds risqué. Trollope writes: It is not pleasant to make love in the presence of a third person, even when that love is all fair and above board; but it is quite impracticable to do so to a […]

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trending, graph, chalkboard

Soaring Searches: January’s Trending Lookups

February 11, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language ?12 Comments

Dictionary lookups often reflect the themes, topics and trends that are dominating the news headlines at any given time. In January 2014, lookups for obscure foods, popular films and tricky government terms ballooned. Here are a few of the most interesting searches that spiked.

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Gold medal

Go for the Gold: The Strange History of Olympic Medals

February 3, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, History, Language ?19 Comments

At the first Olympic Games back in 776 BCE, competitors did not receive medals. Instead the top athletes were crowned with wreaths made of olive leaves. This tradition continued until Roman emperor Theodosius I (or perhaps his son) abolished the Olympics around the year 400 CE. The revival of the Olympics dates from the late […]

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February

The Odd Original Name of February

February 1, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: hidden meaning, Language ?224 Comments

Though February is the shortest month of the year, it often feels like the longest in cold, snowy climates. Why does the month have only 28 days? First here’s a little history of our calendar. The original Roman calendar only had ten months, because the winter was not demarcated. In the 700s BC, the second […]

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2014/01/

Curtain opening

Something Look Different on the Dictionary.com Homepage?

January 31, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?13 Comments

If you happen to be one of the lucky users who’re encountering our new test pages, it might’ve surprised you. Right now we’re testing new versions of the Dictionary.com homepage. Our goal with these tests is to create a better user experience for you, our valuable users. We want to surface our daily updated content […]

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Denis Diderot

Poetry must have something…

January 29, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Quotes ?No Comment

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grammys

Lyrics & Lexicon: Grammys 2014

January 24, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning ?6 Comments

Today—in honor of the Grammys—we explore the literary legacies, word origins, and surprising factoids behind some of the expressions and terms in the lyrics that had many of us singing along in 2013.

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string telephone, listening

We’re Listening. What Words Do You Think We Should Add to Dictionary.com?

January 24, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language ?321 Comments

Earlier this week, we announced that we’d added hundreds of new words to the dictionary, including Google Glass, Obamacare, and many others. But we’ve been wondering: what additional terms do you think we should add to Dictionary.com?

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handwriting

Take Time to Celebrate a Dying Art: Handwriting

January 23, 2014 ?by: M. Carnetnoir ?in: Current Events, reading ?24 Comments

January 23 marks an obscure holiday that Dictionary.com, despite being a website, fully endorses: National Handwriting Day. Handwriting Day is not just a holiday dedicated to penmanship. Today is about you, and what makes you you. Your handwriting is unique and it is personal. It is as important and distinctive as your fingerprints.

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graphology, handwriting, penmanship

Does Your Handwriting Really Say Something About Your Personality?

January 23, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: alphabet, hidden meaning, Language ?204 Comments

Graphologists, or self-proclaimed handwriting experts, claim that it does. Specifically they claim that individuals who share certain personality traits write in a similar fashion, so graphologists analyze handwriting to deduce the character traits of the writer. In the early 1900s, Milton Newman Bunker invented the most common graphology technique called graphoanalysis. (Other methods of graphology […]

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bro

Are You a Bro?: Brocab 101

January 22, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: In the News, Language ?75 Comments

Think back on this: 2007 was a big year for the bro. The famous phrase “Don’t tase me, bro!” catapulted into meme-status, and The Onion published a pristine piece called “Bro, You’re A God Among Bros” which parodied the tendency of bros (or brahs, if you prefer) to create portmanbros like Bromo sapien and brofessional. […]

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Crib, conjunctions

Around the Web: Cribs, Conjunctions and Listicles

January 17, 2014 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?4 Comments

What happens when a language’s last speaker dies? Why can’t we tell a Californian accent from a Canadian one? A linguistic investigation of the term crib (inspired by MTV Cribs) leads back to Shakespeare.

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because

Because X: The New Use of an Old Word

January 9, 2014 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: In the News, Language ?87 Comments

On January 3, approximately 200 linguists at the American Dialect Society conference gathered to vote on what their 2013 Word of the Year should be. While creative coinages sharknado, doge, bitcoin, selfie, Obamacare, and twerk all received nominations, it was an old word used in new ways that most excited linguistics this year: because.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2013/12/

autocorrect square

Autocorrect: How does it work? Do we need it?

December 30, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: computers, Grammar ?87 Comments

Autocorrect is almost as old as personal computers. Even some of the earliest word processors had a spellcheck feature that suggested alternative words if a word you typed did not appear in its internal dictionary. Certainly, today, autocorrect has come a long way since the Cupertino effect. What’s the Cupertino effect? Well, in its early […]

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yule_big

What Does Yule Really Mean?

December 23, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Language ?23 Comments

The lyric from “Deck the Halls” goes “Troll the ancient yuletide carol.” Amidst all the fa-la-la-ing, did you ever ask yourself exactly what yuletide is? Yule is the ancient name in the Germanic lunar calendar for a winter festival corresponding to December and January. Later, yule referred

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Santa Claus, Krampus

Meet Krampus, Santa Claus’ Disturbing Sidekick

December 22, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?55 Comments

Christmas isn’t simple. If you think you’ve got a handle on its melange of Christian, pagan, and national traditions, here’s one more wrinkle. In Austria and Hungary, and some parts of Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Northern Italy, a bleak myth describes what happens during the Christmas season to children who have misbehaved during the past year. According to legend, unruly kids are paid […]

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furlough

Around the Web: Privacy, Furloughs, and Crosswords

December 20, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?1 Comment

On Tuesday we announced that privacy is the Dictionary.com 2013 Word of the Year. Here’s our reasoning (and our infographic too). We also unveiled the misspelling of the year. Friend of Dictionary.com Tyler Schnoebelen explains.

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Crossword

Who Invented the Crossword?

December 20, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language ?42 Comments

The English journalist Arthur Wynne is usually credited with inventing the crossword. His first puzzle, which was called a word cross, was published in 1913. But some people believe that the first crossword puzzle was actually published in an Italian magazine in the late nineteenth century. It was called per

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misspelling

Misspelling of the Year 2013

December 19, 2013 ?by: Tyler Schnoebelen ?in: Current Events, Language ?219 Comments

To explore the psyche of a people, do not look at what they do-look at what they do wrong. Today, we introduce the Misspelling of the Year. A word that was looked up significantly more this year than the year before. A word with lots of different misspellings. A word in the news. The word: […]

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Word of the Year, Privacy

Why Privacy Is Our 2013 Word of the Year

December 17, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?95 Comments

From PRISM and the Edward Snowden scandal to the arrival of Google Glass, 2013 was the year that the desire to be seen and heard was turned on its head. Consider the following: In January, the TSA scrapped airport body scanners that produce near-naked images of travelers; In June, Edward Snowden revealed the widespread global-spying […]

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Word of the Year 2013, privacy, infographic

The Year in Privacy: 2013

December 17, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Infographics ?12 Comments

Why did we select privacy as the Word of the Year in 2013? Here’s our analysis. (Download the infographic here.)

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Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s Neologistic Contributions to English

December 15, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: reading ?16 Comments

In honor of Jane Austen’s birthday on December 16, we’d like to highlight some entertaining words that appear in her books and letters. For the following terms, Jane Austen has the distinction of being the first citation in the OED; this doesn’t necessarily give Austen coinage credit, though it does mean that she was an […]

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driving while texting

The Dictionary Just Got a Little Bigger

December 15, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language ?22 Comments

2013 was an exciting year for the English vocabulary. Some long-simmering terms like twerk bounced into the spotlight, while new coinages (from the trendy cronut and selfie to the serious Obamacare) cemented their place in the English language. As the English language grows and evolves, so must our dictionary. Here are just a few words […]

hobbit, Tolkien

Where Does the Word Hobbit Come From?

December 13, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language, reading ?216 Comments

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892. In honor of the author’s beloved "Lord of the Rings" series of books, we pay tribute to his fantastic creation, the hobbit. Hobbits are similar to humans, but they are short and have hairy feet. Bilbo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and Frodo Baggins are the most-well known hobbit examples. In J.R.R. […]

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chalkboard

Around the Web: Mandela’s Literary Legacy and Tongue Twisters

December 13, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?85 Comments

Did you know there is a “color of the year”? For 2014, it’s “radiant orchid.” Nelson Mandela’s literary legacy from The Guardian. The Acoustical Society of America announced the most difficult tongue twister in the English language:

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mansplain

Word Watch 2013: -splain

December 6, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, Language ?46 Comments

The term mansplaining received the high honor of being nominated as one of the “most creative” new words at the American Dialect Society 2012 Word of the Year vote. In addition to being creative, this term, particularly the -splaining part, has proven to be incredibly robust and useful as a combining form in 2013, and […]

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Bay Psalm Book

Around the Web: Norwegian Books, Axes, and ALL CAPS

December 6, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web, Grammar ?2 Comments

In memoriam of Nelson Mandela, reflect with his thoughtful quote on freedom. In case you missed it because of Thanksgiving, the first book published in America sold (pictured) for $14 million. Is the period pissed? Computational analysis supports this hypothesis. Also, ALL CAPS aren’t as angry as they used to be.

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ski, lean in

Word Watch 2013: Lean In

December 5, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events ?23 Comments

As flashy and fun as the terms selfie and binge-watch are, it’s important to keep in mind another, more business-casual buzzword of 2013: lean in. This term existed before Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg started using lean in to encourage women to embrace challenge and risk in the workplace. Traditionally lean in has been used in the context […]

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twerk, bear, dancing

Word Watch 2013: Twerk

December 4, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, Language ?96 Comments

This year, the word twerk bounced its way into the universal consciousness of English speakers thanks to the controversial performance of Miley Cyrus at the MTV Video Music Awards in late August. Only a few days later, Oxford Dictionaries Online announced its quarterly update, listing twerk among the new additions (additions that had been planned […]

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television, binge-watch

Word Watch 2013: Binge-watch

December 3, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events ?20 Comments

In terms of media consumption, 2013 has been an eventful year. Thanks to the ease of on-demand video streaming on sites like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video, film and video lovers have gravitated toward a few increasingly useful words to describe their novel viewing habits. One word on the rise this year is binge-watch.

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Word of the year

What Do You Think the 2013 Word of the Year Should Be?

December 3, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?205 Comments

It’s that time of year again: as 2013 comes to a close, we start to reflect on the year as a whole. In the coming weeks, we’ll feature neologisms, trending words that increased in look-up volume, and more. But what word best embodies this year? Can any one word sum up the significant events and […]

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moon, moonshine, moonstruck, over the moon

Moonstruck: 9 Terms of the Lunar Lexicon

December 2, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: hidden meaning, Language, space ?28 Comments

Whether speculating on the havoc it wreaks when it’s full or waxing poetic on the beauty of its glow, people love talking about the moon. This age-old fascination with our celestial satellite has resulted in a lexicon loaded with lunar-themed words, phrases, and meanings.

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/2013/11/

hanukkah, chanukah

How Do You Spell Chanukah?

November 26, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, translation ?119 Comments

Hanukkah begins this week. So does Chanukah, Hannukah, Hannukkah, and Channukah. Confused? We don’t blame you. Why is this Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, spelled in so many ways? The answer comes down to transliteration. Unlike translation,

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turducken

What Birds Are in a Turducken? What Dish Outdoes It?

November 24, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?120 Comments

Consider the dish named with one of the greatest portmanteaus of all time: the turducken. If you’ve never heard of turducken and you are a meat lover, prepare to rejoice. A turducken is a de-boned chicken (or hen) stuffed into a de-boned duck, which is then stuffed into a de-boned turkey.

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turkey

The Mistake that Gave Turkey (the Bird) the Same Name as Turkey (the Nation)

November 23, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: animals, Current Events, etymology, hidden meaning ?276 Comments

The former center of the Ottoman Empire isn’t exactly a breeding ground for the bird that Americans associate with Thanksgiving. In fact, the turkey is native to North America, so why do they share the same name? First, let’s get the facts on the two turkeys. The word turkey has been used to refer to “land occupied […]

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Lincoln

Around the Web: Selfies, Lincoln, and the National Book Awards

November 22, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?3 Comments

Doris Lessing passed away. In memoriam, read her interview in The Paris Review. Tuesday was the 150th Anniversary of the the Gettysburg Address, one of the great speeches of American history. NPR and the Smithsonian reflect. Wednesday the National Book Awards were announced: James McBride’s The Good Word Bird won top honors. More details from The New […]

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yams, sweet potatoes

Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same Thing?

November 21, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology ?92 Comments

The yummy portion of your Thanksgiving dinner that happens to be orange ? is it made of yams or sweet potatoes? Even if you think you used yams, they might be sweet potatoes after all. Yams and sweet potatoes are in fact two different root vegetables. And unless you shop in a specialty store, it’s likely that you’ve […]

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huh

Around the Web: Valley Girls, Huh, and McDonald’s New Name

November 15, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?12 Comments

Huh? These three letters make one of the only universally understood words in the world. Slate explores this in a video. On Wednesday, Electric Literature hosted a Twitter contest for #LitWords, clever neologisms inspired by books, like Ohwellian meaning “resigned to dystopia.” Here are the winners. The widely maligned Valley Girl uptalk may have originated […]

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selfie

Selfie: A Portrait of a Word

November 14, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: etymology, Language ?73 Comments

As Word of the Year decisions approach, the lexicography team at Dictionary.com has been reflecting on words that have risen in popularity this year. One such word is selfie. In case you’re unfamiliar with this term, selfie means “a photo that one takes of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam, especially for posting on […]

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book-big

By the Book: 7 Literary Tributes in Popular Music

November 9, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: naming ?119 Comments

Have you ever felt so inspired by a good book that you wanted to break into song? Many bands and recording artists have acted on that impulse by working elements of their favorite novels, short stories, or poems into their musical repertoires. Here are a few of our favorite salutes to literature in popular music.

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Around the Web: Madder Victorian Pandas

November 8, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?3 Comments

Is madder a real word? When Obama used it in a tweet, there was outrage that it was not grammatically correct. The Guardian asks us all to calm down. Trying to learn another language? Good, it may delay dementia. Struggling? Avoid these 10 common mistakes. Do different languages confer different personalities? The Economist explores. And […]

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Is Text Messaging Ruining English?

November 6, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: reading ?181 Comments

With every generation come cries that teenagers are destroying the language with their newfangled slang. The current grievance harps on the way casual language used in texts and instant messages inhibits kids from understanding how to write and speak “properly.” While amateur language lovers might think this argument makes sense, experts say this is not […]

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Lexical Investigations: Anarchy

November 5, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?13 Comments

Anarchy The word anarchy has held the negative connotations of lawlessness leading to disorder and chaos since the sixteenth century, but in 1840, the first self-proclaimed anarchist started to project a more positive sense of the word. Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (pictured) wrote in his work What is Property? that, “property is robbery,” and that, “Although a […]

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7 Timeless Epistolary Novels

November 2, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: reading ?6 Comments

The term epistolary, meaning “consisting of letters,” entered English in the 1600s from the Greek term for “message” or “letter.” An epistolary novel is a story told exclusively through fictionalized letters, emails, newspaper articles, and other primary sources. The form experienced a popularity surge in the mid-1700s, and has since structured some of the most […]

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Around the Web: Dolphins, Brontes and Thanksgivukkah

November 1, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?No Comment

The front line for language use in China is Wikipedia, where editors are fighting battles both political and linguistic. In related news, Chinese bloggers use wordplay to evade censorship.

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What do the Ms in “M&M” stand for? And who is the “tootsie” in a Tootsie Roll?

October 30, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language ?123 Comments

Dreading the Halloween stash? You’ve probably begun to wonder what the names on many of those wrappers mean. Here’s the meaning behind the names of a few popular confections. • Forest Mars, Sr. saw soldiers eating hard-shelled chocolates during the Spanish Civil War, inspiring the mass production of

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Who is the “Jack” in “Jack O’ Lantern?”

October 29, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning ?155 Comments

This week thousands of Americans will scoop out the flesh of a gourd, crudely carve a haunting face into its rind, and stick a candle inside. Then the jack-o’-lanterns will proudly be displayed on porches and stoops. Who or what is this wacky tradition named after? The British can claim ownership of the original use [...]

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What’s the difference between ghouls, goblins, and ghosts? Which one is truly disgusting?

October 27, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, hidden meaning ?66 Comments

Come Halloween, miniature ghosts, ghouls, and goblins ring your doorbell. But each of the three freaky frights has a different history and personality. Only one of them has alarming tendencies towards necrophagia. One of the only features these staples of the supernatural share is their ghastliness. Ghosts are considered to be the souls of the dead. They

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Around the Web: Letters, Dudes and Glitches

October 25, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web, naming ?3 Comments

Baby names seem to be perennially interesting, if only because we are all anxious about what our names say about us or how the names of our children will impact their lives.

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Lay vs. Lie: Miley, Sufjan, and Grammatical Snafus in Pop Stardom

October 24, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Grammar ?42 Comments

Singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens wrote an open letter to Miley Cyrus addressing her use of the word laying in her song “Get It Right.” The lyric in question: “I been laying in this bed all night long.” Before addressing the grammatical sin of “I been,” Sufjan explains that Miley should have used the word lying in [...]

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Around the Web: Nobels, Twitter and Dying Alphabets

October 18, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Around the Web ?15 Comments

It’s prize time! Alice Munro won the Nobel Prize in Literature. The New Yorker has kindly made many of her stories available for free. Eleanor Catton won the Man Booker Prize, and the National Book Award finalists were announced (with free excerpts).

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How do I get a word into the dictionary?

October 16, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Language ?40 Comments

“I coined a new word. How do I get it into the dictionary?” This is, by far, the question lexicographers hear the most. People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

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The Past and Future of the Dictionary

October 15, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, Language ?30 Comments

Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1775, was the first comprehensive dictionary in English. Before this time, dictionaries were often glossaries of difficult words, neglecting more basic terms.

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History of Lexicography

October 15, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Infographics ?No Comment

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Columbus, America

Why is it called America, not Columbusia?

October 13, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: date, Education, etymology, Language ?265 Comments

American place names can sound pretty confusing even to native English speakers. From Philadelphia (Greek for “loving brother”) to Chicago (Algonquian Fox for “place of the wild onion”), the map of America is an etymological hodge-podge. For a clear example, take three adjacent states in New England. Vermont is an inverted, rough translation of the French for “green [...]

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Breaking Bad? Word Stories Behind Four Popular TV Shows

September 27, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Language ?35 Comments

Television has a habit of repurposing and repackaging common sayings into names of shows, from Three’s Company to Orange Is the New Black, and it’s easy to understand why: idioms are packed with rich associations that resonate instantly with viewers, and when applied to titles of the small screen, they quickly communicate the sensibilities of the [...]

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Like vs. Like-Like: A Look at Reduplication in English

September 26, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Language ?112 Comments

You can like someone, and then you can LIKE-like someone. These two things, though they both involve liking, have different meanings. The first one could mean that you like a person as a friend or you have a crush on that person, depending on the context. However, the second type of like—the LIKE-like—unambiguously implies that [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Flair

September 24, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, Lexical Investigations ?12 Comments

The word flair has been around in English for a long time—since the mid-14th century—however, the senses that most English speakers are familiar with did not enter English until much later. While the noun form of flair entered English from the Old French word of the same spelling, this term ultimately came from the Late [...]

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What’s All the Mumble About? An Exploration of Hollywood’s New Favorite Word

September 19, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology ?19 Comments

If you’ve tuned into entertainment news lately, a curious word may have caught your ear: mumblecore. It’s surfaced recently surrounding the release of Drinking Buddies, a romantic comedy starring Olivia Wilde and Jake Johnson. The term was rumored to have been coined in jest by a sound editor in 2005, but the construct has demonstrated [...]

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What does “literally” have to do with the ironic uses of “definitely” and “totally”?

September 17, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Grammar, History ?38 Comments

With all the recent hullabaloo about the figurative sense of literally, language enthusiasts have given much thought to this often maligned term. Recently we discussed how the metaphorical extension of literally is nothing new — it’s been around since the 1700s — and now we’d like to explore a few other adverbs and their ironic uses. Let’s focus on [...]

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friday, 13

Triskaidekaphobia is “the fear of 13.” Are you aware of why today is considered unlucky, anyhow?

September 12, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language ?87 Comments

Can you turn to the person next to you, look them in the eye, and honestly say that you have never felt a twinge of concern in the morning when you realize it is Friday the 13th? It’s time for triskaidekaphobes to acknowledge their shared superstition, learn its possible source, and try to gain some insight into [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Frugal

September 10, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, Lexical Investigations ?24 Comments

Frugal is a great word for thrifty people because it glorifies the idea of saving without any of the negative connotations of cheap or miserly. English speakers started using frugal at the turn of the 17th century. While the noun form had already existed in English since the 1530s, the earliest citing of the adjective [...]

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If September means “seven” why is it the ninth month? Also, why is it “lucky seven?”

September 5, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, date, etymology, hidden meaning, History ?258 Comments

We take the predictability of the calendar for granted. But we may have felt differently if we were living under the rule of Julius Caesar. September was the seventh month of the old Roman calendar. In this calendar, the year began in March. But the Julian calendar reform shifted the start of new year back

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Lexical Investigations: Motley

September 3, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, History, Lexical Investigations ?14 Comments

The exact origin of motley is uncertain, but it’s likely to have come from the Middle English word mote, meaning “speck.” It makes sense then that mottled and speckled have similar meanings. Mottle is actually a back formation of motley.

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5 Kickin’ Words to Rock Your First Composition

September 1, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?No Comment

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Lexical Investigations: Paragon

July 30, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?14 Comments

Today’s meaning of paragon as a model of excellence has been around since the Middle French of the 1540s, but before then, this word’s history is a bit more complicated.

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Lexical Investigations: Outlier

July 23, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?12 Comments

Outlier was such a useful and long-established term that, in 1865, geologists coined inlier, so that they could have a contrasting word with the opposite meaning. So why has inlier fallen into disuse today? Maybe it’s because people and things that exist outside the mainstream are inherently more interesting, and therefore are more talked about. Today, [...]

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What’s in a Name? The Royal Baby’s Possible Monikers

July 18, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology, History ?127 Comments

A novel game of Name That Baby has swept the UK this month as the imminent birth of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child has Brits flocking to gambling sites, casting their predictions for the royal tot’s name along with its sex, hair color and future profession.

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Lexical Investigations: Noble

July 16, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?32 Comments

When it comes to the word noble, the senses “royal” and “distinguished” are probably quite familiar, but there are many other uses of this word that might surprise you. Just as a noble person of virtue can resist manipulation, since the 14th century, stones and metals that resist corrosion are also said to be noble.

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Words with Multiple Meanings

July 12, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?1 Comment

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In the News: Yeezus, Simile, and Metaphor

July 8, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Grammar ?89 Comments

If you’ve tuned in to the recent media blitz surrounding Kanye West and his new genre-bending, chart-topping album Yeezus, you may have picked up on a theme: this man likes to pronounce his greatness. He does it in a myriad of ways. In his recent compulsively quotable interview in New York Times, he did it [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Genius

July 8, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?38 Comments

When did people shift from having a genius to being a genius? Starting in the 14th century, a genius denoted a guardian spirit, and someone with extraordinary talent was said to have a genius, because his or her gift was thought to be the result of some supernatural help.

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Of Hashtags and Hate-watching

July 5, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: etymology, Language ?78 Comments

2013 has certainly been a big year for the hashtag. While hashtags were beginning to spread beyond the context of their original Twitter use last year, this year has seen other websites such as Facebook adopt the hashtag as a social-media tool.

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Oh, say can you hear? A look at our national anthem’s poetic roots

July 3, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, History ?8 Comments

This weekend, many Americans will gather with loved ones to commemorate our country’s heritage by firing up the grill, admiring some fireworks, and attempting to sing one of the most difficult songs in the English language. “Star-Spangled Banner” was adopted as our national anthem in 1931, and its soaring melody and densely packed lyrics have [...]

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Pluto has two new moons. What are they named?

July 3, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology, Science ?20 Comments

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) announced the names for two new moons of Pluto (everyone’s favorite dwarf planet). Like Pluto’s three other moons (Charon, Nix, and Hydra), the two new satellites are named for figures from Greek myth: Styx and Kerberos.

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(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2013/06/

Do e-readers change the way we read?

June 27, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: computers, Language, reading ?33 Comments

New words enter English all the time. One major source of new words and senses is technological innovation. If a device is created that didn’t previously exist, it needs a name, and if the device is popular enough, that name, along with other words to describe the functions of the device, enters widespread usage. So [...]

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In the News: Big Brother on the Brain

June 26, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events ?19 Comments

The recent uncovering of Prism, the covert digital surveillance operation carried out by the National Security Agency, has the airwaves and blogosphere abuzz with a phrase that packs a hefty political and emotional punch: Big Brother. Journalists, reporters, bloggers, and even the president have employed the term in recent weeks to refer to the US [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Critical Thinking

June 25, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?34 Comments

Though the phrase critical thinking wasn’t coined until the early twentieth century, its principles can be traced back to Aristotle. The educator and psychologist John Dewey first used the phrase in its modern sense in his 1910 book How We Think, though there are instances of the words appearing together in texts before this time.

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Wait a minute, is this solstice “Midsummer Eve?” Let us explain . . .

June 19, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, Science ?103 Comments

The Gregorian calendar tells us that the summer solstice marks the longest day of the calendar year and the beginning of the summer season in the northern hemisphere. However, literature refers to a point called Midsummer Night. So which, and when, is it? This is a celestial quandary that involves the sun, the earth and…William [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Bomb

June 18, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?44 Comments

People have been dropping the word bomb in many different ways for years, and it’s easy to see why: because it’s such a short and evocative word, it’s perfect for slang. At times bomb has meant a large sum of money, a marijuana cigarette, a nice car, and an old beat up car.

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What’s the origin of the word “nice?”

June 17, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: etymology, History, Language ?39 Comments

Recently the phrase “nice guy” has been used to describe guys who are anything but “nice” by current standards. Before it was taken down, the blog The Nice Guys of OkCupid showcased images from online dating profiles of self-proclaimed “nice guys” overlaid with misogynistic quotes taken directly from the text of these same profiles.

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What is the grammatical error that accompanies Father’s Day?

June 14, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, Grammar ?166 Comments

In Hindu tradition, Father’s Day coincides with the new moon day, or Amavasya, during late August. In Thailand it is customary to honor thy father with a Canna flower. And in Germany, Vatertag is celebrated on the Thursday forty days following Easter. In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in [...]

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10 Summer Words

June 14, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics, Uncategorized ?No Comment

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Dad? Pops? Father? Why so many names for the same person?

June 13, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, hidden meaning ?258 Comments

Sunday is called Father’s Day, but many of us refer to our male parents as Dad or Papa rather than by the more formal “father.” Why does English have so many names for the same person? And where do they all come from?

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Animal Names That Will Pique Your Child’s Curiosity

June 12, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Infographics ?No Comment

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Lexical Investigations: Wit

May 28, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?27 Comments

Though today we most often think of wit as a particular kind of humor, historically it has referred more generally to mental faculty. In the time of Chaucer, for example, wit could mean a way of thinking, much as we use mind today in phrases like “we were of one mind” or “he had a [...]

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What does the “bee” in “spelling bee” mean exactly?

May 25, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, etymology, Language ?118 Comments

As spellers from across the country and around the globe gather to take part in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, let’s try to settle a basic question: Where does the “bee” in “spelling bee” come from?

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More Thoughts On the Nonstandard Uses of “Slash”

May 14, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, hidden meaning, Language, Punctuation ?45 Comments

A couple weeks ago Anne Curzan wrote an article for the Lingua Franca blog about new slang uses of the word slash. This article particularly interested me because I, like her students, have been using the slash in these ways for the last five-plus years. As a linguist slash huge nerd, the first thing I [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Dogma

May 14, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?34 Comments

At the turn of the 17th century, dogma entered English from the Latin term meaning “philosophical tenet.” The Greek word from which it is borrowed means “that which one thinks is true,” and comes ultimately from the Greek dokein which means “to seem good” or “think.”

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Lexical Investigations: Camouflage

May 7, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?41 Comments

Camouflage Before it was a military term, camouflage was French street-slang popular among pickpockets and other shadowy figures in 1870s Paris. A combination of the Italian word camuffare (to disguise) and the French word camouflet (puff of smoke), this word described a common practice among thieves:

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The Original American Flapper

May 3, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: etymology, History ?27 Comments

In a 1923 interview Zelda Fitzgerald told a reporter that she loved her husband’s “books and heroines,” especially the heroines who were like her. She explained that she liked girls like Rosalind Connage, a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1920 novel This Side of Paradise, because she admired “their courage, their recklessness and spendthriftiness.” She [...]

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(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2013/04/

Lexical Investigations: Echelon

April 30, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?18 Comments

Echelon Echelon comes from the French échelon, a word whose literal meaning is “rung of a ladder.” Today the term applies generally to a level or rank of accomplishment or authority, but initially it was confined to military use in reference to a step-like formation of troops. While echelon entered English in a military context, [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Hypochondriac

April 23, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?16 Comments

Hypochondriac Hypochondriac comes ultimately from the Greek word hypokhondria, which literally means “under the cartilage (of the breastbone).” In the late 16th century, when hypochondriac first entered the English language, it referred to the upper abdomen.

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Who coined the term “fashionista”? Where did the -ista suffix come from in the first place?

April 22, 2013 ?by: Jane Solomon ?in: Current Events, etymology, History, Language ?13 Comments

In light of a recent article about the birth of the word “fashionista,” we’d like to delve into the -ista suffix in hopes of understanding why English speakers combine it with certain words. But first, let’s look at “fashionista.” This word originally appeared in Stephen Fried’s 1993 biography of supermodel Gia Carangi. He invented it [...]

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Shakespeare’s Novel Neologisms We Still Use

April 19, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Education, etymology, History, Language, reading ?125 Comments

In honor of William Shakespeare’s birthday on April 23, we’d like to share some words popularized by the Bard himself. We hesitate to definitively say that Shakespeare coined the following terms. While that may be the case, it’s hard to know for sure that the list below contains terms invented by the beloved playwright.

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Lexical Investigations: Etymology

April 16, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?22 Comments

Etymology For a word that originates from the Greek term etymon, which literally translates to “true sense,” etymology certainly has a lot of untruth surrounding its existence since it entered English in the late fourteenth century.

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What if a password didn’t contain words?

April 9, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Current Events, neurology ?126 Comments

We’ve already discussed that hackers use dictionaries to help hack your passwords, but what if your passwords were controlled by your mind, not by words? Researchers at UC Berkeley’s School of Information announced that they are working on technology that reads your mind to open your email account, buy an app on iTunes, and check [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Karma

April 9, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?65 Comments

Karma Karma entered English as a religious concept in the nineteenth century, but as it gained popularity, it took on additional meanings, that while still spiritual, are not loaded with the same religious connotations as the original sense.

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Lexical Investigations: Aesthetician

April 2, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?27 Comments

Aesthetician If you’re not sure which spelling is correct, aesthetician or esthetician, you might be surprised that neither is the original. The word aesthetic became commonly known among English speakers in the 1830s, when translators including Samuel Taylor Coleridge and movements such as transcendentalism popularized German philosophy.

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(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2013/03/

Lexical Investigations: Sentimental

March 25, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Lexical Investigations ?35 Comments

Sentimental, a word intrinsically tied to Romanticism, entered English in the mid-eighteenth century, about 50 years before the Romantic era was in full swing. Scholars officially date the Romantic period from around 1800 to 1850, with the publication of William Wordsworth’s Lyrical Ballads in 1798 marking the palpable beginning of the era.

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Introducing Thesaurus Rex

March 25, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: Product ?2 Comments

We are very excited to introduce our new app Thesaurus Rex for iOS! Why is a powerful thesaurus essential? English, with its long history of absorbing terminology from a wealth of other tongues, is a language particularly rich in synonyms-words so close in meaning that in many contexts they are interchangeable, like the nouns “tongue” [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Desiderata

March 19, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?91 Comments

Desiderata Desiderata is a plural noun, with the singular form desideratum, meaning “things wanted or needed”: “Happily-ever-after” and “eternal love” appear to be the desiderata of the current generation to whom “fat chance” say those of us who are older, wiser and more curmudgeonly. For many, the word desiderata most often evokes the famous poem by [...]

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Lexical Investigations: Awkward

March 12, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?58 Comments

A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. (Awesome and awful once meant nearly the same [...]

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How do you use this slippery piece of punctuation: the slash?

March 7, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: etymology, Grammar, History, Punctuation ?109 Comments

The slash (/)—sometimes called a slant, a solidus, a stroke, or a virgule—is a commonly employed symbol in the English language. Whatever you want to call this piece of punctuation, its role in English has greatly changed over time.

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Lexical Investigations: Labyrinth

March 5, 2013 ?by: Dictionary.com blog ?in: History, Language, Lexical Investigations ?45 Comments

A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. (Awesome and awful once meant nearly the same [...]

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(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2013/02/

Lexical Investigations: Balaclava
A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. (Awesome and awful once meant nearly the same thing.) CONTINUE READING »

When the language of life meets the language of literature: encoding Shakespeare into DNA
From the birth of the sign to the development of new words, we’ve investigated many facets of our living language here at the Hot Word, but rarely do we have the opportunity to look at the language of life itself—DNA. As you might remember from 7th-grade science, DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecular structure that stores the genetic code for all life forms. CONTINUE READING »

Lexical Investigations: Mazel Tov
A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. (Awesome and awful once meant nearly the same thing.) CONTINUE READING »

How do you say “basketball” in Latin? And what does it have to do with the retiring pope?
News of Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement has brought the Latin language to the front and center of minds worldwide. For one thing, the Pope announced his retirement in Latin. Giovanna Chirri, an Italian journalist assigned to the Vatican beat, was able to break the story before her peers thanks to her knowledge of the dead language. CONTINUE READING »

Lexical Investigations: Holistic
A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. CONTINUE READING »

The Value of Signs: Saussure’s rebuttal
We’ve reached the final installment of our series on Ferdinand de Saussure and the scintillating study of semiology. In our last post we left our friend Saussure in a rather unflattering light, when we explored the first scientific evidence against his hypothesis: that the relationship between the sign (a word) and the signified (the concept a word represents) might not be as arbitrary as Saussure posited. CONTINUE READING »

Are Scrabble tile values in need of an overhaul?
Invented by out-of-work architect Alfred Butts during the Great Depression, Scrabble is a staple of word lovers’ lives. The popularity of this beloved game took off in the mid-1950s and has been an essential part of the canon of classic board games ever since.

Lexical Investigations: Art
A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. (Awesome and awful once meant nearly the same thing.)CONTINUE READING »

When dictionaries are a matter of life or death…
Two recent events have raised the complicated question of whether or not dictionaries belong in courtrooms. A murder trial in Virginia was disrupted because the jurors illicitly consulted two dictionaries and a thesaurus. (The defense is currently seeking a mistrial.) And even on the Supreme Court it seems dictionaries are being misused. CONTINUE READING »

Baltimore Ravens: The only football team named after a poem!
A lot of football teams are named after birds (e.g., the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons), but of all our feathered mascots only one comes from a poem: The Baltimore Ravens.

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Why is the San Francisco football team called the 49ers?
When the California Gold Rush began in 1848, American football didn’t exist. But those aggressive gold miners would give their nickname to a football team one hundred years later.
Gold was first found in Northern California in January 1848, and it took about a year for the news to travel and inspire thousands of fortune seekers to head west. CONTINUE READING »

Lexical Investigations: Appendix
A motley combination of Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and Germanic dialects, the English language (more or less as we know it) coalesced between the 9th and 13th centuries. Since then, it has continued to import and borrow words and expressions from around the world, and the meanings have mutated. (Awesome and awful once meant nearly the same thing.) CONTINUE READING »

Was Saussure wrong?
Welcome to the second installment in our series on Ferdinand de Saussure and the linguistic science of semiology. Now where were we?
In the last post we discussed Saussure’s theory of the “sign” as a combination of the “signified” (the concept represented by a word) and the “signifier” (the spoken or written word doing the representing). CONTINUE READING »

Where do words come from? Do they really mean anything?
How do we use language? We use it to express ourselves through speech, to record our experiences or to invent and tell stories in writing. But before all that begins, before a word leaves our lips or a pen hits the page, we use language in our heads. This code we share is more than a “simple naming process.” It’s the means by which we form our thoughts and interpret the world around us. CONTINUE READING »

The words you want to banish in 2013
Last week, we discussed the Worst Words of 2012. We were originally inspired by past lists from Lake Superior State University in Michigan. Every year they compile words that were misused, overused, and abused, and this week they released their list for 2013, which included some choice words that we had overlooked: CONTINUE READING »

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The Worst Words of 2012

2012 has been an interesting time in the life of our lexicon. From new coinages to new usages, English has had a nice growth spurt. But now as this century enters its teens, let’s say goodbye to some of the words we’ve grown out of. Some words outgrow their usefulness, or through overuse, they become meaningless, like an overplayed song on the radio. Here are a few terms that we’d rather leave behind in 2012. CONTINUE READING »

How do you sign “heterogeneous mixture” to a deaf person?

Imagine you’re sitting in a high school biology class or a college chemistry lab. The professor is giving a heated lecture using a whole host of long, difficult words. But every time she says “heterogeneous mixture” or “Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle” she spells out the entire term one letter at a time. That’s what life is like for deaf students and professionals in the sciences. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/11/

Why “bluster” is our 2012 Word of the Year

You may recall that last year we selected a rare word, a tongue-twister of sorts, as the 2011 Word of the Year: tergiversate which means “to change repeatedly one’s attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.” Rather than pick a word that rose to prominence through common usage during the year (like Occupy or Arab Spring), we selected a word hidden in the dictionary that encapsulated an overall quality of 2011. CONTINUE READING »

What should the 2012 Word of the Year be?

You may recall last year our editors selected an unusual, rare word, a tongue-twister of sorts as the 2011 Word of the Year. We picked tergiversate which means “to change repeatedly one’s attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.; equivocate.” CONTINUE READING »

11/11: Why is today so special

11 is a very odd number and has been subject to much interpretation over the ages. According to Yahoo! News, medieval scholars believed that while most numbers had positive and negative qualities, the number 11represented pure evil. Find out what “eleven” literally means here. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/10/

How the prefix “franken-” took on a life of its own. . .

As Halloween quickly approaches, Frankenstorm is sneaking up on the East Coast. Forecasters are calling the hurricane headed for New York, New Jersey, and as far inland as Ohio, “Frankenstorm” because (like the monster in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus) this storm is stitched together from three different weather systems CONTINUE READING »

Whom: is this rare pronoun really dead?

To whom it may concern:

Over the past 200 years written use of the pronoun whom has declined by half, and half again over the last 50. It makes sense. In the colloquial world of email and texting, thinking about the correct usage of whom can just slow writers down. CONTINUE READING »

Could an animal speak? Not just bark or meow, but actually speak.

From Dr. Doolittle to Jane Goodall, human-animal communication has occupied our thoughts both in fiction and in reality. Dogs recognize their names when they are called; researchers have successfully taught primates to communicate in sign language; and the famed African gray parrot, Alex, built a vocabulary of over 100 English words out of which he learned to form cogent sentences. All of these examples show humans reaching out to communicate CONTINUE READING »

Who put the extra $ in Ke$ha? Where did the $ come from?

From the California dance band !!! to MIA spelling out her name in dashes, musical artists seem to love putting symbols in their names. Perhaps none more notable than pop star, Ke$ha who differentiates herself with a single letter substitution. CONTINUE READING »

How much talking does your body do?

The phrase “body language” or nonverbal communication often gets tossed around. From public speaking to a first date, our movements and facial expressions say a lot about our feelings and intentions. Now, as we enter into political debate season, politicians’ body language will be under just as much scrutiny as their remarks, and if the candidates aren’t careful, they might misspeak without saying a word. CONTINUE READING »

SAT writing scores drop to lowest in history. What does this mean for America’s vocabulary?

What comes to mind when you think about getting into college? Your grades, your personal essay, and of course, your SAT scores. The test that rules the lives of so many high school students was first administered in 1926. At that time “SAT” stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test. But today, after countless name changes the exam is simply called the SAT Reasoning Test, and those three fateful letters stand for nothing at all. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/09/

Do babies speak with an accent?

We all know that infants don’t actually speak with an accent because they don’t really speak at all. But for a long time scientists presumed that infants’ brains could not process sounds at all. Professor Patricia Kuhl, the director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Learning at the University of Washington, wanted to test this notion. CONTINUE READING »

What word did you last look up, and why?

Recently we asked members of the Dictionary.com Facebook page a simple question: What was the last word you looked up, what was the specific issue you were trying to solve, and what were the circumstances? The results floored us. At last count, more than 450 people shared their stories. Here are a few examples:

“Looked up “enure/inure” for supervisor as he was unsure of meaning and I had never heard of the word.”

“Wanderlust. I used it in conversation and the person I was with had never heard it. I decided best to check I had the meaning right!”

“Dawdle: looking for another way to say futz.”

Now we would like to hear from you. In the comments below, tell us the most recent word you searched for, what was the piece of information that you were trying to answer, and what were you doing at the time?

How did this new species of monkey get its name, and what does it mean?

You may have read the news about the discovery of a new species of monkey in Africa, known as the Lesula, or Cercopithecus lomamiensis. The announcement of any new species is thrilling, and Lesula is only the second new primate species to be identified in the past 28 years. When something as rare and significant as this occurs, we immediately turn to where nature meets the dictionary: its name.

When an animal is verified by the scientific community as a new species, who decides its name? And what does the name mean? CONTINUE READING »

Why do left and right mean liberal and conservative?

During the election season the words left and right denote political affiliation more than spatial direction. But where do these associations come from?

The left hand has long been associated with deviance. The word “sinister” originally meant “to the left” in Latin. The word “left” comes from the Old English word lyft, which literally meant “weak, foolish.” CONTINUE READING »

Could English exist without the letter G?

Can you imagine a world in which the sounds of G and C were both represented by the letter C? Try to imacine it.

Believe it or not, for much of their history, the sounds of C and G were represented by the same symbol. Eventually, however, both sounds received their own differentiated symbols. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/08/

Does grammar matter in the workplace?

Certain employers say it’s important to them that their workers exhibit good grammar. But is bad grammar a valid reason to bar someone from a job?

Recently, in the Harvard Business Review, Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit and founder of Dozuki, wrote an article called “I Won’t Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar.” In the article, Wiens argues that it is important to CONTINUE READING »

Two words may cost $548 million? Find out why

Words are powerful, but rarely can you put a specific dollar value on them. Here’s a case where two words have put a chunk of change at stake: How about half a billion dollars?

Earlier this month, the Santa Clara Valley Water District in Northern California turned in a ballot proposal to put a $548 million tax measure before voters. When the group submitted the text of the proposal, it was CONTINUE READING »

How do people cheat at Scrabble?

A promising young Scrabble player was just ejected from a national five-day tournament in Florida after he was caught cheating. You may be wondering: how can you cheat at Scrabble? CONTINUE READING »

What is lost when a language goes extinct?

Are some languages able to express certain ideas better than others? Are there concepts that exist in particular languages and nowhere else? As more and more languages become extinct, linguists are realizing that they contain a type of knowledge beyond simply a different set of words and grammar.

In the next fifty years, linguists believe that 3,500 languages will CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/07/

Do you ever wish you could eliminate some of the ambiguity in English? Read about a language that was created for that purpose.

Have you felt that English wasn’t rationally constructed? Do you ever wonder, for instance, why we made “affect” and “effect” seem so similar when they mean two different things? Or why “you’re” are “your” sound identical, but are dissimilar in meaning? Couldn’t we have designed something little bit more simple? About two decades ago, a group in Washington, D.C. attempted to do just that. CONTINUE READING »

Do P and R come from the same letter?

Do you ever stop and look at the shape of our alphabet? Each letter looks natural to us now, but all those lines and circles have unique histories. It’s easy to make assumptions that our letters make sense, that they developed in some orderly logical way, and one reasonable assumption would be that P and R are related to each other based on their form. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/06/

What should you call the # symbol?

On Facebook and Twitter, you tag your friends with the @ symbol and topics with the #. If you see something that says #WordoftheDay, the tweet or post will concern the Word of the Day in some way. But what do you call the # symbol? Where did it come from? Its myriad names and its appearance are intertwined. The # symbol is commonly called the pound sign, number sign and more recently the hashtag. CONTINUE READING »

Linguists recently found an Indo-European language hiding in rural Pakistan. Learn its story here.

At some point you’ve heard about the concept of language “families.” Generally, common sense defines how language relationships work: geographic neighbors often share a common ancestor. If this story were consistent, however, there wouldn’t be anything interesting for us to talk about. Take for example, this amazing discovery stemming from 20 years of research. CONTINUE READING »

What do the NBA finals have to do with a grammatical nightmare?

Why do the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder sound so odd? Most sports teams—the Bulls, the Knicks, the Lakers, the Celtics—are ordinary plurals. However, the Heat and the Thunder are mass nouns; they are unquantifiable. You cannot have five thunders or three heats, even though there are 12 players on a roster. CONTINUE READING »

Dad? Pops? Father? Why so many names for the same person?

Sunday is called Father’s Day, but many of us refer to our male parents as Dad or Papa rather than by the more formal “father.” Why does English have so many names for the same person? And where do they all come from? CONTINUE READING »

Can you see the difference between those symbols?

Though one of the least-used letters, X has a remarkable way of getting attention. Last year we talked about the varied uses of X: Gen X, Xbox, XOXO, the X chromosome. British dramatist Ben Jonson wanted to remove the 24th letter from the alphabet CONTINUE READING »

Dictionaries attack! Hackers use dictionaries to guess your passwords

If you are one of the 161 million members of LinkedIn, you were probably rankled by the news earlier this week that millions of their passwords had been hacked and published online - especially if you also use your LinkedIn password for your Facebook, e-mail or bank account. One way hackers fish out passwords is by using a dictionary attack (a name that brings shame to the honorable CONTINUE READING »

Obscure language isolate will die with this woman

Seventy-five-year-old Gyani Maiyi Sen is the only native fluent speaker of Kusunda in the world, and linguists are rushing to record the unique language. Around the globe languages are dying rapidly as more and more people are learning global languages instead of maintaining their native tongues. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/05/

What does this guy have to do with the comma? He invented it.

The comma’s ancestors have been used since Ancient Greece, but the modern comma descended directly from Italian printer Aldus Manutius. (He’s also responsible for italics and the semicolon!) In the late 1400s when Manutius was working, a slash mark (/, also called a virgule) denoted a pause in speech. (Virgule is still the word for comma in French.) Manutius made the slash lower in relation to the line of text and curved it slightly. CONTINUE READING »

Language debate sparks fistfight in the Ukrainian Parliament

In 1991, after 69 years as a Soviet Republic, Ukraine became an independent state. Today Ukraine’s only national language is Ukrainian, even though many citizens still speak Russian. In the Ukrainian Parliament last week the President Viktor Yanukovych’s party proposed a new law to make Russian the second official language in the eastern regions of Ukraine (where much of the CONTINUE READING »

Congratulations Class of 2012!

Are you graduating this year? Or is your niece, brother, cousin, or aunt graduating? This is the season of academic achievement and celebration. We wanted to offer our congratulations to all of you (and your family and friends) who are graduating this year and commencing the rest of your careers.

In this season, we were also wondering, where do graduation traditions come from? Why are there weird hats and even weirder robes? CONTINUE READING »

Kraft’s new snack brand confounds all

Kraft Foods just announced its new global snack business: Mondelez. According to the company, it’s pronounced “mon-dah-LEEZ”. If this sounds unfamiliar or simply odd, don’t doubt yourself: it is an invented word based on the Latin for world (mundus) and delicious. Despite that clever origin, the word still sounds funny CONTINUE READING »

English used to have gendered nouns?! Yes!

If you speak another language like Spanish or German, you are familiar with grammatical gender. In Romance languages (and many others), nouns have a gender. In French, a chair is la chaise, a feminine noun, and a hat is le chapeau, a masculine noun. But did you know that English used to have gendered nouns too? CONTINUE READING »

What were the top baby names in 2011?

Every year the Social Security Administration compiles the most popular names for newborns in the United States. What were the most popular names in 2011? CONTINUE READING »

What do these flowers secretly say?

Like precious stones and tarot cards, flowers have a secret meaning that only some understand. Different flowers represent sorrow, repentance, unrequited love, or beauty. Here are some of the most popular Mother’s Day flowers and their associated meanings. Do you know what these blooms really mean? CONTINUE READING »

What long-forgotten goddess is May named for? Why is May also a verb?

If you frequent our posts, you may detect a common theme: behind the everyday nature of common words, surprising meaning and history often lurk. Case in point: this very month of May.

The fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, May, is named after a goddess named Maia. But which goddess named Maia? CONTINUE READING »

Two related languages are found on opposite sides of the globe.

Have you heard the story of the Tower of Babel? According to the Bible, all of humanity lived together in harmony, until God decided to confuse the languages and spread the people across the Earth.

This story points to one of the great mysteries of human culture: why do we all speak different languages? Our ancestors probably began using language between 200,000 to 50,000 years ago. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/04/

What is the controversy that “hopefully” caused?

Last week, the Associated Press Stylebook announced a significant change in their guidelines: the word “hopefully” (as in “it is hoped”) can now appear in newspapers. According to the Washington Post, this makes them barbarians.

You may be wondering, what is the AP Stylebook? And why does it matter? CONTINUE READING »

Do essays make you nervous? You’re not alone.

We’ve written about how autocorrect and contextual spelling programs (like Microsoft Word and others) are actually changing English (in some cases killing off words.) We haven’t mentioned something obvious, but crucial: Technology is turning us into much more careless writers. CONTINUE READING »

We added more than 300 updated and new definitions to Dictionary.com!

We updated our dictionary! You now have a new and improved Dictionary.com. How can something be both “new” and “improved”? We added 183 new words and updated 146 existing definitions to reflect our ever-evolving language. We also added more detailed notes about word usage, word history, and synonyms to some very particular words CONTINUE READING »

Can baboons read? Kind of.

Earlier this year, French behavioral scientist Jonathan Grainger and his team taught baboons to read. Well, not exactly. They taught the baboons to recognize words. The baboons played a game on a computer screen. When a fake word appears, they were supposed to press a blue plus sign. When a real word shows up, they were supposed to press a green circle. CONTINUE READING »

Are some languages really faster than English? Does that mean slower languages are less effective?

Think of when you’ve listened to someone speak Spanish or Japanese. Does it seem the words flow out very quickly, faster than other languages? Academics would agree with you. For the last decade, linguists have speculated that different languages are spoken at significantly different rates. The challenge has been how to measure the respective speeds. CONTINUE READING »

Does the smell of bacon affect the meaning of a word?

A new study is so fascinating that we immediately wondered how it would apply to words. You, of course, are our greatest resource for insight. After you read about the experiment, help us think about how word meanings change depending on what else is going on around you. CONTINUE READING »

When did the letter U enter the alphabet? It will surprise you.

There was no letter U in the alphabet. Well, that’s not the entire story. There was the sound for the letter we call U, but it didn’t look like U. It looked like V. The Classical Latin alphabet had only 23 letters, not the 26 that we have today. (This is why the W looks like a double V but is pronounced like a double U. CONTINUE READING »

Would you do better on a standardized test if distracting words were removed?

With more than one million students, the New York City Department of Education is the largest public school district in the United States. Recently, the massive school system put out a request to companies who make standardized tests to buy exams that did not include offensive or potentially distracting words and topics. CONTINUE READING »

Is this the sound of dolphins saying hello?

Scientists have long known that animals communicate with each other. Some species (like the vervet monkeys) make particular sounds that represent a specific direction or warning to others, but we don’t really know how animal groups relate to each other linguistically in the wild.

Recently, scientists discovered that bottlenose dolphins CONTINUE READING »

Would you learn a new language if it would help your health?

Would you learn a new language if it would help your health? You may have heard that bilingual children actually have more brainpower than kids who grow up speaking only one language. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/03/

Why did Facebook trademark the word “book”? Is that legal?

Facebook’s newest user agreement set off some red flags. When you logged onto your Facebook account today, you agreed that: “You will not use our copyrights or trademarks (including Facebook, the Facebook and F Logos, FB, Face, Poke, Book and Wall), or any confusingly similar marks, except as expressly permitted by our Brand Usage Guidelines or with our prior written permission.” What does that legalese mean? If you log into Facebook, you are no longer allowed to use CONTINUE READING »

What language is hardest to learn?

Learning a new language always takes time and effort, but are some languages easier to learn than others? There are two answers, one of which is fairly obvious; the other has to do with music and different sides of your brain. CONTINUE READING »

What’s the word problem at the heart of Mad Men?

There has been much ado about the specific clothing, furniture, and products in the hit AMC series Mad Men. Of course, fans love the accurate details. The afternoon cocktails and elaborate dresses are a constant reminder of how much has changed in the 50 years since the 1960s. The show gets the set right, but what about the dialogue? How does their accuracy apply to language? Not so well, it seems. CONTINUE READING »

Words are dying right now. Are you helping to kill them?

A group of physicists recently collaborated on a statistical survey of words. You may be wondering why physicists are interested in language. In this case, it is not language per se, but how words imitate the statistical patterns of the stock market and animal populations. CONTINUE READING »

Will you miss the physical encyclopedia?

Encyclopedia Britannica announced that they will stop publishing print editions of their books. The renowned encyclopedia publisher was not slow in jumping on the digital bandwagon: they published a version for computers as early as 1981, and they went online in 1994. CONTINUE READING »

Why is the word “salt” flagged by China’s internet censors?

Censorship is probably as old as language itself. Okay, maybe it’s not that old, but there were censorship laws in Ancient Greece and in Dynastic China more than 2,000 years ago. From the Latin verb censere meaning ”to appraise, value or judge,” the word “censor” was first used to name the Roman official who oversaw public morals. CONTINUE READING »

English is read from left to right, but are some languages written from right to left or from top to bottom?

News flash: Twitter now comes in 28 languages - including Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, and Urdu, which are written from right-to-left. Twitter has long supported right-to-left text from users, but it now has instructions and can display hashtags from right-to-left as well.

Why are some languages written from right to left and others from left to right? CONTINUE READING »

What are the most-used words in English?

What word will you say the most often in your life? The word you use most commonly is probably the word all English-speakers use: the.

What are the most-used words in the English language? CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/02/

Why do we capitalize I?

February 29, 2012

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Why do we capitalize the first-person pronoun, I? The short answer is because we do. But that’s not a very satisfactory answer. Even though it feels natural to English speakers, capitalizing I is unusual. In fact, English is the only language that does. Germanic and Romantic languages typically have some conventions for capitalizing proper nouns, like Deutschland (in German) or Place de la Concorde (in French), but English is the only one that selfishly insists on capitalizing the personal pronoun. CONTINUE READING »

Should you say “between you and I” or “between you and me”?

February 27, 2012

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Grammar is a combination of rules and conventions. What is the difference? Well, there are the rules, like a verb must agree with its subject. By that rule, “he say” is incorrect. Then there are conventions, which are uses of language that are common enough that even though they break the “rules” they become “correct” simply through repeated usage. Additionally, there are other conventions that vary from place to place, but that’s a much bigger discussion. CONTINUE READING »

Where is the Middle East? The Near East? The Far East?

February 24, 2012

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It’s no surprise that many of our place names are relatively new to English. Some (like Far East) were born during British colonization, but “Near East” and “Middle East” are more modern than that.

The word “east” is derived from the Sanskrit word “usas” meaning “dawn” or “morning.” From the perspective of Europe and Asia, this makes sense because the sun rises in the east. CONTINUE READING »

Jay-Z and Beyoncé trademarked their daughter’s name. Why?

February 18, 2012

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It’s true: Jay-Z and Beyoncé trademarked their daughter’s name, “Blue Ivy Carter.” You may be asking yourself: can you even do that? Trademark a name? Does that mean you could trademark the word “the” or “and”? Well, trademark law has some interesting leeways and limits.

Before Jay-Z and Beyoncé submitted their application, CONTINUE READING »

Can computers understand online conversations?

February 15, 2012

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New software being developed at Oxford University may be able to instantly measure the emotions and reactions of large populations by evaluating the words we use on the internet. Investors seem to think this idea will pay off.

So, why do we care? Well, this software, called TheySay, uses something called corpora linguistics, which basically means taking a CONTINUE READING »

There’s a word for why Adele’s music makes us cry

February 13, 2012

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Last night Adele ruled the Grammys. One could say the basis of her appeal is how her songs can make the tears flow.

Music undeniably has an impact on our emotions and can even evoke physiological reactions - like goose bumps and tears. Does this impact come from the lyrics or from the notes themselves? Psychologists have been trying to figure this out, and it turns out it’s the music, CONTINUE READING »

Why do lowercase letters look very different than their uppercase counterparts?

February 11, 2012

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Take a moment and open the last email you wrote. It’s okay. We’ll wait. Now imagine if you had to write it out on paper, not with a ballpoint pen, but with a pen that you had to dip into a bowl of ink every few words. And make sure not to drip any ink on that expensive parchment. Is your wrist hurting yet? CONTINUE READING »

Where will Los Angeles be in 50 million years? Beijing?

February 9, 2012

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Where would you have lived 200 million years ago? And will your descendants in Los Angeles or Bangkok live in Amasia instead of Asia or North America?

Maybe you’ve heard of Pangaea - the theoretical supercontinent that existed 200-300 million years ago and consisted of all the landmasses pushed together. Coined by Alfred Wegener in 1927, “Pangaea” CONTINUE READING »

Does your language affect your bank account?

February 7, 2012

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New research argues that the answer is yes. Depending on what language you speak, you are more - or less - likely to save for retirement. Your primary tongue may even affect how much you weigh.

In January, M. Keith Chen, an associate professor of economics at the School of Management at Yale University, published a working paper CONTINUE READING »

Can you tell the future with our Word of the Day?

February 3, 2012

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Some people use the Word of the Day to learn a new, unusual word every day. Others use it like a Magic 8 ball, to provide guidance or to predict the future. To our delight, others use it to make rap videos. Yesterday, we ran across a video that featured one of our devoted Word of the Day fans using every January word of the Day in a unique, funny hip-hop rhyme. CONTINUE READING »

Why are there two kinds of football?

February 3, 2012

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What was the odd original name of February?

February 1, 2012

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Though February is the shortest month of the year, it often feels like the longest in cold, snowy climates. Why does the month have only 28 days? (Well, 29 this year.)

First here’s a little history of our calendar. The original Roman calendar only had ten months, because the winter was not demarcated. In the 700s BC, the second king of Rome Numa Pompilius added January and February to the end of the calendar in order to conform to how long it actually takes the Earth to go around the Sun. CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2012/01/

Why is H the Ron Weasley of the alphabet?

January 31, 2012

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Though it’s a high-value letter in Scrabble and Words with Friends, h is a relatively common letter. Statistically speaking, it is the eighth most commonly used letter in the English language. That’s because h is usually paired with other consonants like wh, ch, sh, and gh. H is found in the most common two-letter pair (th) and in the most common three-letter combination (the). Find the raw data here. (The letter h is typically pronounced aitch.) CONTINUE READING »

Where did the word “vegan” come from?

January 28, 2012

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There are, of course, many ethical and health controversies surrounding vegetarianism in all its different forms, but we wanted to know - where did the words come from? Who invented “veganism”?

Vegetarianism has been around for a very long time. Some historians date it back to Ancient Greek philosophers, and religious sects of Buddhism and Hinduism have encouraged vegetarianism for hundreds of years. CONTINUE READING »

Is English an innately positive language? Scientists say yes.

January 26, 2012

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Mathematicians at the University of Vermont have been meddling in a field very far from boring numbers. Earlier this month, they officially declared the English language “optimistic” based on a careful analysis that combined statistics and subtle human evaluation. The researchers, led by assistant professor Chris Danforth, aggregated texts from Twitter, CONTINUE READING »

Can you run for president with a nickname?

January 25, 2012

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The two front-runners in the Republican presidential primary are commonly addressed by their nicknames. Though we refer to the former Speaker of the House as Newt, his real first name is Newton. His rival Mitt Romney’s real name is Willard Mitt Romney.

Nicknames are very common in English. The word nickname comes from an Old English word ekename, CONTINUE READING »

A language spoken in only one town

January 22, 2012

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Last week, we stumbled upon this article from the New York Times’ Frugal Traveler about a language hidden in rural Portugal. In the northeast corner of Portugal, there is a tiny county called Miranda do Douro and in Miranda do Douro many inhabitants do not speak Portuguese, but rather its distant cousin, Mirandese. This region is geographically divided from the rest of Portugal by two rivers that run on either side of it, CONTINUE READING »

What do you do with a swearing toddler?

January 19, 2012

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Profanity is in the air, it seems. Earlier this week in Britain on the TV game show Countdown (which is a live variation of Boggle), a contestant saw a British swear word in the jumbled letters and was awarded points because it was “in the dictionary” as the host said. You can watch the clip from the show here.

In 2010, the United States Supreme Court declared the censorship laws CONTINUE READING »

How old is “Thirty days has September…”?

January 18, 2012

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Every school child learns the months of year with an easy rhyme: thirty days has September, April, June, and November. All the rest have thirty-one, except February alone… How exactly does it end? We’re not entirely sure, but the first lines continue to help us remember the idiosyncrasies of our calendar. (Rhymes or phrases that help you remember something are called mnemonics, named after the Greek goddess of memory, Mnemosyne.) CONTINUE READING »

How many languages has the Bible been translated into? Why does it matter?

January 15, 2012

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If you were go into a Christian church in America, the congregation would probably be speaking English, maybe Spanish, maybe another modern language. But they almost definitely would not be speaking Aramaic or Greek, the languages that the Christian Bible was written in. So why do we not read the Bible in Greek? And how many languages has the Bible been translated into? CONTINUE READING »

The words you want to banish in 2012

January 11, 2012

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Last week, we discussed the suggested list of Banished Words for 2012, a list of words developed by a former journalist at Lake Superior State University in Michigan of words that were misused, overused, and abused in 2011 that should not be used in 2012.

This list is designed to capture an ort of our collective unconscious: CONTINUE READING »

How do you learn to speak more than 12 languages?

January 9, 2012

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Have you ever dreamed of being able to speak dozens of languages? A new book, Babel No More by journalist Michael Erard, traces the history of people who can do just that: hyperpolyglots, people who speak 11 or more languages.

Obviously, hyperpolyglotism is a trained skill. No one just wakes up speaking multiple languages, but there may be factors that make CONTINUE READING »

Should overused words be banished?

January 4, 2012

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Earlier this week NPR’s All Things Considered announced what they called the 2011 Banished Words of the Year. Compiled by a former journalist at Lake Superior State University in Michigan, the list is an inversion of the 2011 most important words list. Rather than words that accurately describe the past year’s events, the Banished Words are terms that were misused, overused or generally useless, to paraphrase the original title of the list. CONTINUE READING »

What is the word problem in tonight’s meteor shower?

January 3, 2012

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Tonight’s meteor shower has an anachronistic name. It was originally named after the constellation Quadrans Muralis, discovered by Jerome Lalande in 1795. Well, “discover” may be the wrong word. Today, the International Astronomical Union no longer recognizes this constellation, rather the stars that were a part of it are now considered to be parts of other, more widely recognized constellations. Lalande named the constellation “Quadrans Muralis” after an instrument he created CONTINUE READING »

Autocorrect: How does it work? Do we need it?

January 1, 2012

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Autocorrect is almost as old as personal computers. Even some of the earliest word processors had a spellcheck feature that suggested alternative words if a word you typed did not appear in its internal dictionary. Certainly, today, autocorrect has a come a long way since the Cupertino effect. What’s the Cupertino effect? Well, in its early days, word processors would replace the word “cooperation” with “Cupertino” (the city in Northern California where Apple and other computer CONTINUE READING »

(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/2011/12/

Twinkle, twinkle: The hidden purpose behind the silliness of nursery rhymes

December 26, 2011

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Nursery rhymes rely on meter and rhyme to stick into our memories. When we remember them, we do not remember just the words; we remember them in time, sometimes even with their pitch.

Before children acquire words and syntax, parents naturally talk to them in a particular style. In the late 1980s, psychologist CONTINUE READING »

Why are people from the Netherlands called Dutch?

December 16, 2011

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As we’ve discussed before, if you live in Michigan, you may consider yourself a Michigander or a Michiganian. (Check it out.) But why are demonyms so various and seemingly random? (A demonym is any name derived from a place. The word “demonym” was coined by Paul Dickson, an editor at Merriam-Webster, in his 1997 book Labels for Locals. Californian, Frenchmen, New Yorker, and Swiss are all demonyms.) CONTINUE READING »

Why did “noon” used to mean 3:00?

December 14, 2011 9 Comments Share

The biggest surprises tend to hide in plain sight. We’ve found this to be true with the origins of words like hello (check it out), and especially the somewhat naughty roots of Miss (read about that here.) With noon, we’ve uncovered a remarkable fact that will change how you think of 12:00.

First, some essential background. Clocks and watches are relatively

CONTINUE READING »

Does your handwriting really say something about your personality?

December 12, 2011 138 Comments Share

Graphologists, or self-proclaimed handwriting experts, claim that it does. Specifically they claim that individuals who share certain personality traits write in a similar fashion, so graphologists analyze handwriting to deduce the character traits of the writer. In the early 1900s, Milton Newman Bunker invented the most common graphology technique called graphoanalysis. (Other methods of graphology predate Bunker’s work.) His approach relies on the stroke shape of the letters.

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How does classic children’s novel, The Phantom Tollbooth, use words themselves as a plot device?

December 9, 2011 113 Comments Share

Every work of literature relies on the dictionary. Many writers would say that the goal of fiction is to use powerful words to tell a story without calling attention to the words themselves. A small number of books, however, actually make words, meaning, and language their plot or even transform the workings of language into characters. This practice is called meta-fiction, and today we pay tribute to one meta-fictional work that famously stretches readers’ minds while making them laugh.

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Why is a new element named after a suburb of San Francisco?

December 6, 2011 126 Comments Share

On Saturday the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry proposed the names of two new elements. Currently element number 114 and element number 116 do not have official names in the periodic table of elements. The elements were previously known as ununquadium and ununhexium. Those long, unpronounceable words were the temporarily used systematic element names.

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How does your brain distinguish words from sentences?

December 5, 2011 113 Comments Share

In English class, your grade does not differentiate between how large your vocabulary is and how well you write a sentence, but new research shows that your brain does. This evidence may mean that increasing your vocabulary does not necessarily influence one’s fluency when learning a new language.

Two parts of the brain, Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area, play a large

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Do you give presents or gifts?

December 2, 2011 74 Comments Share

This time of year we are all making our lists and checking them twice. All this holiday shopping got us thinking: where do the words gift and present come from? Why does English use both? It’s not just so that children can ask for toys in multiple ways.

Language is not a linear, predestined development.

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(E?)(L?) http://hotword.dictionary.com/page/1/
12.10.2012

Who put the extra $ in Ke$ha? Where did the $ come from?

From the California dance band !!! to MIA spelling out her name in dashes, musical artists seem to love putting symbols in their names. Perhaps none more notable than pop star, Ke$ha who differentiates herself with a single letter substitution. CONTINUE READING »

How much talking does your body do?

The phrase “body language” or nonverbal communication often gets tossed around. From public speaking to a first date, our movements and facial expressions say a lot about our feelings and intentions. Now, as we enter into political debate season, politicians’ body language will be under just as much scrutiny as their remarks, and if the candidates aren’t careful, they might misspeak without saying a word. CONTINUE READING »

SAT writing scores drop to lowest in history. What does this mean for America’s vocabulary?

What comes to mind when you think about getting into college? Your grades, your personal essay, and of course, your SAT scores. The test that rules the lives of so many high school students was first administered in 1926. At that time “SAT” stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test. But today, after countless name changes the exam is simply called the SAT Reasoning Test, and those three fateful letters stand for nothing at all. CONTINUE READING »

Do babies speak with an accent?

We all know that infants don’t actually speak with an accent because they don’t really speak at all. But for a long time scientists presumed that infants’ brains could not process sounds at all. Professor Patricia Kuhl, the director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Learning at the University of Washington, wanted to test this notion. CONTINUE READING »

What word did you last look up, and why?

Recently we asked members of the Dictionary.com Facebook page a simple question: What was the last word you looked up, what was the specific issue you were trying to solve, and what were the circumstances? The results floored us. At last count, more than 450 people shared their stories. Here are a few examples:

“Looked up “enure/inure” for supervisor as he was unsure of meaning and I had never heard of the word.”

“Wanderlust. I used it in conversation and the person I was with had never heard it. I decided best to check I had the meaning right!”

“Dawdle: looking for another way to say futz.”

Now we would like to hear from you. In the comments below, tell us the most recent word you searched for, what was the piece of information that you were trying to answer, and what were you doing at the time?

How did this new species of monkey get its name, and what does it mean?

You may have read the news about the discovery of a new species of monkey in Africa, known as the Lesula, or Cercopithecus lomamiensis. The announcement of any new species is thrilling, and Lesula is only the second new primate species to be identified in the past 28 years. When something as rare and significant as this occurs, we immediately turn to where nature meets the dictionary: its name.

When an animal is verified by the scientific community as a new species, who decides its name? And what does the name mean? CONTINUE READING »

Why do left and right mean liberal and conservative?

During the election season the words left and right denote political affiliation more than spatial direction. But where do these associations come from?

The left hand has long been associated with deviance. The word “sinister” originally meant “to the left” in Latin. The word “left” comes from the Old English word lyft, which literally meant “weak, foolish.” CONTINUE READING »

Could English exist without the letter G?

Can you imagine a world in which the sounds of G and C were both represented by the letter C? Try to imacine it.

Believe it or not, for much of their history, the sounds of C and G were represented by the same symbol. Eventually, however, both sounds received their own differentiated symbols. CONTINUE READING »

Does grammar matter in the workplace?

Certain employers say it’s important to them that their workers exhibit good grammar. But is bad grammar a valid reason to bar someone from a job?

Recently, in the Harvard Business Review, Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit and founder of Dozuki, wrote an article called “I Won’t Hire People Who Use Poor Grammar.” In the article, Wiens argues that it is important to CONTINUE READING »

Two words may cost $548 million? Find out why

Words are powerful, but rarely can you put a specific dollar value on them. Here’s a case where two words have put a chunk of change at stake: How about half a billion dollars?

Earlier this month, the Santa Clara Valley Water District in Northern California turned in a ballot proposal to put a $548 million tax measure before voters. When the group submitted the text of the proposal, it was CONTINUE READING »

How do people cheat at Scrabble?

A promising young Scrabble player was just ejected from a national five-day tournament in Florida after he was caught cheating. You may be wondering: how can you cheat at Scrabble? CONTINUE READING »

What is lost when a language goes extinct?

Are some languages able to express certain ideas better than others? Are there concepts that exist in particular languages and nowhere else? As more and more languages become extinct, linguists are realizing that they contain a type of knowledge beyond simply a different set of words and grammar.

In the next fifty years, linguists believe that 3,500 languages will CONTINUE READING »

Do you ever wish you could eliminate some of the ambiguity in English? Read about a language that was created for that purpose.

Have you felt that English wasn’t rationally constructed? Do you ever wonder, for instance, why we made “affect” and “effect” seem so similar when they mean two different things? Or why “you’re” are “your” sound identical, but are dissimilar in meaning? Couldn’t we have designed something little bit more simple? About two decades ago, a group in Washington, D.C. attempted to do just that. CONTINUE READING »

Do P and R come from the same letter?

Do you ever stop and look at the shape of our alphabet? Each letter looks natural to us now, but all those lines and circles have unique histories. It’s easy to make assumptions that our letters make sense, that they developed in some orderly logical way, and one reasonable assumption would be that P and R are related to each other based on their form. CONTINUE READING »

What should you call the # symbol?

On Facebook and Twitter, you tag your friends with the @ symbol and topics with the #. If you see something that says #WordoftheDay, the tweet or post will concern the Word of the Day in some way. But what do you call the # symbol? Where did it come from? Its myriad names and its appearance are intertwined. The # symbol is commonly called the pound sign, number sign and more recently the hashtag. CONTINUE READING »

Linguists recently found an Indo-European language hiding in rural Pakistan. Learn its story here.

At some point you’ve heard about the concept of language “families.” Generally, common sense defines how language relationships work: geographic neighbors often share a common ancestor. If this story were consistent, however, there wouldn’t be anything interesting for us to talk about. Take for example, this amazing discovery stemming from 20 years of research. CONTINUE READING »

What do the NBA finals have to do with a grammatical nightmare?

Why do the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder sound so odd? Most sports teams—the Bulls, the Knicks, the Lakers, the Celtics—are ordinary plurals. However, the Heat and the Thunder are mass nouns; they are unquantifiable. You cannot have five thunders or three heats, even though there are 12 players on a roster. CONTINUE READING »

Dad? Pops? Father? Why so many names for the same person?

Sunday is called Father’s Day, but many of us refer to our male parents as Dad or Papa rather than by the more formal “father.” Why does English have so many names for the same person? And where do they all come from? CONTINUE READING »

Can you see the difference between those symbols?

Though one of the least-used letters, X has a remarkable way of getting attention. Last year we talked about the varied uses of X: Gen X, Xbox, XOXO, the X chromosome. British dramatist Ben Jonson wanted to remove the 24th letter from the alphabet CONTINUE READING »

Dictionaries attack! Hackers use dictionaries to guess your passwords

If you are one of the 161 million members of LinkedIn, you were probably rankled by the news earlier this week that millions of their passwords had been hacked and published online - especially if you also use your LinkedIn password for your Facebook, e-mail or bank account. One way hackers fish out passwords is by using a dictionary attack (a name that brings shame to the honorable CONTINUE READING »

Obscure language isolate will die with this woman

Seventy-five-year-old Gyani Maiyi Sen is the only native fluent speaker of Kusunda in the world, and linguists are rushing to record the unique language. Around the globe languages are dying rapidly as more and more people are learning global languages instead of maintaining their native tongues. CONTINUE READING »

What does this guy have to do with the comma? He invented it.

The comma’s ancestors have been used since Ancient Greece, but the modern comma descended directly from Italian printer Aldus Manutius. (He’s also responsible for italics and the semicolon!) In the late 1400s when Manutius was working, a slash mark (/, also called a virgule) denoted a pause in speech. (Virgule is still the word for comma in French.) Manutius made the slash lower in relation to the line of text and curved it slightly. CONTINUE READING »

Language debate sparks fistfight in the Ukrainian Parliament

In 1991, after 69 years as a Soviet Republic, Ukraine became an independent state. Today Ukraine’s only national language is Ukrainian, even though many citizens still speak Russian. In the Ukrainian Parliament last week the President Viktor Yanukovych’s party proposed a new law to make Russian the second official language in the eastern regions of Ukraine (where much of the CONTINUE READING »

Congratulations Class of 2012!

Are you graduating this year? Or is your niece, brother, cousin, or aunt graduating? This is the season of academic achievement and celebration. We wanted to offer our congratulations to all of you (and your family and friends) who are graduating this year and commencing the rest of your careers.

In this season, we were also wondering, where do graduation traditions come from? Why are there weird hats and even weirder robes? CONTINUE READING »

Kraft’s new snack brand confounds all

Kraft Foods just announced its new global snack business: Mondelez. According to the company, it’s pronounced “mon-dah-LEEZ”. If this sounds unfamiliar or simply odd, don’t doubt yourself: it is an invented word based on the Latin for world (mundus) and delicious. Despite that clever origin, the word still sounds funny CONTINUE READING »

English used to have gendered nouns?! Yes!

If you speak another language like Spanish or German, you are familiar with grammatical gender. In Romance languages (and many others), nouns have a gender. In French, a chair is la chaise, a feminine noun, and a hat is le chapeau, a masculine noun. But did you know that English used to have gendered nouns too? CONTINUE READING »

What were the top baby names in 2011?

Every year the Social Security Administration compiles the most popular names for newborns in the United States. What were the most popular names in 2011? CONTINUE READING »

What do these flowers secretly say?

Like precious stones and tarot cards, flowers have a secret meaning that only some understand. Different flowers represent sorrow, repentance, unrequited love, or beauty. Here are some of the most popular Mother’s Day flowers and their associated meanings. Do you know what these blooms really mean? CONTINUE READING »

What long-forgotten goddess is May named for? Why is May also a verb?

If you frequent our posts, you may detect a common theme: behind the everyday nature of common words, surprising meaning and history often lurk. Case in point: this very month of May.

The fifth month of the Gregorian calendar, May, is named after a goddess named Maia. But which goddess named Maia? CONTINUE READING »

Two related languages are found on opposite sides of the globe.

Have you heard the story of the Tower of Babel? According to the Bible, all of humanity lived together in harmony, until God decided to confuse the languages and spread the people across the Earth.

This story points to one of the great mysteries of human culture: why do we all speak different languages? Our ancestors probably began using language between 200,000 to 50,000 years ago. CONTINUE READING »

What is the controversy that “hopefully” caused?

Last week, the Associated Press Stylebook announced a significant change in their guidelines: the word “hopefully” (as in “it is hoped”) can now appear in newspapers. According to the Washington Post, this makes them barbarians.

You may be wondering, what is the AP Stylebook? And why does it matter? CONTINUE READING »

Do essays make you nervous? You’re not alone.

We’ve written about how autocorrect and contextual spelling programs (like Microsoft Word and others) are actually changing English (in some cases killing off words.) We haven’t mentioned something obvious, but crucial: Technology is turning us into much more careless writers. CONTINUE READING »

We added more than 300 updated and new definitions to Dictionary.com!

We updated our dictionary! You now have a new and improved Dictionary.com. How can something be both “new” and “improved”? We added 183 new words and updated 146 existing definitions to reflect our ever-evolving language. We also added more detailed notes about word usage, word history, and synonyms to some very particular words CONTINUE READING »

Can baboons read? Kind of.

Earlier this year, French behavioral scientist Jonathan Grainger and his team taught baboons to read. Well, not exactly. They taught the baboons to recognize words. The baboons played a game on a computer screen. When a fake word appears, they were supposed to press a blue plus sign. When a real word shows up, they were supposed to press a green circle. CONTINUE READING »

Are some languages really faster than English? Does that mean slower languages are less effective?

Think of when you’ve listened to someone speak Spanish or Japanese. Does it seem the words flow out very quickly, faster than other languages? Academics would agree with you. For the last decade, linguists have speculated that different languages are spoken at significantly different rates. The challenge has been how to measure the respective speeds. CONTINUE READING »

Does the smell of bacon affect the meaning of a word?

A new study is so fascinating that we immediately wondered how it would apply to words. You, of course, are our greatest resource for insight. After you read about the experiment, help us think about how word meanings change depending on what else is going on around you. CONTINUE READING »

When did the letter U enter the alphabet? It will surprise you.

There was no letter U in the alphabet. Well, that’s not the entire story. There was the sound for the letter we call U, but it didn’t look like U. It looked like V. The Classical Latin alphabet had only 23 letters, not the 26 that we have today. (This is why the W looks like a double V but is pronounced like a double U. CONTINUE READING »

Would you do better on a standardized test if distracting words were removed?

With more than one million students, the New York City Department of Education is the largest public school district in the United States. Recently, the massive school system put out a request to companies who make standardized tests to buy exams that did not include offensive or potentially distracting words and topics. CONTINUE READING »

Is this the sound of dolphins saying hello?

Scientists have long known that animals communicate with each other. Some species (like the vervet monkeys) make particular sounds that represent a specific direction or warning to others, but we don’t really know how animal groups relate to each other linguistically in the wild.

Recently, scientists discovered that bottlenose dolphins CONTINUE READING »

Would you learn a new language if it would help your health?

Would you learn a new language if it would help your health? You may have heard that bilingual children actually have more brainpower than kids who grow up speaking only one language. CONTINUE READING »

Why did Facebook trademark the word “book”? Is that legal?

Facebook’s newest user agreement set off some red flags. When you logged onto your Facebook account today, you agreed that: “You will not use our copyrights or trademarks (including Facebook, the Facebook and F Logos, FB, Face, Poke, Book and Wall), or any confusingly similar marks, except as expressly permitted by our Brand Usage Guidelines or with our prior written permission.” What does that legalese mean? If you log into Facebook, you are no longer allowed to use CONTINUE READING »

What language is hardest to learn?

Learning a new language always takes time and effort, but are some languages easier to learn than others? There are two answers, one of which is fairly obvious; the other has to do with music and different sides of your brain. CONTINUE READING »

What’s the word problem at the heart of Mad Men?

There has been much ado about the specific clothing, furniture, and products in the hit AMC series Mad Men. Of course, fans love the accurate details. The afternoon cocktails and elaborate dresses are a constant reminder of how much has changed in the 50 years since the 1960s. The show gets the set right, but what about the dialogue? How does their accuracy apply to language? Not so well, it seems.

CONTINUE READING »

Words are dying right now. Are you helping to kill them?

A group of physicists recently collaborated on a statistical survey of words. You may be wondering why physicists are interested in language. In this case, it is not language per se, but how words imitate the statistical patterns of the stock market and animal populations. CONTINUE READING »

Will you miss the physical encyclopedia?

Encyclopedia Britannica announced that they will stop publishing print editions of their books. The renowned encyclopedia publisher was not slow in jumping on the digital bandwagon: they published a version for computers as early as 1981, and they went online in 1994. CONTINUE READING »

Why is the word “salt” flagged by China’s internet censors?

Censorship is probably as old as language itself. Okay, maybe it’s not that old, but there were censorship laws in Ancient Greece and in Dynastic China more than 2,000 years ago. From the Latin verb censere meaning ”to appraise, value or judge,” the word “censor” was first used to name the Roman official who oversaw public morals. CONTINUE READING »

English is read from left to right, but are some languages written from right to left or from top to bottom?

News flash: Twitter now comes in 28 languages - including Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, and Urdu, which are written from right-to-left. Twitter has long supported right-to-left text from users, but it now has instructions and can display hashtags from right-to-left as well.

Why are some languages written from right to left and others from left to right? CONTINUE READING »

What are the most-used words in English?

What word will you say the most often in your life? The word you use most commonly is probably the word all English-speakers use: the.

What are the most-used words in the English language? CONTINUE READING »

Why do we capitalize I?

Why do we capitalize the first-person pronoun, I? The short answer is because we do. But that’s not a very satisfactory answer. Even though it feels natural to English speakers, capitalizing I is unusual. In fact, English is the only language that does. Germanic and Romantic languages typically have some conventions for capitalizing proper nouns, like Deutschland (in German) or Place de la Concorde (in French), but English is the only one that selfishly insists on capitalizing the personal pronoun. CONTINUE READING »

Should you say “between you and I” or “between you and me”?

Grammar is a combination of rules and conventions. What is the difference? Well, there are the rules, like a verb must agree with its subject. By that rule, “he say” is incorrect. Then there are conventions, which are uses of language that are common enough that even though they break the “rules” they become “correct” simply through repeated usage. Additionally, there are other conventions that vary from place to place, but that’s a much bigger discussion. CONTINUE READING »

Where is the Middle East? The Near East? The Far East?

It’s no surprise that many of our place names are relatively new to English. Some (like Far East) were born during British colonization, but “Near East” and “Middle East” are more modern than that.

The word “east” is derived from the Sanskrit word “usas” meaning “dawn” or “morning.” From the perspective of Europe and Asia, this makes sense because the sun rises in the east. CONTINUE READING »

Jay-Z and Beyoncé trademarked their daughter’s name. Why?

It’s true: Jay-Z and Beyoncé trademarked their daughter’s name, “Blue Ivy Carter.” You may be asking yourself: can you even do that? Trademark a name? Does that mean you could trademark the word “the” or “and”? Well, trademark law has some interesting leeways and limits.

Before Jay-Z and Beyoncé submitted their application, CONTINUE READING »

Can computers understand online conversations?

New software being developed at Oxford University may be able to instantly measure the emotions and reactions of large populations by evaluating the words we use on the internet. Investors seem to think this idea will pay off.

So, why do we care? Well, this software, called TheySay, uses something called corpora linguistics, which basically means taking a CONTINUE READING »

There’s a word for why Adele’s music makes us cry

Last night Adele ruled the Grammys. One could say the basis of her appeal is how her songs can make the tears flow.

Music undeniably has an impact on our emotions and can even evoke physiological reactions - like goose bumps and tears. Does this impact come from the lyrics or from the notes themselves? Psychologists have been trying to figure this out, and it turns out it’s the music, CONTINUE READING »

Why do lowercase letters look very different than their uppercase counterparts?

Take a moment and open the last email you wrote. It’s okay. We’ll wait. Now imagine if you had to write it out on paper, not with a ballpoint pen, but with a pen that you had to dip into a bowl of ink every few words. And make sure not to drip any ink on that expensive parchment. Is your wrist hurting yet? CONTINUE READING »

Where will Los Angeles be in 50 million years? Beijing?

Where would you have lived 200 million years ago? And will your descendants in Los Angeles or Bangkok live in Amasia instead of Asia or North America?

Maybe you’ve heard of Pangaea - the theoretical supercontinent that existed 200-300 million years ago and consisted of all the landmasses pushed together. Coined by Alfred Wegener in 1927, “Pangaea” CONTINUE READING »

Does your language affect your bank account?

New research argues that the answer is yes. Depending on what language you speak, you are more - or less - likely to save for retirement. Your primary tongue may even affect how much you weigh.

In January, M. Keith Chen, an associate professor of economics at the School of Management at Yale University, published a working paper CONTINUE READING »

Can you tell the future with our Word of the Day?

Some people use the Word of the Day to learn a new, unusual word every day. Others use it like a Magic 8 ball, to provide guidance or to predict the future. To our delight, others use it to make rap videos. Yesterday, we ran across a video that featured one of our devoted Word of the Day fans using every January word of the Day in a unique, funny hip-hop rhyme. CONTINUE READING »

What was the odd original name of February?

Though February is the shortest month of the year, it often feels like the longest in cold, snowy climates. Why does the month have only 28 days? (Well, 29 this year.)

First here’s a little history of our calendar. The original Roman calendar only had ten months, because the winter was not demarcated. In the 700s BC, the second king of Rome Numa Pompilius added January and February to the end of the calendar in order to conform to how long it actually takes the Earth to go around the Sun. CONTINUE READING »

Why is H the Ron Weasley of the alphabet?

Though it’s a high-value letter in Scrabble and Words with Friends, h is a relatively common letter. Statistically speaking, it is the eighth most commonly used letter in the English language. That’s because h is usually paired with other consonants like wh, ch, sh, and gh. H is found in the most common two-letter pair (th) and in the most common three-letter combination (the). Find the raw data here. (The letter h is typically pronounced aitch.) CONTINUE READING »

Where did the word “vegan” come from?

There are, of course, many ethical and health controversies surrounding vegetarianism in all its different forms, but we wanted to know - where did the words come from? Who invented “veganism”?

Vegetarianism has been around for a very long time. Some historians date it back to Ancient Greek philosophers, and religious sects of Buddhism and Hinduism have encouraged vegetarianism for hundreds of years. CONTINUE READING »

Is English an innately positive language? Scientists say yes.

Mathematicians at the University of Vermont have been meddling in a field very far from boring numbers. Earlier this month, they officially declared the English language “optimistic” based on a careful analysis that combined statistics and subtle human evaluation. The researchers, led by assistant professor Chris Danforth, aggregated texts from Twitter, CONTINUE READING »

Can you run for president with a nickname?

The two front-runners in the Republican presidential primary are commonly addressed by their nicknames. Though we refer to the former Speaker of the House as Newt, his real first name is Newton. His rival Mitt Romney’s real name is Willard Mitt Romney.

Nicknames are very common in English. The word nickname comes from an Old English word ekename, CONTINUE READING »

A language spoken in only one town

Last week, we stumbled upon this article from the New York Times’ Frugal Traveler about a language hidden in rural Portugal. In the northeast corner of Portugal, there is a tiny county called Miranda do Douro and in Miranda do Douro many inhabitants do not speak Portuguese, but rather its distant cousin, Mirandese. This region is geographically divided from the rest of Portugal by two rivers that run on either side of it, CONTINUE READING »

What do you do with a swearing toddler?

Profanity is in the air, it seems. Earlier this week in Britain on the TV game show Countdown (which is a live variation of Boggle), a contestant saw a British swear word in the jumbled letters and was awarded points because it was “in the dictionary” as the host said. You can watch the clip from the show here.

In 2010, the United States Supreme Court declared the censorship laws CONTINUE READING »

How old is “Thirty days has September…”?

Every school child learns the months of year with an easy rhyme: thirty days has September, April, June, and November. All the rest have thirty-one, except February alone… How exactly does it end? We’re not entirely sure, but the first lines continue to help us remember the idiosyncrasies of our calendar. (Rhymes or phrases that help you remember something are called mnemonics, named after the Greek goddess of memory, Mnemosyne.) CONTINUE READING »

How many languages has the Bible been translated into? Why does it matter?

If you were go into a Christian church in America, the congregation would probably be speaking English, maybe Spanish, maybe another modern language. But they almost definitely would not be speaking Aramaic or Greek, the languages that the Christian Bible was written in. So why do we not read the Bible in Greek? And how many languages has the Bible been translated into? CONTINUE READING »

The words you want to banish in 2012

Last week, we discussed the suggested list of Banished Words for 2012, a list of words developed by a former journalist at Lake Superior State University in Michigan of words that were misused, overused, and abused in 2011 that should not be used in 2012.

This list is designed to capture an ort of our collective unconscious: CONTINUE READING »

How do you learn to speak more than 12 languages?

Have you ever dreamed of being able to speak dozens of languages? A new book, Babel No More by journalist Michael Erard, traces the history of people who can do just that: hyperpolyglots, people who speak 11 or more languages.

Obviously, hyperpolyglotism is a trained skill. No one just wakes up speaking multiple languages, but there may be factors that make CONTINUE READING »

Should overused words be banished?

Earlier this week NPR’s All Things Considered announced what they called the 2011 Banished Words of the Year. Compiled by a former journalist at Lake Superior State University in Michigan, the list is an inversion of the 2011 most important words list. Rather than words that accurately describe the past year’s events, the Banished Words are terms that were misused, overused or generally useless, to paraphrase the original title of the list. CONTINUE READING »

What is the word problem in tonight’s meteor shower?

Tonight’s meteor shower has an anachronistic name. It was originally named after the constellation Quadrans Muralis, discovered by Jerome Lalande in 1795. Well, “discover” may be the wrong word. Today, the International Astronomical Union no longer recognizes this constellation, rather the stars that were a part of it are now considered to be parts of other, more widely recognized constellations. Lalande named the constellation “Quadrans Muralis” after an instrument he created CONTINUE READING »

Autocorrect: How does it work? Do we need it?

Autocorrect is almost as old as personal computers. Even some of the earliest word processors had a spellcheck feature that suggested alternative words if a word you typed did not appear in its internal dictionary. Certainly, today, autocorrect has a come a long way since the Cupertino effect. What’s the Cupertino effect? Well, in its early days, word processors would replace the word “cooperation” with “Cupertino” (the city in Northern California where Apple and other computer CONTINUE READING »

Twinkle, twinkle: The hidden purpose behind the silliness of nursery rhymes

Nursery rhymes rely on meter and rhyme to stick into our memories. When we remember them, we do not remember just the words; we remember them in time, sometimes even with their pitch.

Before children acquire words and syntax, parents naturally talk to them in a particular style. In the late 1980s, psychologist CONTINUE READING »

Why are people from the Netherlands called Dutch?

As we’ve discussed before, if you live in Michigan, you may consider yourself a Michigander or a Michiganian. (Check it out.) But why are demonyms so various and seemingly random? (A demonym is any name derived from a place. The word “demonym” was coined by Paul Dickson, an editor at Merriam-Webster, in his 1997 book Labels for Locals. Californian, Frenchmen, New Yorker, and Swiss are all demonyms.) CONTINUE READING »

Why did “noon” used to mean 3:00?

The biggest surprises tend to hide in plain sight. We’ve found this to be true with the origins of words like hello (check it out), and especially the somewhat naughty roots of Miss (read about that here.) With noon, we’ve uncovered a remarkable fact that will change how you think of 12:00.

First, some essential background. Clocks and watches are relatively CONTINUE READING »

Does your handwriting really say something about your personality?

Graphologists, or self-proclaimed handwriting experts, claim that it does. Specifically they claim that individuals who share certain personality traits write in a similar fashion, so graphologists analyze handwriting to deduce the character traits of the writer. In the early 1900s, Milton Newman Bunker invented the most common graphology technique called graphoanalysis. (Other methods of graphology predate Bunker’s work.) His approach relies on the stroke shape of the letters. CONTINUE READING »

How does classic children’s novel, The Phantom Tollbooth, use words themselves as a plot device?

Every work of literature relies on the dictionary. Many writers would say that the goal of fiction is to use powerful words to tell a story without calling attention to the words themselves. A small number of books, however, actually make words, meaning, and language their plot or even transform the workings of language into characters. This practice is called meta-fiction, and today we pay tribute to one meta-fictional work that famously stretches readers’ minds while making them laugh. CONTINUE READING »

Why is a new element named after a suburb of San Francisco?

On Saturday the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry proposed the names of two new elements. Currently element number 114 and element number 116 do not have official names in the periodic table of elements. The elements were previously known as ununquadium and ununhexium. Those long, unpronounceable words were the temporarily used systematic element names. CONTINUE READING »

How does your brain distinguish words from sentences?

In English class, your grade does not differentiate between how large your vocabulary is and how well you write a sentence, but new research shows that your brain does. This evidence may mean that increasing your vocabulary does not necessarily influence one’s fluency when learning a new language.

Two parts of the brain, Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area, play a large CONTINUE READING »

Do you give presents or gifts?

This time of year we are all making our lists and checking them twice. All this holiday shopping got us thinking: where do the words gift and present come from? Why does English use both? It’s not just so that children can ask for toys in multiple ways.

Language is not a linear, predestined development. CONTINUE READING »

Why “tergiversate” is our 2011 Word of the Year

November 30, 2011 76 Comments Share

There are essentially two ways to pick a “word of the year.” One common approach is to select from words whose common usage reflects some quality of the year past. Expect to see “occupy,” “winning,” etc., on many selections this December. Another way involves actually using the dictionary. Is there a word that captures the character of 2011, regardless of its popularity or ubiquity?

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How are words added to the dictionary?

November 28, 2011 69 Comments Share

The study of words is called lexicology—not to be confused with phraseology, philology, syntax, morphology, lexicography or semantics. How do lexicologists create new words? Actually, they don’t—think how ridiculous it would be if a deranged lexicologist had the power and desire to create hundreds of new words? Rather they observe the way English is used and choose words from their findings.

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Why is Catholic Church changing its official Mass?

November 25, 2011 168 Comments Share

This weekend the Catholic Church is changing the required English-language Mass. This is a big deal. It is the third time in the 1700-year history of the Church that the Mass is being formally changed, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader. First here’s a brief history of the Catholic Church. The Church and its sacred documents were codified at the Council of Nicaea in 325, and it didn’t really change for 1200 years. As a response to the Protestant Reformation,

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Why this word is causing so much controversy

November 22, 2011 1 Comment Share Today the word “uppity” rose to number seven on Google’s list of extremely popular searches. The reason? Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh referred to First Lady Michelle Obama as “uppity-ish.” Specifically, Limbaugh was discussing a Nascar rally on Sunday the 20th where Michelle Obama was booed by the crowd. Limbaugh said he believed the crowd was upset because “They understand it’s a little bit of uppity-ism.”

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Is pizza really a vegetable?

November 20, 2011 374 Comments Share

You may have heard that the U.S. Congress recently reaffirmed that pizza is a vegetable. Of course, the situation is more complicated than that. The U.S. Department of Agriculture—which regulates the school lunches served to millions of American children—proposed a new standard for school lunches. Specifically, they suggested reducing the amount of sodium in school lunches, and they also wanted to cut down on french fries and pizza.

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How music helped Gabrielle Giffords relearn words

November 17, 2011 137 Comments Share

In January, when Gabrielle Giffords was critically wounded, it was unclear whether she would fully recuperate or regain her ability to talk. Giffords was injured on the left side of her brain near the section called Broca’s area that controls language.

However, recovery specialists have started using a unique, unexpected therapy to help patients recover their language ability: music.

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Oh my! What occupy used to mean may make you blush

November 15, 2011 193 Comments Share

From Portland to St. Louis, the Occupy protests have been gaining momentum and continue to be front-page news. The protests sent us to the dictionary (where else?) to look up the etymology of the word “occupy.” We found an unexpected obsolete definition. The term occupy formerly meant something very different than its current common meaning. From the early 1500s to the 1800s, occupy

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What do you call a sweet bubbly beverage?

November 13, 2011 490 Comments Share

If you’ve ever traveled within the U.S. and tried to order a sweet carbonated beverage, you’ve probably been misunderstood and confused. Depending on where you are, a soft drink might be called any number of things: coke, soda, pop. Ask anyone which is the right word and they will vehemently defend their preference, but why do people who speak the same language use different words in the first place?

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What does Veterans Day have to do with one of the most common grammar mistakes?

November 7, 2011 133 Comments Share

What do apostrophes have to do with the federal holiday this Friday? Well, there’s a confusing apostrophe in Veterans’ Day—or is there? Veterans Day is often incorrectly written as “Veteran’s Day” or “Veterans’ Day.” “Veteran’s Day” would definitely be incorrect because it means a day for only one veteran. While “Veterans’ Day” does encompass multiple veterans, that spelling is incorrect according to

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What should be the 2011 Word of the Year? We have a few ideas

November 4, 2011 345 Comments Share

It’s only November, but Best of the Year lists are going around and the time has come to discuss the Word of 2011. A couple of weeks ago, we asked our Facebook fans for early candidates for the year-defining term. Of course, the political turmoil of the 2011 dominated the responses. Occupy and revolution were popular choices, along with spring. Other terms along those lines include transition, upheaval,

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Where do you keep your most memorable words?

November 2, 2011 57 Comments Share

As print made books more common in the 1500s and literacy spread, savvy new readers came up with novel ways to remember their favorite words and passages from the manuscripts they could now own and carry with them. One method was called the commonplace book. Written by John Milton, Henry Thoreau and other writers, commonplace books compiled the gems of a reader’s experience. Last week, Dictionary.com and Nook asked our Facebook fans an intriguing

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How can a font alleviate reading problems?

October 31, 2011 106 Comments Share

Dyslexics invert and transpose letters because they confuse letters that look alike. The switching of b and d, for example, is very common because the letters are simply reflections of each other. (In fact, dyslexia is much more common for English readers than readers of other languages, like Italian, in which words are spelled phonetically more than they are in English.)

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Can you tell psychopaths by the way they speak?

October 27, 2011 247 Comments Share

Have you ever met someone and thought they were a little off? Just by the way someone speaks, we can pick up on social cues and emotional intelligence that give us certain impressions about them.

Communications researchers have taken this hunch to another level. They interviewed convicted murderers whose self-reported tests reveal them to be psychopaths and analyzed the specific language usage

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How do computers help decode inscrutable ciphers?

October 26, 2011 73 Comments Share

Back in the 1940s, mathematician Warren Weaver made an audacious suggestion: what if translation was not a feat of literary theory and linguistics, but one of cryptography? Weaver suggested treating a foreign text as if it were a code to be broken. (This theory was the early basis of machine translation, a subfield of computational linguistics.) This metaphor of foreign language as code means that statistics and other tools of cryptography can be used to translate

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What are the ( ) { } [ ] and ? ?? When should we use them and where they come from?

October 23, 2011 136 Comments Share

Though these odd symbols—( ), [ ], { }, and ? ?—regularly appear on our books and screens, they all have odd, unexpected origins. The most familiar of these unusual symbols is probably the ( ), called parentheses. One of them ( is called a parenthesis, and as a pair the plural are parentheses. Parenthesis literally means “to put beside” from the Greek roots par-, -en and thesis. Grammatically, they behave kind of like commas and serve to set aside a subordinate part of the sentence

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An exciting new addition to ancient history? How one important book was uncovered from within another book.

October 21, 2011 62 Comments Share

After years of research, the Archimedes’ Palimpsest is now on display at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Like anything more than a thousand years old, it has an intriguing story to tell. But what’s a palimpsest? This confusing word has a very particular definition. A palimpsest is a text written on parchment, vellum or sometimes papyrus that is covered over by another text. The word palimpsest comes from the Ancient Greek word meaning “to scrape again.”

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Why can’t you say chmlk? What makes a vowel?

October 18, 2011 194 Comments Share

In elementary school, we all learned the vowels of the English language: a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y. But what makes a vowel a vowel? Vowels and consonants are essentially two different categories of sounds that linguists use to better understand how language sounds work. The study of the sounds that human beings can produce is called phonetics. It’s a sub-speciality of linguistics.

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How does the brain compute language? Will it turn us into cyborgs?

October 16, 2011 154 Comments Share

Though neurology has made great strides in the past two decades, the brain is still the least understood organ in the body. How does it make thoughts? Even though research has not yet answered that question, a few intrepid scientists think that we will soon be able to communicate with machines using only our minds.

A recent New York Times article explains that this ambitious project is

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Why do we call them berries?

October 13, 2011 104 Comments Share

The berry family is a linguistic invention particular to Germanic languages, like English. Other languages, like Spanish and French, do not combine the wide, diverse berry family into one group, but rather have very different words for blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. The word berry comes from the Old English berie, which originally meant “grape.” As the English language spread to the Americas with colonization, many native grape-shaped fruits that grew

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How do CAPTCHAs test our human identity by making our language unrecognizable?

October 11, 2011 277 Comments Share

Wherever we go on the internet, we encounter CAPTCHAs, those twisted words that block or enable entries on websites. Need to post an ad on Craigslist? There’s a CAPTCHA. Want to comment on an article or blog post? There’s a CAPTCHA. So why do we have them? They were invented to block spamming machines from posting wherever they want. In order to keep out spammers, a CAPTCHA has to effectively test if you are human or machine.

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Why is it called America, not Columbusia?

October 9, 2011 171 Comments Share

American place names can sound pretty confusing even to native English speakers. From Philadelphia (Greek for “loving brother”) to Chicago (Algonquian Fox for “place of the wild onion”), the map of America is an etymological hodge-podge. For a clear example, take three adjacent states in New England. Vermont is an inverted, rough translation of the French for “green mountain,” mont vert. Massachusetts is derived from the name of the Native American people who lived

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Will English no longer be spoken in space?

October 6, 2011 129 Comments Share

Earlier this week, NASA announced that it is looking for new astronauts. Though NASA has sent its last shuttle into space, it will continue to send astronauts to the International Space Station through a collaboration with the Russian Federal Space Agency. NASA has promised to help staff the International Space Station (ISS) through at least 2020. So the ISS will continue to host astronauts from around the world, including Japan and Europe in addition to Russia and the United States.

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What does it mean to be “fluent” in a language?

October 4, 2011 248 Comments Share

Currently, the Arizona Board of Education is deciding if teachers who speak with an accent are fluent in English. (Read the full story here.) We have all heard how differently people in London, New York, or Baton Rouge speak English, but are those different speakers still fluent in English? Where does accent stop and fluency begin?

Fluency is defined as being able to speak and write quickly or easily in a

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Why are some letters tied together?

September 29, 2011 163 Comments Share

It is hard to remember that fonts originated in handwriting, but occasionally reminders, like ligatures, pop up. “Ligature” literally means to bind or tie up, so when two letters are tied together in script, it is called a ligature. Medieval scribes combined letters that shared some part, so they could write faster and conserve space on the page. For example, rather than write fi, they combined the tittle in the i with the end in the f to make the symbol at left. Other common ligatures

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How does language influence how we think?

September 26, 2011 152 Comments Share

Language shapes how we think about the world. Benjamin Whorf, a linguist in the early 1900s, called this phenomenon linguistic relativity. It is often said that the Eskimos have fifty words for snow, but it turns out that’s not true. Eskimo-Aleut languages have about as many words for snow as the English language. But the Sami languages spoken by indigenous people near the Arctic Circle in northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway have hundreds of words for snow. For example, in Lule

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Did you know that American Sign Language is not related to English?

September 23, 2011 132 Comments Share

On the occasion of Deaf Awareness Week, we wanted to talk about the language of the deaf community, American Sign Language (ASL). Contrary to public perception, ASL is not related to English. ASL, a manual language that relies on movement rather than sound to denote meaning, actually grew out of French Sign Language in the early 1800s. The picture at left depicts finger spelling which uses hand motions to spell words in English but is not part of ASL.

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Fall used to have a different name, and why is autumn a mystery?

September 21, 2011 99 Comments Share

The season we call fall was once referred to simply as “harvest” to reflect the time when farmers gathered their crops for winter storage, roughly between August and November. Astronomically, the season lasts from the end of the September until December, between the autumnal equinox and the "winter solstice" in the Northern Hemisphere. (Want to learn more about the difference between a "solstice" and an "equinox"? Find out here.) The word harvest comes from the Old Norse

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Neanderthal? Cro-Magnon? Who’s who?

September 19, 2011 65 Comments Share

When talking about fossils, there are a lot of confusing words: Neanderthal, paleoanthropologist, homo erectus. First off, the scientists: paleoanthropologists study extinct ancestors of human beings. Paleo means old or ancient and anthro means relating to human beings.

Now let’s discuss the specimens themselves. Our very distant

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You can debunk something, but why can’t you bunk something?

September 16, 2011 120 Comments Share

As readers, we recognize prefixes, like dis-, in-, non- and un-, as expressing negation. We immediately know that “unfair” means “not fair.” However, there are some clear exceptions to these rules. Such anomalies can cause confusion for a few reasons. For one, the prefix in- also literally means “in,” such as inquire, inclose, and insure. The word impromptu for instance comes directly from the Latin phrase

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The effect of dyslexia on words

September 12, 2011 142 Comments Share

Letters are the most ubiquitous symbols around us. When we learn to read, we train our brains to transform these symbols into sounds and meanings. However, doctors estimate that at least 10% of the population has dyslexia. The term “dyslexia” was invented in 1887 by the German ophthalmologist Rudolf Berlin. It comes from the Greek roots dys meaning difficult and lexia meaning reading. (It is likely

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These words may be removed from some dictionaries — find out why, and if you agree

August 24, 2011 925 Comments Share

No matter how clever, revolutionary, or poignant, the passage of time can render anything obsolete - even words.

Recently, researchers for the Collins Dictionary released a list of words, such as charabanc and aerodrome, that are used so rarely that they are considered obsolete, and will no longer be included in smaller print dictionaries.

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Is it ever correct to say “didja?” What is the official term for “didja,” “sorta,” and “d’ya?”

August 18, 2011 257 Comments Share

Didja ever think that there are ways of speaking that feel perfectly comfortable that would seem wrong if you wrote them down? Sorta like the way this sentence is written. Lemme tell you ‘bout this very phenomenon, relaxed pronunciation.

Pronunciation is defined as “the conventional patterns of treatment of the sound and stress patterns of a syllable or word.” Relaxed pronunciation, also called word slurring or condensed pronunciation, happens when those

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“Liver tea and just us?” Why is when you misinterpret words or lyrics called a mondegreen?

August 12, 2011 791 Comments Share

Did you begin the school day by placing your right hand over your heart and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance? If you were among the many kids who thought “indivisible” was “invisible,” or “liberty” was “liver tea,” you were not alone. We don’t have a definition for liver tea, nor do we believe anyone would drink it, but this common misunderstanding of a phrase is called a mondegreen.

A mondegreen is a misinterpretation of a word or phrase that shares

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Why is it called “rock n’ roll?” What does the “roll” mean? Why is it sometimes “and” yet sometimes “n’?”

August 1, 2011 94 Comments Share

Is “Rocket ‘88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats the very first rock and roll record? The question has inspired debate among musicologists for years. Another equally contentious question: Where does the term “rock and roll” come from?

“Rock” is derived from the Old English roccain, related to the Old

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What does email style convey about the writer’s personality?

July 28, 2011 158 Comments Share

Like a first impression, the emails we send allow the recipient to judge us solely based on our choice of tone, punctuation and writing ability. We may come across as educated or illiterate, happy or disgruntled - it’s all in the delivery. As a recent study suggests, oftentimes the message you are trying to convey is not what ends up in someone’s inbox.

Communicology, the study of communication, draws on

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Pluto gains a fourth moon, but what should it be named?

July 24, 2011 635 Comments Share

Pluto may have been demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006, but that hasn’t stopped astronomers from studying this intriguing plutoid. NASA recently announced the discovery of a fourth moon, be it a “mini-moon,” circling the former planet. Dubbed “P4” for the time being, the hunt is on for an appropriate name.

The practice of naming planets after gods and goddesses can

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Can how a baby cries predict his or her future language skills?

July 21, 2011 71 Comments Share

According to a Japanese proverb: “A crying child thrives.” A recent study that examines the complexity of an infant’s cries in relation to his or her language development seems to offer a scientific basis for this folk wisdom.

For babies whose cries exhibited complex melodies by the age of two months, the study, published in

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Why are zero and the letter “O” both circles? The answer involves both science and mysticism

July 14, 2011 145 Comments Share

Long, long ago, typewriters made no distinction between the number 0 and the letter O. While the two share the same shape, the origin of both number and letter are quite different. Let’s look at the distinct astrological and optical inspirations that created these seemingly identical symbols.

Derived from the Semitic letter Ayin and inspired by the circular

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NBA superstar changes name to “Metta World Peace.” What does it mean?

July 12, 2011

The Los Angeles Lakers‘ Ron Artest has spent the majority of his basketball career stirring up controversy with his own brand of joie de vivre. The eccentric, at times rowdy, small forward and shooting guard now graces this column for a linguistic reason. Artest plans on officially changing his name to Metta World Peace. If, as our recent post conjectures, our given names play a part in predetermining our destinies - what does the future hold for Mr. World Peace (and what does Metta CONTINUE READING »

What does “Atlantis” mean? And why is the Space Shuttle Atlantis named after something underwater?

July 8, 2011

The final space shuttle mission has blasted off, launching the fascinating word mystery of “Atlantis” into our consciousness: How did the name of a mythical kingdom thousands of leagues under the sea become the moniker for a vehicle soaring thousands of miles into space?

Is the semicolon just plain silly? How exactly does one use it, and why is it called a “colon?”

June 28, 2011

The semicolon: is it the most maddening and mysterious punctuation mark? Many a writer avoids it altogether. When trying to express thoughts clearly, who needs a “semi” anything? Our task is not to sway your feelings, but to simply provide some definition to your like or dislike. When exactly should one use a semicolon? Fundamentally, what’s the difference between a colon and a semicolon?

Do names prejudice how others perceive your status? A study suggests yes

June 24, 2011

Are you a Samuel or a Travis, a Katherine or an Amber? According to a recent study conducted on 89 undergraduate students, a person’s socioeconomic and educational standing may be in direct correlation with a person’s name. While researchers point out that a person’s essence, status, and general fate CONTINUE READING »

Wednesday is named for a mix of two very different gods? Who are they?

June 21, 2011

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The name Wednesday derives from two mighty but distinct gods. The Old English word for Wednesday indicates that the day was named for the Germanic god Woden. In Romance languages, the name is derived from the Roman god Mercury. (For example, Wednesday is mercredi in French and CONTINUE READING »

Wait a minute, is this solstice “Midsummer’s Eve?” Let us explain . . .

June 20, 2011

The Gregorian calendar tells us that the "summer solstice" marks the longest day of the calendar year and the beginning of the summer season in the northern hemisphere. However, literature refers to a point called Midsummer’s Night. So which, and when, is it? This is a celestial quandary that involves the sun, the earth and…William Shakespeare.

The term solstice is derived from the Latin scientific term CONTINUE READING »

What is the grammatical error that accompanies Father’s Day?

June 18, 2011

In Hindu tradition, Father’s Day coincides with the new moon day, or Amavasya, during late August. In Thailand it is customary to honor thy father with a Canna flower. And in Germany, Vatertag is celebrated on the Thursday forty days following Easter. In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, however this was not always CONTINUE READING »

What does Shakespeare have to do with punk rock?

June 17, 2011

A musical culture began to take shape amid the unrest of Great Britain during the mid nineteen-seventies. With the emergence of bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash, the punk rock movement sparked a nihilistic ethos and a new sound that would change the musical landscape forever. While the modern day use of the word ‘punk’ might suggest anarchistic youth, William Shakespeare used the term quite differently over four hundred years ago. So how did this word evolve from a derogatory term aimed at a woman to a derogatory term aimed at a young man?

Although its exact etymology is not known, the term CONTINUE READING »

The film “Super 8? is a hit, but what does the title mean?

June 14, 2011

The No. 1 film at the box office this week is J.J. Abram’s “Super 8,” an homage to the work of Steven Spielberg. Millions of people have seen this film, but it’s doubtful they know what the title means.

Released by Eastman Kodak in 1965, Super 8 became one of the preferred CONTINUE READING »

After 90 years, scholars finish a 21-volume dictionary for an extinct language. Why?

June 12, 2011

With over 7,000 known languages spoken around the world today, it may seem fruitless for scholars to have spent the past 90 years creating a dictionary for a language that has been extinct for nearly 2,000 years. Hold on; Let’s look at the reasons for the immense effort, and form our judgements afterwards.

Originally modeled on the Oxford English Dictionary, the recently CONTINUE READING »

Why is the secret military base called “Area 51?” Why not Area 52, or 127?

June 10, 2011

Located on a remote portion of land along the southern shore of Groom Lake, approximately eighty-three miles northwest of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, is a top secret U.S. military installation known as Area 51. Since its construction in 1955, a numerical quandary has left many a conspiracy theorist scratching their head and wondering, “What exactly does the ‘51' in Area 51 refer to?” The answer has less to do with alien CONTINUE READING »

What is “Mrs.” short for? The answer may make you blush (or at least laugh)

June 7, 2011

History and etiquette tell us that Mister and Missus, known by the contractions Mr. and Mrs., are the proper form of address for men and women. Beneath the surface of these everyday honorifics lies a linguistic glitch that has spawned social havoc since “Mrs.” entered mainstream English in the 17th century.

Mister is a direct variant of master, which in turn derives from the Old CONTINUE READING »

Will handwriting survive in the digital era? Learn the provocative results of a new study

June 5, 2011

It didn’t start with a pen, but a reed with a brush at the tip, and it didn’t start with ink, but a mixture of soot, water and vegetable gum. There definitely was a piece of papyrus. Around 2400 BC, Egyptian culture bestowed upon the world a great gift: the ability to write on paper.

From the first Egyptian pictograph to the modern day sticky note, a recent study suggests that the preferred form of conveying CONTINUE READING »

What does the “bee” in “spelling bee” mean exactly? And what was the winning word in this year’s Scripps Spelling Bee?

June 2, 2011

Earlier this week, 275 spellers from across the country and around the globe gathered in Oxon Hill, Maryland to take part in the 84th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. By Thursday afternoon, 13 extremely ambitious wordsmiths had advanced to the final round and, by Thursday night, a champion was crowned. Before we unveil the name of the victor and the winning word, let’s try to settle a basic question: Where does the “bee” in “spelling bee” come from? CONTINUE READING »

What are the most neglected words in the English language?

May 31, 2011

Wayne State University’s Word Warriors have released their top ten words to revive in 2011 . Starting in 2009, the Wayne State Word Warriors have highlighted obscure English words to bring back into common usage. Citing the vast vocabulary available in English - the biggest in the world, in fact - the Word Warriors contend that the depth and elasticity of the language is often disgarded for the quick, easy and accessible word. “Too often we limit ourselves to words that are CONTINUE READING »

What’s the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, and what is the former name of Memorial Day?

May 29, 2011

Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday during the Month of May and while it has come to signify the beginning of the summer season, it is also the solemn time when Americans remember the soldiers that died in military service. Originally named Decoration Day, a reference to a tradition of decorating the graves of the Confederate dead, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and observed for the first time on May 30th of that same year. The CONTINUE READING »

New law bans use of confusing words and sentences in government documents. Read the results

May 27, 2011

On October 13, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “United States Plain Writing Act of 2010.” Thirteen years after President Clinton issued his own “Plain Writing in Government” memorandum, the revised set of guidelines states that by July of this year all government agencies must simplify the often perplexing bureaucratic jargon used in documents produced for the American public. Gone are the grammatically longwinded sentences, replaced with CONTINUE READING »

Sorry letter z! Learn why z was removed from the alphabet, and what now-extinct letter used to be No. 27

May 24, 2011

What letter is used most rarely in English? Poor lonely z finishes up the alphabet at number 26. The final letter, z’s history includes a time when it was so infrequently used that it was removed altogether.

The Greek zeta is the origin of the humble z. The Phoenician glyph zayin, meaning “weapon,” had a long vertical line capped at both ends with shorter horizontal lines and looked very much like a modern capital CONTINUE READING »

Why you should remember the following words every 13 years or so

May 22, 2011

A vociferous buzz is radiating throughout parts of Alabama and making the news. From the brilliant first light of day to the still and dark of night, a serenade is being sung - a mating call thirteen years in the making. Millions of cicadas have come up from their underground bedrooms after completing a very long incubation period. Unlike the annual cicada, this specific variety, labeled ‘Brood XIX,’ open their red-eyes, shed their skin, spread their wings, sing their song, eventually mate, and, like CONTINUE READING »

Some people believe the “Rapture” and the “Apocalypse” will happen this weekend. What do these words mean exactly?

May 20, 2011

Who knows if REM had a specific date in mind when they sang their immortal chorus, “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.” But according to Harold Camping, a California-based Christian radio broadcaster, May 21, 2011 will bring about a rapture that will inevitably lead to the end of the world five months later. Before you throw away your “to do” list and cancel that hair appointment, let’s take a look at some useful cataclysmic terminology.

(Learn some additional words that describe when people interpret CONTINUE READING »

A lost, legendary dictionary is rediscovered. Where was it found, and what language is it for?

May 17, 2011

In James Boswell’s travelogue, Boswell In Holland 1763-64, the author writes: “The Scottish language is being lost every day, and in a short time will become quite unintelligible. To me, who have the true patriotic soul of an old Scotsman, that would seem a pity.” With those words, along with the encouragement of his good friend, Samuel Johnson, Boswell set out to collect a CONTINUE READING »

What does “transgender” mean exactly, and how does the English language handle gender?

May 12, 2011

There is an increase in public discourse on transgender rights this spring. Nevada is considering a bill that would provide discrimination protection to transgender people in housing, public accommodation and job protections, similar to laws in place for other protected minorities. A bill in Maine addressing public accommodation for transgender people is also in the news. Meanwhile, hate crime charges are being considered in the beating of a transgender woman who was trying to use the bathroom at a Baltimore-area McDonald’s.

Today, we address the language and meaning of words regarding transgender issues - many of them are CONTINUE READING »

What did the letter A originally sound and look like, and what animal was its inspiration?

May 10, 2011

There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the letter A. From its prestigious first place position to its interesting character origin - tracing the first letter of the English alphabet uncovers a history of honor that begins with, of all things, an ox.

The letter ‘A’ is derived from the Phoenician letter ‘Aleph’ - a western Semitic word meaning CONTINUE READING »

How did Neanderthals talk? A study gives us a clue (and reveals the role of handedness in language)

May 9, 2011

Research recently published claims that Neanderthals, the ancient cousins of modern humans, were right-hand dominant just like Homo sapiens. The finding offers insights into Neanderthal brain development, including language capability.

The roundabout way the discovery was made starts with a tooth. To process an CONTINUE READING »

Why do sounds close to “mama” appear in so many languages?

May 7, 2011

Mother, maman, mommy, amma, mama, em, mum, mamma, mutter, mare, maty, ana . . . Across languages an uncanny pattern appears for the word “mother.” Why? Is it evidence of universal language? Is this evidence of sound symbolism at work, when a phoneme (sound) has meaning completely unto itself?

If you are a linguist, baby talk is not a cute and meaning-lite semi-language used with infants. Babble is the first step towards helping nursery-form words, which classify an CONTINUE READING »

Why is Thursday named for the character in a film coming out on Friday?

May 4, 2011

By now you’ve probably noted movie posters and trailers for a big blond guy named Thor. The movie featuring the Marvel Comics character, founding member of the Avengers, opens throughout the U.S. on Friday, but today (and every Thursday) is a bigger tribute to the Norse god of thunder than any film. After all, it is “Thor’s day.”

In Norse mythology, the original Thor is the oldest son of Odin and CONTINUE READING »

Man discovers priceless book in his attic. Why is it called a “chronicle?”

May 2, 2011

Imagine this: your beloved great uncle bequeaths to you an old book; so old that it is literally coming apart at the seams. You tuck away the tattered tome in the attic, where it will stay for decades. One day you decide to unearth the inherited manuscript and have it appraised. To your astonishment, your great uncle left you a highly coveted artifact CONTINUE READING »

Is this goodbye to the typewriter? Learn the love story that helped create the typewriter

April 29, 2011

Typewriter enthusiasts around the globe are probably feeling a bit blue this week after hearing that Godrej and Boyce, one of the world’s last operational typewriter factories located in Mumbai, India, closed its doors for the last time after an impressive one-hundred-and-fourteen year run. Once regarded as an indispensable device for any writer, the typewriter has long been regarded for both its beauty and functionality. Ernest Hemingway once said, “Typewriters write the way people CONTINUE READING »

What was the original name of the letter X, and how many sounds can it represent?

April 26, 2011

We’ve explored the meaning behind the “X” in Xmas, Xbox, the X-Men, and even its use in friendly and amorous correspondence (XOXO). Now it’s time to take a closer look at the origin of this multi-functional, twenty-fourth letter of the English alphabet. With its long, ambiguous history and multiple phonemes, the letter “X” is quite a dark horse.

Since its inception, the letter “X” has struggled to establish its own CONTINUE READING »

Which nation has stronger English skills, China or India?

April 24, 2011

A recent online survey claims that China has better English verbal skills than neighboring India, but just barely. EF Education ranked the world’s English proficiency through an online survey between 2007 and 2008. The highest-ranking nation in the survey was Norway, China ranked 29th, and India 30th, while Kazakhstan was last at number 44. The survey was admittedly not scientific (see for yourself), but it did reveal the level and breadth of interest in studying and improving English skills across broad swathes of the globe.

In the case of India, the ranking came as a bit of a surprise: English is a national language CONTINUE READING »

What’s the difference between a bunny, a rabbit, and a hare? (What does it have to do with Coney Island?)

April 22, 2011

The religious content of Easter is relatively easy to explain and understand. The holiday’s substance starts to blur however, when it comes to a certain anthropomorphized bunny, baskets, pastel colors, and eggs. There’s far too much in this semantic basket to tackle; let’s start with the crucial question “what’s the difference between a rabbit, a hare, and a bunny?”

Hares and rabbits are both in the family Leporidae, but enough CONTINUE READING »

Why do we use capital and lower case letters, and how did both types come to be?

April 18, 2011

Capitalization rules tend to vary by language and can be quite complicated. It is widely understood that the first word of a sentence and all proper nouns are always capitalized. However, what is not so clear is the origin of the upper case distinction that has become common practice, especially in regards to Modern English. To unmask the origin of the capital letter we need to refer to a script derived from the Old Roman cursive called uncial. CONTINUE READING »

Where and when did language begin? A remarkable new study may have the answer

April 16, 2011

The origin of spoken language has stumped linguistics dating as far back as the Twenty-sixth dynasty in Egypt and the first recorded language experiment conducted by a Pharaoh named Psammetichus I. While it is widely understood that our ability to communicate through speech sets us apart from other animals, language experts, historians and scientists can only hypothesize how, where and when it all began. Some new findings may provide some real insight into this conundrum.

A recent study conducted by Quentin D. Atkinson, a biologist at the University of Auckland in CONTINUE READING »

What words describe what could cause pork to emit a soft blue glow?

April 15, 2011

Imagine this: you buy a piece of meat from your local butcher, take it home, and make a meal with your family with some of it, leaving the left out for a meal tomorrow. Later that night, you notice a soft blue glow emitting from the kitchen. When you go to investigate, you find that it is none other than the leftover raw meat glowing!

Is this something out of a science fiction movie about mutant meat? Not CONTINUE READING »

What do the Latin phrases and symbols on the dollar bill mean?

April 14, 2011

Whether you call it a buck, a single, a one or a bill, the linen and cotton-blend currency resting in your wallet at this very moment contains a smorgasbord of images, symbols and Latin phrases - some hidden in plain sight. What do they mean and, once deciphered, can they unlock a series of veiled messages from our forefathers?

The word dollar is derived from taler or thaler (pronounced CONTINUE READING »

Three language lessons you can learn from the word “schlemiel”

April 13, 2011

In honor of National Poetry Month, let’s tackle some of the trickiest aspects of meaning - after all, poetry is one of the great ways to express subtle and slippery thoughts. Our focus today is translation. How can someone convey the meaning of a word that has no equivalent in another language?

Among the toughest words to translate, and there are some doozies, CONTINUE READING »

Do bilingual babies actually have more brain power?

April 12, 2011

A recent study led by Janet Werker, a psychologist at Vancouver’s University of British Columbia, suggests that children who learn two languages at once may have increased cognitive abilities such as enhanced visual and auditory sensitivity. While Werker does not believe that a person must grow up in a bilingual environment to gain such advantages, the study suggests that it can’t hurt.

Werker studied both bilingual and monolingual infants over their first CONTINUE READING »

Tell us about when words couldn’t describe your experience - and then let’s try to find the right words

April 9, 2011

Have you ever experienced something so incomprehensible that the only words you could muster up go something like, “There are simply no words to describe?” Or: Have you ever tried to name or define an object or concept and discovered that nothing in that dictionary you carry around in your skull matches? Well, there’s a word for that: ineffability.

Derived from the Latin ineffabilis, meaning “unutterable,” from in-”not” and effari “utter,” ineffable is defined as an “inability to describe in words” or “too sacred to be uttered.” Perhaps it’s an overwhelming feeling of love, a work of art, something online, or something we can’t even imagine. We’ve all found ourselves wrapped in voiceless bewilderment, unable to find the words to properly express that inexpressible something.

We’re secure enough to admit that even the dictionary has limits, and we’ve decided to experiment with those boundaries of ineffability. In the comments below, share a specific example where you could not find words to describe your emotion, concept, object, condition - you name it. Also, if you read someone else’s comment and think of an existing word that you feel does describe the ineffable example, share it as well. Let’s expand the power of words and help each other in the process. Dictionary.com editors will occasionally highlight examples and perhaps contribute suggestions. We can’t wait to learn from all of you.

So far your suggestions have been wonderful:

@VEllisonne on twitter writes: “When I found myself in the middle of a dangerous situation but was completely calm and alright with the whole thing.” Perhaps “imperturbation” works here.

Let’s keep this going…

Ann Hopps Morgan suggests: “Seeing the 3,500 year old tomb of Nefertari in Luxor, Egypt.”

And Kathie Wallis stumped us with: “The moment when irony and coincidence bring a truth to you out of nowhere; when you realize the world is not as you were living it. As if the dimensional plane you are standing in suddenly shifts, just a bit, leaving you disoriented and the world around you is forever changed.”

The suggestions keep rolling in and we are thrilled with what we’re reading.

Liongrrrrl offered the following scenario: “I can’t figure out how to put certain facial expressions to words, like when someone says something sarcastic to another person and that person gives them a *look*, where they blink kind of long and stare at them, maybe pursing their lips or folding their arms. I can’t figure that one out.” To which one reader suggested: moue.

Chacho is looking for a word to describe the following: “A smell that I don’t recognize; either really good, bad or just plain wierd.”

Thanks for all your comments. Keep them coming!

Why is one man primarily responsible for the existence of the letter “J,” and what letter did it split off from?

April 8, 2011

Recently we asked you to let us know which of the twenty-six letters of the alphabet you’d like us to investigate. A resounding number of you suggested the consonant /j/. From its humble beginnings as a Roman numeral to its eventual tenth position in the English alphabet, /j/ has had quite a linguistic journey.

“J” is a bit of a late bloomer; after all, it was the last letter added CONTINUE READING »

Want to pack more punch than a metaphor provides? Consider hypocatastasis

April 6, 2011

Metaphors and similes are figures of speech used to add flair and/or humor to a phrase. These popular rhetorical devices are all well and good, but sometimes you just need to get to the point; enter hypocatastasis.

Hypo is derived from the Greek “under,” cata comes from the Ancient Greek kata, meaning “down from, or down to,’ and stasis is CONTINUE READING »

Did one man write the first great English dictionary all by himself? Not quite, but close

April 4, 2011

This month marks the 256th anniversary of the publication of “A Dictionary of the English Language,” the first definitive English dictionary. Today, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the man behind the book, the famous (and infamous) Dr. Samuel Johnson.

“A Dictionary of the English Language,” also called Johnson’s Dictionary, is the work of one larger-than-life figure in English literary history. He CONTINUE READING »

Why is April called “April?” The answer is a mystery - no fooling!

March 31, 2011

Mark Twain once wrote: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.” Twain is referring to the first day of April or, as it has come to be known as, April Fool’s Day. While the first day of the fourth month of the year is certain to bring shenanigans and tomfoolery, what is not so certain is the origin of CONTINUE READING »

What words will be changed in two new editions of the Bible?

March 27, 2011

Transcribing the text of the Bible has been an ongoing and often controversial process ever since the Greeks translated ancient Hebrew manuscripts around the 3rd century BC. The revised New International Version (NIV) and The New American Bible, respectively, will include gender-neutral language and substitute words that the editors claim will reflect a modern understanding of the book’s theology. What are some of the words that will be changed in CONTINUE READING »

“American Idol” and Tourette Syndrome - what is the link, and how exactly does Tourette’s affect language?

March 24, 2011

You can never predict the circumstances that rocket a word into the stratosphere of public awareness. This season’s “American Idol” has accomplished this feat for not one, but two complex illnesses: Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Asperger Syndrome (AS.)

One of the “Idol” constestants, James Durbin from Santa Cruz, California, has both of these disorders. As each week passes, Durbin is CONTINUE READING »

Why does the single letter C represent so many different sounds, including the same sound as K?

March 22, 2011

The third letter of the alphabet is somewhat of a chameleon; one might even question its usefulness. The letter /c/ can represent the “hard C” (carrot,) the “soft C” (nice,) or even “silent C” (indict,). Why does our alphabet have more than one letter to represent the same sound, as in K and C, or S and the “soft C?” To understand the reasons C plays so many roles, let’s dig into its long and messy linguistic history.

The letter /c/ is of Semitic descent and shares the exact same origin as CONTINUE READING »

What’s it called when words are used to hide the meaning of other words?

March 19, 2011

Turmoil in the Middle East; rise in demand: These are some of the reasons cited by airlines when they added a fuel surcharge, a flat fee applied across the board, to all airline tickets this week. While it is reasonable to expect transportation costs to rise when fuel is expensive, airlines have a history of keeping their rates high after market factors cease to impact prices. Our interest isn’t really in corporate behavior but the particular use of the word “surcharge” by the airlines. The media and consumer groups have focused on this equivocal language as a CONTINUE READING »

Learn the word that puts the “super” in this weekend’s “supermoon.” Plus, its ancient “worm” name

March 18, 2011

Whether you find the hype surrounding the alleged ‘extreme supermoon’ on March 19th superfluous or completely warranted, this celestial event brings with it some spectacular lunar activity and equally fun vocabulary.

While the names of many moon phases are rich in folklore, the supermoon became ”super” because of Richard Nolle - an astrologer with a flair for the dramatic. Nolle believes the upcoming full moon “lunar CONTINUE READING »

Why spelling in Irish (Gaelic) looks so familiar, yet unfamiliar

March 16, 2011

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Irish), named for one of the most recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who died on this date around 493 A.D. While St. Patrick is famous for allegedly driving snakes out of Ireland, he is also responsible for the oldest known Gaelic composition in existence. This fact provides to explore the question of why Gaelic uses familiar letters in such unfamiliar ways.

Gaelic, pronounced: /'ge?l?k/, is an adjective that means “pertaining CONTINUE READING »

Why is today “Pi Day,” and what is pi short for in the original Greek?

March 14, 2011

Today is 3/14, otherwise known as Pi Day - the holiday commemorating the mathematical constant p (pi). Since mathematic notation is a language that uses symbols from a multitude of alphabets and typefaces, it seems only fitting that this sixteenth letter of the Greek alphabet get a little attention.

The Latin name of the Greek letter p is pi, pronounced: pie. The symbol CONTINUE READING »

What are the hardest words to translate into English? “Hyggelig” is just one on our list

March 8, 2011

There’s a running debate among translators about what word is hardest to translate. Obviously, the challenges vary from language to language, with languages that have less in common creating more elusive word to word translations. Let’s acknowledge that determining the hardest word to translate is more of a game than any sort of realistic exercise. That said, here are a few contenders that make the hypothetical list.

Jayus is an Indonesian word that conveys the awkward humor behind CONTINUE READING »

What is the name of the dot over “j” and “i,” and why do we use them?

March 7, 2011

While many languages, such as Arabic and Hebrew, add specific accents to the letters or characters throughout their alphabet - the English alphabet has only two letters that include a diacritic dot. This a mark added to a letter that is meant to signal a change in either the sound or meaning of a character. What is the additional name of this curious dot that hovers over the ninth and tenth lowercase letters of the English alphabet, and how did it get there?

The small distinguishing mark you see over a lowercase /i/ and a lowercase /j/ is called CONTINUE READING »

If you’ve followed the Charlie Sheen media phenomenon, here’s a word you may want to know

March 4, 2011

Charlie Sheen’s debaucherous behavior and bizarre diatribes have made him the tabloid darling of the moment. There’s an “I can’t look, but I can’t not look” mentality around all-too-frequent celebrity meltdowns. If you find yourself watching other people self-destruct then you may be more familiar with the term “Schadenfreude” than you think. What does this German word have to do with one’s insatiable need for tabloid fodder?

Schadenfreude is a loanword - a word that has been borrowed from another language (in this CONTINUE READING »

The sound of a chips bag opening? How do you describe it and what is the word for describing such sounds?

March 2, 2011

A few years ago Frito-Lay introduced a bag for their snack chips that was made from plants, not plastic, and could decompose in compost. It seemed like a good idea - a company putting their environmental foot forward through sustainable packaging - however, the “rip” heard upon opening the bag of chips registered at about eighty-five decibels - equal to the volume level of city traffic. Customers complained and a CONTINUE READING »

Is there a connection between March the month and “marching?”

March 1, 2011

Whether March winds and April showers will bring forth May flowers is still a hope away, but the facts behind the month’s name are fortunately more certain.

The name March is derived from the Roman ‘Martius” named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March 1st marked the first day of spring, which coincided with the beginning of the calendar year and CONTINUE READING »

How did the speech disorder “stuttering” get its name, and what does it literally mean?

February 28, 2011

“The King’s Speech” garnered four golden statues at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, including the Oscar for Best Actor for Colin Firth’s riveting portrayal of King George VI. The film’s depiction of George VI’s lifelong struggle with stuttering has brought a renewed awareness to the speech disorder that affects over sixty-eight million people worldwide. What is the origin of this disorder and how did it get its name?

Stutter, or the Greek alalia syllabaris, is onomatopoeic - a word that suggests the sound that it CONTINUE READING »

When is the next leap year, and what is the opposite of a leap year called?

February 27, 2011

February 29th happens every four years and is known as a modern leap day (as opposed to the Medieval leap day: February 24th) or leap year. While the next intercalary year is a solar rotation away (not till 2012), it never hurts to be prepared with origin and precise meaning of the term.

The origin for the term “leap year” is derived from the Medieval Latin saltus lunae or CONTINUE READING »

Spanish is a Romance language, but what does that have to do with the type of romance between lovers?

February 26, 2011

Romance can refer to an enchanting quality that makes a heart beat faster, but in linguistics Romance languages are the Indo-European languages descending from Latin, the best-known being French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Why is one word used for both?

Actually, the link arises from a type of story. Romanz is the Old CONTINUE READING »

Gaddafi, Kadafi, or Qaddafi? Why is the Libyan leader’s name spelled so many different ways?

February 25, 2011

Take a look at any news source today and you’ll see the name of Libya’s de facto leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi. Look a little closer and you’ll see a multitude of spellings for the notorious politician’s surname such as Gaddafi, Kadafi and Qaddafi. Why does a name that has been making headlines for decades have so many varied spellings?

Transliteration is the reason - the transcription of a word, or in this case a name, into CONTINUE READING »

A massive new planet in our solar system named Tyche? Maybe. But what does “Tyche” mean?

February 24, 2011

There may be a new planet joining the solar system. A provocative hypothesis posed by a duo of planetary astronomers from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette includes the existence of the planet Tyche: a ninth planet estimated to be four times the size of Jupiter located somewhere at the outermost reaches of the solar system. It’s hard to know what is more enjoyable, stories about planets themselves or the meaning behind their names. NASA can handle the astronomy; here’s the meaning behind the name.

Tyche (pronounced tayh-kee) is derived from the Greek word for “providence, fortune” and CONTINUE READING »

What is the lesser-known language millions of people speak in Spain?

February 23, 2011

Catalan is a Romance language spoken primarily in the Eastern and Northeastern regions of Spain, mainly Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Isles. It is the official language of Andorra, a landlocked country located in the Eastern Pyrenees (mountains bordered by Spain and France), and the second official language of Spain. The Catalan language was nearly wiped out completely in the early 1700s only to experience a renaissance beginning in the early 20th century. What is the origin of this remote language and what saved it from near extinction? CONTINUE READING »

What is the hardest word to translate from Spanish?

February 22, 2011

In lists compiled by linguists and translators, it seems “duende” is a word that many experts regard as the hardest word in Spanish to convey in other languages.

In the dictionary, the word is listed as “elf” or “magic.” However, in actual CONTINUE READING »

Michigander or Michiganian? Learn what these local names are known as

February 19, 2011

Just like the old “tu’mey-tow” vs. “tu’maa-tow” debate, Michiganders, or Michiganians (depending on which side you’re on), have long found themselves in a state of disconnect. It seems that the great divide facing residents of the Great Lake State these days centers around the demonym - the name of a resident of a specific locality - that best suits the people of Michigan. Whether you proclaim yourself a Michigander or a Michiganian may say a lot about who you are and where you come from. Is one better than the other? Can the two co-exist? CONTINUE READING »

What’s the grossest sounding word in English? Let us know

February 18, 2011

A few months ago, we asked readers to share their choices for the most beautiful sounding word in English. Nearly 500 of you shared your favorites, which included the lyrical, delightful and uplifting. Read some of the highlights, here.

Some of you not only shared your favorite but also least favorite CONTINUE READING »

The truth behind one of the most disliked phrases in English

February 17, 2011

Admit it, whether you regard yourself as a scholar of linguistics or a self proclaimed language snob - you’ve, at least once, crossed over to the dark side and used the word “like” in a sentence where it, like, doesn’t belong. Narrowly escaping the grammar police, you catch yourself, cringe and promise never again! This usage of “like” is known as a slang interjection. This form as well as the adverbial use of “like” dates back a lot further than you might think. CONTINUE READING »

Why does the letter Q almost always need to appear with a U in order to be useful?

February 17, 2011

Scrabble players are acutely aware that Q is a tricky letter. To use a Q in the game, a player must also find an available U. The fact that Q is the second most rarely used letter in the alphabet certainly doesn’t make using Q any easier.

Let’s quest towards resolving the questions of quarrelsome CONTINUE READING »

Why are they called “Terriers,” “Pekingese,” and “Bluetick Coonhounds?”

February 15, 2011

Many people approach the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with a combination of fascination and trepidation. Awfully cute canines appear in some odd situations. Here’s some information about the fascinating names of the breeds considered the top contenders for Best in Show this year, as well as the poetic and eccentric name of one of the dog breeds making their official debut, the Bluetick Coonhound.

This year the front-runners for Best in Show are two Smooth CONTINUE READING »

The book no one can read: Why can’t anyone decipher this mysterious manuscript?

February 14, 2011

Inside the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University is the Voynich manuscript: a book that has come to be known as “the world’s most mysterious manuscript.” Since a team of scientists has recently determined the age of the Voynich (pronounced Voy-nitch) manuscript, we relish the opportunity to discuss this enigma as well as some wonderful words around cryptography and linguistics.

Consisting of 240 pages of detailed illustrations and a cipher (a method CONTINUE READING »

When you ask someone to be your “Valentine,” what exactly does it mean?

February 13, 2011

One would think that such a popular occasion as Valentine’s Day would have a clear history of the word that defines it. Since Valentine is a name, the question is not what it means, but to whom does it refer, and what did Mr. Valentine do to deserve for you to ask your beloved to his namesake?

As this blog has learned in exploring the meaning behind everyday words, an amazing amount of the context behind names has evaporated CONTINUE READING »

What does the “x” in “X-Men” stand for?

February 11, 2011

The debut of the trailer for a new X-Men movie (“X-Men: First Class”) has reignited fervor for the mutant superheroes. Since the letter “x” features a history worthy of its own comic book, we’re always extremely excited to extend ourselves down an x-marked path. Does the “x” in X-Men stand for unknown, as in x-ray or the “X-Files?” Nope.

The logical next guess would be that the x relates to the name of CONTINUE READING »

What is the name of the extinct plant that may have inspired the symbol for heart-shaped Valentines?

February 9, 2011

The shape of the heart is iconic of love, but it barely resembles the central, never-ceasing organ in our chests that the Greeks called the seat of the emotions. Why is that?

Ancient coins from Cyrene, a city-state where Libya is now, show an impression of a silphium seed, and it’s a shape that you know very well. Silphium is the now-extinct “giant fennel” of the genus CONTINUE READING »

What does the name of the narwhal, one of the oddest animals on Earth, literally mean?

February 8, 2011

This blog always relishes a chance to write about the intersection of notable creatures and notable words. For example, when an event created an excuse to write about the zany zedonk (what the heck is that? Find out here.) celebration ensued. Now, one of the few creatures that can top the zedonk for linguistic and zoological oddness has surfaced in the media. That creature of legend is the narwhal.

If you’ve been on Google lately, you may have played with the CONTINUE READING »

Do dogs actually understand what words mean?

February 8, 2011

If you read the recent story about a border collie named Chaser who can understand over 1,000 English words, you may have looked over at your pet and raised an eyebrow. After saying, “wow,” this dazzling dog deal became a canine conundrum: Dogs obviously understand the same words as humans, but is it accurate to say that animals use language?

Man’s best friend is hardly the only animal capable of amazing humans CONTINUE READING »

Read the other three verses of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Wait, what other lyrics?

February 7, 2011

Post-Super Bowl, the hyped-highlights are the Green Bay Packers’ victory, the cute and funny commercials, and that Christina Aguilera flubbed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Ms. Aguilera is catching a lot of flak for her snafu, but one can empathize with the pop singer’s dilemma. America’s national anthem is known as a major pain for even the most capable singers, and those notoriously dense lyrics are a big part of that pain. CONTINUE READING »

What does it mean “to pink” something, and how did the color become associated with Valentine’s Day?

February 5, 2011

You are minding your own business in the grocery store when - wham! Pink hearts and candies placed at eye level by merchants remind you that once again, Valentine’s Day is here.

Why pink? How did pink become so strongly associated with February 14, roses, and romance?

The word pink dates back to the 1570s, when “to pink” was CONTINUE READING »

Why is the biggest football game of the year called a bowl? Does it have anything in common with bowling?

February 5, 2011

It’s hard to miss that pinnacle of American football, the Super Bowl. You’ve seen the phrase so many times that the words likely have become invisible. Rub your eyes and take a fresh look. What exactly does the “bowl” refer to?

Bowl is the word used to describe the series of post-season games played by college leagues. The term doesn’t have anything to do with breakfast cereal or CONTINUE READING »

The word “caliphate” causes controversy. Learn exactly what it means

February 4, 2011

A few days ago, watchers of Internet trends noted a sudden peak in searches for the word “caliphate.” The source of interest turns out to be a reference made by Glenn Beck on his February 1st TV show. In speaking about the unfolding crisis in Egypt, Beck offered his view that a result could be “a Muslim caliphate that controls the Mideast and parts of Europe.”

Dictionary.com exists to help you learn about words. Our mission is to make sure you have the right word at the right time and we CONTINUE READING »

If “w” is double u, why is it made of two v’s?

February 2, 2011

The 23rd letter of the English alphabet is a bit of a wonder. The humble “w” is the only letter of the alphabet with a three-syllable name. It is also the only letter with a name that does not indicate its phonetic use. The complications of “w” are doublefold because of it’s name, ‘double u’ and its shape, ‘double v’. What’s going on here?

In English, /w/ typically reads as a voiced labio-velar approximate. In other words, “wa.” However, in other Germanic languages, /w/ reads like “v”. Think of the famous phrase by CONTINUE READING »

Enuf or enough? Why is English spelling so random?

January 31, 2011

Have you had enough (or enuf) trouble spelling to make you want to scream (or skreem?) You are not alone. Since the 17th Century, scholars have been protesting the irregularities that occur in English spelling. Reform movements can boast such iconic English-speaking figures Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, and Theodore Roosevelt. English is currently the most widely-spoken language on the planet, yet it is the only language among the top ten most spoken that lacks an official regulatory academy to approve spelling. CONTINUE READING »

Beware the email rumor about “Betelgeuse.” What does “Betelgeuse” mean, anyhow?

January 30, 2011

Betelgeuse has been in the news again recently. No, not the creepy character played by Michael Keaton in the 1988 Tim Burton movie Beetlejuice . We’re talking about the red supergiant star in the constellation Orion, that Betelgeuse.

Apparently, some pseudo-scientific gossip is circulating online claiming that Betelgeuse will explode in CONTINUE READING »

Do funky fonts actually help you remember?

January 28, 2011

In 1999, two graphic designers from Indianapolis raised a stir when they tried to discourage the use of Comic Sans MS, the silly-looking font designed by Vincent Connare and modeled after the text in American comic books. The designers observed that a font is the orthographic (written) equivalent of one’s tone of voice, and that Comic Sans was essentially like a squeaky-helium voice but in text.

Flash forward to 2011 and a recent study from Princeton University that suggests ‘funky fonts’ such as the aforementioned typeface as well as Bodini MT may CONTINUE READING »

Flotsam, jetsam, and sandbar pianos: Three mysteries revealed

January 27, 2011

A mystery has gripped Biscayne Bay since New Years, when a 650-pound baby grand piano appeared on a sandbar above the waves. Was this out-of-place instrument flotsam, the work of pirates? Was this lagan from bumbling musical smugglers?

Full disclosure: This riddle has in fact been solved, and we’ll reveal the enigmatic source in a minute. There is a greater puzzle here that will last longer than this tale of a beached piano: the classic and confusing words CONTINUE READING »

Meet “Mercedonius,” the annoying month that used to exist (sometimes)

January 26, 2011

There are many reasons to be thankful for the benefits of modern living ? antibiotics, airplanes, velcro . . . Another subtle but essential item is our calendar. It may have some frustrating moments, but consider how months used to work. Take heed of Mercedonius.

In the days of the Roman calendar, an intercalary month was added in leap years and a few other times as well. This month was called CONTINUE READING »

What does “packers” in the Green Bay Packers refer to exactly?

January 25, 2011

In a few weeks much of the world will be glued to images of men in helmets and tight pants kicking around an egg-shaped ball. You may know a ton of Super Bowl trivia, as well as all of the arcane rules of football, but how about this word right in front of you: Packers. “Packers” doesn’t inspire the same associations of strength or speed as Steelers. The origin of the Green Bay team’s name reveals quite a bit about the history of the sport.

“Steelers” not only evokes the strength of steel and inadvertently summons up associations of CONTINUE READING »

Dear diary . . . What’s the word for the qualities that make your writing unique?

January 24, 2011

Science magazine recently released a study on the effects of diary writing for college and high school students. The results showed that students experiencing test anxiety and who wrote about their disquiet in a diary right before the exam performed better on the test by half a grade.

Dictionaries and diaries are old friends; what better way to learn new words than expressing your thoughts in writing? We welcome this bit of educational news as an excuse to talk about the precise origin of “diary” and some of CONTINUE READING »

“Purple Cow?” Learn the weird reason blurbs are called blurbs

January 21, 2011

You read the blurb on the back of a book to figure out if you want to shell out the extra bucks for the hardcover. You glance at the blurb on a DVD before deciding if that film is the one to enjoy that evening.

A good blurb provides a short summary or praise of a creative work, but it doesn’t give anything away. It whets the appetite. CONTINUE READING »

American “Idol?” Hmm . . . Learn why the traditional definition of “idol” is offensive to some religions

January 19, 2011

When most of us hear the word “idol,” in our mind’s eye we see a triumphant David Cook or Carrie Underwood belting their hearts out.

And while the “idol” in “American Idol,” has connotations of success and inspiration, the dictionary tells us that the meaning of the word is more complicated. CONTINUE READING »

Tetris is fun, but what does the video game’s name mean?

January 19, 2011

For over two decades, the puzzle video game Tetris has provided countless hours of procrastination and enjoyment for players all over the globe.

But now, researchers believe that Tetris might have a new purpose. They think that the game may help to prevent the flashbacks that occur in the early stages of post-traumatic stress disorder.

While the research is fascinating, let’s turn our attention to CONTINUE READING »

How did the Yellow, Red and Black Seas get their names? And what is the fourth sea named after a color?

January 16, 2011

The Yellow Sea, situated between China and the Korean Peninsula, has been in the news lately due to the tensions between North and South Korea. Several major Chinese rivers that contain golden-hued silt empty into the sea. This silt alters the color of the water.

(What are North and South Korea’s real names? Read about that here.)

Like the Yellow Sea, the Red Sea may also be named after a natural CONTINUE READING »

What can we learn from the meaning behind Martin Luther King, Jr.’s name? Plus, what was his original name? (Not “Martin” or “Luther.”)

January 16, 2011

Michael King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. You read that correctly ? Martin Luther King, Jr. was originally named after his father, Michael King, Sr. It wasn’t until 1935 that the Reverend Martin Luther King , Sr., inspired by the 16th century Augustinian monk and theologian, Martin Luther, proclaimed to his congregation that from that point forward they were to refer to him as ‘Martin Luther King’ and to his son as ‘Martin Luther King, Jr.’ Although MLK, Jr. never legally changed his CONTINUE READING »

“Sir” and “madam” are shorter versions of what older, fancier terms?

January 15, 2011

Let’s say you want to get the attention of a male clerk in the produce section of the grocery store. Would you say, “Excuse me sire, but could you please explain the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?”

(For the answer to that question, read this.)

Addressing a stranger as “sire” might raise an eyebrow. But if you said CONTINUE READING »

Did your horoscope sign change? Regardless, learn what the words for the zodiac signs literally mean

January 14, 2011

Suddenly, a zinger about the zodiac seems to be everywhere online. If you haven’t heard, the Minnesota Planetarium Society has pointed out that the dates associated with horoscopes have been incorrect for a very, very long time. This means that the astrological sign you have always associated with yourself may be wrong. We discuss the reasons behind this age-old discrepancy, here. CONTINUE READING »

“Possum” and “opossum,” is one correct? The tricky answer may surprise you

January 13, 2011

The most famous marsupial of the moment is Heidi, the goofy, cross-eyed opossum from Germany. Heidi has made headlines across the globe and apparently has over 111,000 fans on Facebook. Enough with the cuteness, and on to a great story of language: What is the difference between “possum” and “opossum?” Is one correct? The answer is more complex, and interesting than you might think. CONTINUE READING »

Sarah Palin causes a controversy with the phrase “blood libel.” What does it mean, and why are people upset?

January 12, 2011

The tragedy in Arizona continues to command national attention as well as launch unusual words like “vitriol” into the national vocabulary. Today Sarah Palin referred to accusations that imagery and rhetoric associated with her may have contributed to recent violence as a “blood libel.” Why has this phrase stirred up so much additional strife? CONTINUE READING »

A mysterious green blob in outer space is named “Hanny’s Voorwerp.” What does that mean, and why is the blob there?

January 11, 2011

Did you catch the story about a giant green blob discovered in a remote section of the universe? An intergalactic blob in and of itself isn’t an appropriate topic for a dictionary website, even if the blob has been shown to move and change color. The reason you are reading about this on Dictionary.com is the mouthful of a name: Hanny’s Voorwerp. The second word is pronounced “FOR-verp.” CONTINUE READING »

After the tragic Arizona shooting, the word “vitriol” was everywhere in the news. What is its literally dangerous meaning?

January 10, 2011

After Saturday’s shocking attack on Arizona lawmaker Gabrielle Giffords and a crowd of bystanders, an unusual word proliferated through all forms of media. Shortly after the shooting tragedy, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik cited “vitriolic rhetoric” as a potential source for the violence.

This article is not about politics or the relationship of media and violence in American culture. The topic at hand, of course, is “vitriol.” What is it? CONTINUE READING »

What is the name of the odd texting alphabet that uses numbers and symbols, 1!X3 7|-|!5, and how does it work?

January 8, 2011

You’re texting, or reading comments on a blog. Suddenly your eyes go bananas. Someone has used a combination of strange numbers and symbols to spell out words, but in an awkward, semi-coherent manner. This bizarre take on the English alphabet began in the early days of the Internet and jumped over to the world of SMS (short message service, the common system used for sending text messages.) Here’s some background on this orthographic weirdness, which will appear in CONTINUE READING »

Jack and Jill, the beanstalk, the candlestick. What is the meaning behind “Jack” in every fairy tale?

January 7, 2011

Since Jack went up the hill with Jill, Jack jumped over the candlestick, and climbed the beanstalk (to name just a few of his exploits,) he must be wiped out. Think about the classic fairy tales, folktales, and children’s stories. Doesn’t it seem like a disproportionate number of them contain a hero named Jack? Is this just a coincidence?

In fact, many of these stories come from a collection of English CONTINUE READING »

Are birds falling from the sky examples of pareidolia, eschatology, or something else?

January 6, 2011

The first story of 2011 to grab the attention of just about everybody is shocking and mysterious. On New Year’s Day, residents of Beebe, Arkansas found thousands of dead blackbirds in the street. Days later, Louisiana residents discovered hundreds more deceased birds. Each event in isolation was disturbing enough, but with such proximity, it has been hard not to start drawing conclusions. CONTINUE READING »

What is the literal meaning of “eleven,” and what does it say about this new year?

January 4, 2011

The new year gives us the opportunity to explore the number eleven. What does it mean? And what unusual words and expressions incorporate eleven?

The word derives from the Old English endleofan, which means CONTINUE READING »

Which two-headed god is January named after, and what does the month symbolize?

January 2, 2011

January is often considered the month for deep reflection. We look back at the year behind us, bemoaning our regrets and celebrating our successes. And then, we look forward to the future year. We make well-meaning resolutions and hope for the best.

So, in this way, we’re all a little bit like Janus, the Roman god for CONTINUE READING »

Where did the strange expression “hair of the dog” come from?

January 1, 2011

If you woke up on New Year’s Day feeling as if you had been hit by a truck, you may have sought a hangover remedy with an infamously odd name: the hair of the dog.

A morning drink may be the last thing you want after a night of boozing. But that’s exactly what this quirky English expression means. Originally, CONTINUE READING »

The People’s Choice Word of 2010 is . . . (It was almost a tie)

January 1, 2011

If you had any doubt that 2010 was a complicated year, consider this: the five finalists for our People’s Choice Word of the Year were all fairly close contenders, and three of the words were multisyllabic mouthfuls. The top two entries were incredibly close - out of over 10,000 votes, the winner was only 40 votes ahead of the runner-up.

The top five words, those that received the most nominations, CONTINUE READING »

Where does the name “Champagne” come from? Plus, why it’s called “the devil’s wine”

December 30, 2010

Champagne has been associated with luxury, special occasions, and rites of passage since the days of French royalty when kings were anointed with bubbly.

Where did this festive libation get its name?

Champagne is a sparkling wine made from three types of grapes: CONTINUE READING »

What do the “M”s in “M&Ms” stand for? And who is the “tootsie” in a tootsie roll?

December 29, 2010

Still slogging through your kids’ excess Halloween stash? You’ve probably begun to wonder what the names on many of those wrappers mean. Here’s the meaning behind the names of a few popular (and chocolately) confections.

• Forest Mars, Sr. saw soldiers eating hard-shelled chocolates during the Spanish Civil War, inspiring the mass production of CONTINUE READING »

What bizarre error gave California its name?

December 27, 2010

When the Spanish first began exploring the Pacific Coast of North America, they mistakenly believed that California was an island. (Some of the earliest and most fascinating maps of the state depict it as separated from the mainland.) This is considered one of the greatest, albeit short-lived, cartographic errors.

Early mapmakers began labeling the “island” as California, the name CONTINUE READING »

Did Adam and Eve bite into a forbidden “apple,” or a different fruit? (A lesson in meaning)

December 26, 2010

In one of the most famous culinary moments ever written down, Eve convinces Adam to share an apple with her in the Garden of Eden. Right? Well, not exactly.

Adam and Eve did bite into a fruit. But the Book of Genesis does not explicitly say which fruit. It could have been an apple. Or, as early depictions suggest, it could have been a pomegranate.

Up until the 17th century, the word CONTINUE READING »

Today is Boxing Day. Does the holiday have anything to do with the sport?

December 26, 2010

In the U.S., the word “boxing” usually refers to two athletes stepping into a padded ring, each having the intention of knocking the other off his feet.

Also in the U.S., the holiday known as Boxing Day is generally obscure. In Britain, the celebration is ubiquitous. Let’s spend a minute with the origin of the “box” in the pugilistic sense of boxing. The brutal sport most likely gets its name from the Germanic word boke, “a blow.” Rest assured that the day after Christmas has nothing to do with bopping CONTINUE READING »

What is the “nog” in eggnog? Well . . .

December 25, 2010

Frothy, creamy eggnog is a favorite beverage this time of year. Flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg, this winter drink is made with milk, sugar, and eggs. Usually an alcohol, like rum, is added.

The “egg” in eggnog is obvious, but you may not know that a different word almost beat out “egg” to mean the things that chickens lay. Find CONTINUE READING »

“Yule?” What does this word really mean, and what does it have to do with a goat?

December 24, 2010

The lyric from “Deck the Halls” goes “Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol.” Amidst all the fa la la-ing, did you ever ask yourself exactly what Yule-tide is?

Yule is the ancient name in the Germanic lunar calendar for a winter festival corresponding to December and January. Later, Yule referred CONTINUE READING »

What is it called when you can easily read scrambled words?

December 22, 2010

Perhaps you’ve received a widely circulated email that begins with this nonsensical sentence:

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.

The boggling thing about the sentence is that even though the words are scrambled, you can read it. It makes sense. Do you have an CONTINUE READING »

Here’s the odd, sad truth about mistletoe. Plus, is the kissing custom a mystery?

December 22, 2010

If you celebrate Christmas, it’s likely that at some point this season you’ll find yourself puckering up under a mistletoe branch. What is the tradition of kissing under a plant all about? And does the name have anything to do with human toes?

Mistletoe is a European plant that grows parasitically on trees. The CONTINUE READING »

Tonight, the winter solstice is one of several rare events in the sky. What exactly does “solstice” mean?

December 20, 2010

The winter solstice lasts for just one moment. It occurs exactly when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun. This usually happens around December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere or June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. The solstice of 2010 is also marked by a full moon and an adjoining lunar eclipse that will make the moon look reddish in a cloudless sky. What exactly is an eclipse, and why will the moon look CONTINUE READING »

Meet Krampus, Santa Claus’ disturbing sidekick who punishes naughty children

December 19, 2010

Christmas isn’t simple. If you think you’ve got a handle on its melange of Christian, pagan, and national traditions, here’s one more wrinkle. In Austria and Hungary, and some parts of Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Northern Italy, a bleak myth describes what happens during the Christmas season to children who have misbehaved during the past year.

According to legend, unruly kids are paid a visit by Krampus. Unlike St. CONTINUE READING »

What do the Z, I, and P in “ZIP code” stand for? And what do the numbers represent?

December 17, 2010

It’s a hectic time of year for the U.S. Postal Service. Those packages you ordered on Cyber Monday are steadily arriving. You’re probably even receiving a few holiday greetings the old-fashioned way - snail mail.

The half million employees who work for the USPS rely heavily on the five- or nine-digit ZIP codes for efficient and reliable mail delivery. So, it makes sense that the term “ZIP code” would be related to being CONTINUE READING »

The most unusual celebrity name? What does “Gwyneth” mean, and what language is it?

December 15, 2010

Hollywood starlet and Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is being honored with a star along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The actress is also the first to have the words on her star receive a thorough spellchecking. One reason: to avoid another misspelling scandal like the one surrounding the star of Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

(Why is it called an “Oscar,” not a “Frank” or “Bartholomew?” Get the CONTINUE READING »

The “X” in “Xmas” - Learn the sacred, 1,000-year-old meaning of the “X”

December 13, 2010

Here’s a holiday surprise that only the dictionary can provide. Do you find the word “Xmas,” as an abbreviation for Christmas, offensive? Many people do.

You won’t find Xmas in church songbooks or even on many greeting cards. Xmas is popularly associated with a trend towards materialism, and sometimes the target of people who decry the emergence of general “holiday” observance instead of particular cultural and religious ritual.

But the history of the word “Xmas” is actually more respectable - and fascinating - than you CONTINUE READING »

What are the three places that form the Bermuda Triangle?

December 12, 2010

In March 1918, a U.S. Navy ship with a crew of 309 departed Barbados and was never seen again. Did the ship capsize? Is there a supernatural explanation?

The area in which the ship disappeared is the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Also known as the Devil’s Triangle, it is a heavily traveled shipping lane in the Atlantic Ocean where ships and planes have been known to mysteriously disappear. The boundaries vary slightly, but according to the Naval History and CONTINUE READING »

Where did UGG boots get their name? Is the name really short for “ugh?”

December 11, 2010

The unisex sheepskin and fleece footware called UGG boots, or simply uggs, gained popularity in the 1960s when competitive surfers began wearing them. They were the perfect remedy for cold, numb, wet feet.

Now, everyone seems to be sporting the boots, from Hollywood celebrities and their tween followers to suburban moms. Originally of simple design, uggs now sport glamorous embellishments such as brass grommets, fringe, and animal skin patterns.

The history of the term ? and the trademark - are highly disputed. Australia and New Zealand both claim to be the original home of uggs and in these countries the term “ugg” can be used to market any fleece and sheepskin boot. That is, it is considered a generic term. However, in more than 100 other countries, UGG is a registered trademark.

(People are fond of tucking their UGGs into jeans. Do you know what two places “denim” and “jeans” are named for? Find out here.)

So, what does the word mean?

Well, it doesn’t mean “ugh,” the commonly used interjection of disgust or dislike that was first recorded in 1837.

The word may have derived from fug boots that were worn by aviators in rural Australia during World War I. The term is believed to be a shortened version of “flying ugg boots.”

The owner of one company that has been making the boots since the late 1950s claims that he invented the name. He says that his inspiration came from his wife, who called the boots ugly.

One, easy language for the whole world? Meet the man who tried to make it happen.

December 10, 2010

If humankind can create airplanes, cellphones, and penicilin, surely we can tackle the hassle of language. Why doesn’t some brainiac come up with the perfect language that everyone can learn?

Before you get all riled up, be assured this question is rhetorical. To start, this is not a new idea.

In the late nineteenth century, a Polish oculist and linguist named Ludwik CONTINUE READING »

What is the “amber” in AMBER Alert? Plus, the origin of “kidnap”

December 9, 2010

The media is filled with reports of missing children. The term “AMBER Alert” has become synonymous with these tragedies, but the story behind the name “Amber” is worth repeating.

First, the basics. In the suspected kidnapping of a child, an AMBER Alert is issued. This urgent bulletin is voluntarily issued through several CONTINUE READING »

Yesterday, President Obama mentioned a “holy grail.” What does it mean exactly?

December 8, 2010

In a speech yesterday, President Obama called tax cuts for the wealthy the Republicans’ “Holy Grail.” The term is so rich in myth and history that we can’t resist the opportunity for elucidation.

For the record, the President was using the term “Holy Grail” informally and figuratively. In his quote, the reference implies “any greatly desired CONTINUE READING »

Is “ironic” the most abused word in English? When is it correct to say “that’s ironic?”

December 6, 2010

“That is sooooo ironic.” This sentence is used frequently - and usually incorrectly - in American English.

Often the word “ironic” is misused to remark on a coincidence, such as “This is the third time today we’ve run into each other. How ironic.”

It is also mistakenly used to describe something out of the CONTINUE READING »

What’s the infamous chemical that makes NASA’s new life discovery so amazing, and why is it such a big deal?

December 4, 2010

Few poisons are more notorious than arsenic. So, scientists were recently shocked to find that a strange bacterium called Halomonadaceae (a type of protobacteria) in Mono Lake, California, is actually thriving on it.

The finding is blowing researchers’ minds, showing how much more CONTINUE READING »

Meet the new hottest chili pepper, the “Naga Viper” What is the deadly meaning of this name?

December 4, 2010

Teary eyes? Burning throat? Is this how you respond if there’s a little too much jalapeno in your salsa?

Then you better steer clear of the Naga Viper, the new record holder for the spiciest chili pepper in the world. The farmer who is responsible for the pepper says that eating it is dangerous - and invigorating. CONTINUE READING »

What is the medical term for people who shop too much? (Not “shopaholic”)

December 3, 2010

‘Tis the season for family reunions, champagne toasts, and, of course, shopping.

It’s likely that you know someone who you consider a shopaholic. Perhaps you think that she has a superhuman stamina for long lines, crowded malls, and late night purchasing. Or perhaps you think he just doesn’t know when to quit, spending way past his budget.

“Shopaholic” is, of course, informal, and usually applied with humor. There is, though, an actual medical term for people who have an uncontrollable and compulsive desire CONTINUE READING »

Why is the Jewish holiday spelled “Chanukah,” “Hanukkah,” and “Hannukah?” Is there a correct spelling?

December 2, 2010

Hanukkah has just begun. Chanukah, Hannukah, Hannukkah, and Channukah have also just begun.

Confused? We don’t blame you. Why is this Jewish holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, spelled in so many ways?

The answer comes down to transliteration. Unlike translation, CONTINUE READING »

What do the letters in “AIDS” and “HIV” stand for?

December 1, 2010

Wednesday marked the 23rd commemoration of Worlds AIDS Day. AIDS is one of the most devastating pandemics ever recorded. Since 1981, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people. And, it’s estimated that 33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.

But what do AIDS and HIV actually mean? How are they related to each other, and CONTINUE READING »

The most beautiful-sounding word in English, according to 100s of our users, is . . .

November 29, 2010

About two weeks ago we shared the fact that many language experts believe “cellar door” is the most euphonious phrase in the English language. More than 400 people replied to our post with strong opinions about the “cellar door” selection. If you would like to know the rationale behind the choice, you can read about it here.

Tons of people also shared their own choice for the best-sounding CONTINUE READING »

“Cyber Monday?” Learn what “cyber” meant before computers, and read the first sentence to use the phrase “cyberspace”

November 28, 2010

The term “Cyber Monday” was first used as part of a marketing strategy in 2005 to refer to the Monday following "Black Friday".

(Why is the popular sales day called "Black Friday" when "Black Monday" refers to a day of financial devastation? Read about that here.)

The prefix “cyber” means “computer,” “computer CONTINUE READING »

Glow-in the-dark squid? Plus, what’s the amazing, vicious difference between squid and octopi?

November 27, 2010

On a recent expedition to explore the seamounts in the southern Indian Ocean by scientists, a new species of large squid was discovered. A specimen of the new species, which can grow up to 30 inches long, belongs to the deep-sea Chiroteuthid family, which are known for being radically bioluminescent (naturally glowing.) Don’t confuse this squid with the squidworm, a creature also just discovered that is so unusual that it requires a brand new genus.

This lovely squid find sparked a common question regarding squids and octopi (or octopuses, both plural forms are correct.) How do the two marine creatures differ? CONTINUE READING »

Is it naughty or not? Learn what “burlesque” actually means, plus Cher’s real name

November 26, 2010

The trailer for “Burlesque,” starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, makes the film seem like cheesy fun. What the preview fails to do, however, is explain what actually defines burlesque. Is it strictly a type of dance performed in seedy venues, a fancy word for striptease? Luckily for word enthusiasts, “burlesque” derives from a rich tradition as well as a compelling meaning.

Traditionally, burlesque has been a type of variety show that is CONTINUE READING »

What’s the mistake that gave “turkey” the bird the same name as “Turkey” the nation?

November 25, 2010

If you’ve ever visited Turkey, you probably ate shwarma, but it’s unlikely that you were served a crispy, golden turkey leg. The former center of the Ottoman Empire isn’t exactly a breeding ground for the bird that we most closely associate with Thanksgiving. In fact, the turkey is native to North America.

So why do they share the same name? CONTINUE READING »

You think you buy yams, but they may be sweet potatoes in disguise. Why?

November 24, 2010

The yummy portion of your Thanksgiving dinner that happens to be orange ? is it made of yams or sweet potatoes? Even if you think you used yams, they might be sweet potatoes after all.

Yams and sweet potatoes are in fact two different root vegetables. And unless you shop in a specialty store, it’s likely that you’ve only purchased

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What are the actual names of North and South Korea? Why do English speakers say “Korea,” but Koreans don’t?

November 23, 2010 15

Tensions are high on the Korean Peninsula. The aggression by North Korea on the South has captured the world’s attention and raised a number of questions about Korea’s history, names, and geography.

Prior to 1910, Korea was a kingdom. Then, from 1910 to 1945, the country was under Japanese rule. At the end of World War II, the country was divided into two occupational zones along the thirty-eighth

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Exactly what birds are in a “turducken?” And what dish involves more than 10 birds stuffed inside each other?

November 22, 2010 86 Consider the dish named with one of the greatest portmanteaus of all time: the turducken.

If you’ve never heard of turducken and you are a meat lover, prepare to rejoice. A turducken is a de-boned chicken (or hen) stuffed into a de-boned duck, which is then stuffed into a de-boned turkey.

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Learn why “change” is our 2010 Word of the Year, and tell us what you think

November 22, 2010 28 hours of calculation, deliberation, and lexical prestidigitation, we are pleased to reveal our selection for the 2010 Word of the Year.

In 2010, millions of people visited Dictionary.com to learn the right spelling, pronunciation, or definition of millions of words. Our Word of the Year directly reflects the hard work of our users - a word that experienced a surge of look-ups in the past 12 months. The word

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What are the most beautiful words in English? Prepare to be surprised by what some experts say

November 18, 2010 428 If someone asked you to name the most beautiful word or phrase in English, how would you choose? Would it be based on the meaning of the word? How it sounds? How it is spelled?

There are some words, like “love,” “comely,” or “demure,” that seem like solid contenders. But the compound word that some believe to be the most inherently beautiful will likely come as a colossal surprise.

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“Mystery missile” Web sensation may have simply been a “contrail.” What does that mean?

November 17, 2010 33 A mysterious event in the sky outside of Los Angeles last week grabbed the attention of the media and conspiracy theorists. Was it a secret missile test? Even the Pentagon seemed flummoxed. This week, the military weighed in, dismissing it as the contrail of an ordinary jet.

Not to be confused with a coelacanth, the Contras, or any conspiracy

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“Mohammed” is one of the top baby names in Britain. What is its precise definition?

November 16, 2010 29

For the last 14 years, Jack was the most common boy’s name in England and Wales. Last year, though, Oliver overtook Jack to take the top spot. There’s a more interesting story, though, in the statistics: over 7,000 newborn boys in Britain were given one of 12 variations of the name Mohammed, such as Muhammad or Mohammad. Combined, these forms place it in the top 5.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise: overall, based on statistics gathered

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Does the story behind the word “hip-hop” go back to the nineteenth century?

November 14, 2010 57 Thirty-two years ago, Keith “Cowboy” Wiggins, who was a member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, was teasing a friend. The friend had just signed up to serve in the U.S. Army.

Cowboy was mimicking the rhythm of marching soldiers by scat singing “hip hop hip hop.”

He later used the phrase in a performance. Then the name began to be used by disco musicians in a derogatory way to identify a new type of music being performed by MCs and DJs. But before long, its negative connotation wore off and the name stuck.

(By the way, MC is an abbreviation for Master of Ceremonies and DJ stands for disc jockey.)

Let’s break down the word. Hip-hop combines two slang terms. Hip, which means “in the know,” has been a part of African American vernacular since the late nineteenth century. Hop represents the hopping movement exhibited by hip-hop performers.

The key individuals and groups credited with popularizing the term in the late seventies and early eighties include The Sugarhill Gang, Lovebug Starski, DJ Hollywood, and Afrika Bambaataa.

There really is a 13th zodiac sign named “Ophiuchus” that you’ve probably never heard of.

November 13, 2010 91 Whether or not you believe that the position and relationship of the sun, moon, stars, and planets has any bearing on your personality, you probably still know what your astrological sign is.

The zodiac contains twelve constellations and is divided into twelve equal segments. Each astrological sign represents one of the segments. The signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

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What the “x” in “Xbox” stands for, plus when did “x” start to mean “the unknown?”

November 11, 2010 50 No letter in the English language gets around like X. The 24th letter of the alphabet shows up everywhere, from the popular Xbox to standing in for a signature on legal documents. It represents a chromosome, signifies the multiplication process, and marks “the spot” on treasure maps.

Let’s explore just a few of the uses of this versatile letter.

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DictionaryThesaurusEncyclopediaTranslatorWebWhat does Veteran’s Day have to do with an incredible combination of “11?”

November 10, 2010 28 Today, 11/11, is the 315th day of the year. It’s also Veterans Day, a federal holiday honoring all military veterans.

The holiday marks the anniversary of the 1918 signing of the Armistice, which took place in a railway carriage, between the Allies and Germany. This event marked the end of fighting on the Western Front in the First World War. The signing took place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

In other parts of the world, the day is celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.

11:11 is also a phenomenon of numerology, the notion that numbers hold some intrinsic value beyond their significance as symbols of quantity. A popular belief holds that the combination “11:11? appears on clocks with too great a frequency to be coincidence. In that spirit, let’s look at what else happened on this day in history and see if we can draw any conclusions beyond mere coincidence:

In 1620, the Mayflower Compact, the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony, was signed near Cape Cod.

Over two hundred years later, in 1889, Washington was admitted as the 42nd U.S. State.

In 1926, the legendary Route 66 was established.

Six years ago on this date, the Palestine Liberation Organization confirmed Yasser Arafat’s death, but did not identify the cause. Shortly after, Mahmoud Abbas was elected chairman of the PLO.

Golden Globe Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio was born on this date, as was the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

Who is the “Granny Smith” of Granny Smith apples? Plus, learn the truth about Fuji apples

November 8, 2010 44 Many parts of the U.S. are enjoying the peak of apple season right now. And lucky for logophiles, the names of some of the most popular varieties are almost as interesting as the fruit is tasty.

There are more than 7, 500 cultivars of apples. Here are the stories behind five of the most popular:

• It’s understandable if you guess that the Golden Delicious was named for the fruit’s gorgeous hue. In fact, this cultivar was likely a hybrid of two types that share

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What is it called when you can “taste” a word or “see” a sound?

November 7, 2010 43 Comments Share

Every so often, an oddball phrase or sentence trends on Google search, such as: “Can blind people see the taste of cinnamon toast crunch?”

This is a fascinating, serious question disguised in buffoonery. A more apropos question seems to be: Is it possible to “see” the taste of a cereal? Or better yet: Is it possible to see a taste? Or taste a word?

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Clock confusion: Which is correct, daylight “saving,” or daylight “savings” time?

November 6, 2010 38 Most Americans are turning their clocks back one hour, a sure sign that the long days of summer are far behind us.

Speaking of the seasons: Did autumn officially begin with Labor Day? Find out here.

This practice of advancing the clocks ahead an hour in the spring and

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What’s the exact difference between being “charged,” “convicted,” and “sentenced” for a crime?

November 5, 2010 18 Today, former Oakland, California, transit police officer Johannes Mehserle received the minimum possible sentence in the controversial death of a teenager on January 1, 2009. The incident and subsequent trial have prompted outrage and violent protests. Today’s decision brings attention to the legal meanings of three verbs : “charge,” “convict,” and “sentence.” They appear in the news constantly, but do you know what each term actually describes?

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A new Dr. Seuss book is found. What new Seuss word is discovered inside?

November 4, 2010 100 Comments Share

Theodore Geisel, under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, wrote 44 children’s books that are as loved by young readers as they are by adults. Delight filled the Dictionary.com office when we learned an unpublished Seuss manuscript has turned up, containing a hitherto unknown “Seussism.”

Some of his playful language creations, or neologisms, have become ubiquitous, such as ”biggered,” the word meaning “enlarged” in

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The Giants won the World Series, but which giants were ginormous snake monsters with six arms?

November 3, 2010 41 San Francisco is whooping it up for the Giants, with a boisterous victory parade. The World Series win is impressive, but stop for a second; the mythic creatures who inspired the very word “giant” had a contest of their own that might embarrass the baseball champions.

Before we journey into “Clash of the Titans” territory, here’s how the San Francisco Giants were named. Originally based in New

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What is the “seven” in “7 UP?” What is the “root” in “root beer?”

November 2, 2010 51 Root beer and 7 Up are carbonated, sweetened beverages with peculiar names. What root is found in root beer? Burdock? Daikon? And what does the “7” represent? Good luck?

The primary flavor of root beer was originally made using the root (or

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What does something “musty” literally smell like? Why stinky words are more mysterious

November 1, 2010 32 Comments Share

The common cholesterol drug Lipitor was recently subject to a recall due to reports from consumers about a “musty” odor associated with the bottles. We aren’t interested in the drug - this post concerns stink, stench, aroma. Smell may be the hardest sense to describe in words, which is why we are eager to take a whiff.

The sense of smell is known as olfaction and functions through the

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Wait, today is a holiday called “Hallowmas?” What does it mean?

November 1, 2010 18 Comments Share

Halloween is actually just the beginning of a string of otherworldy holidays. The tricks, treats and customs of Halloween, now mostly secular, are based in an ancient Christian festival that spans November 1st and 2nd.

Today is All Saints Day, when all saints - known and unknown - are

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What is the precise difference between ghouls, goblins, and ghosts? Which one is truly disgusting?

October 31, 2010 17 Come Halloween, miniature ghosts, ghouls, and goblins ring your doorbell. But each of the three freaky frights has a different history and personality. Only one of them has alarming tendencies towards necrophagia.

One of the only features these staples of the supernatural share is their ghastliness. Ghosts are considered to be the souls of the dead. They

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“Trick or treating” owes its existence to “souling” and “guising.” What do they mean?

October 29, 2010 31 Comments Share

It’s one of a kid’s favorite parts of Halloween. There’s no feeling quite like waiting for a stranger to open his or her door so you can scream the words “trick or treat.”

But why do we say it? What does it actually mean?

The practice of donning a costume and asking for treats from your neighbors dates back to the Middle Ages. But back then it wasn’t

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The meaning of “een” in Halloween may trick, not treat, you

October 28, 2010 61 Comments Share

Halloween has its roots in two celebrations: the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saint’s Day. The spooky festival’s name, however, comes from only one.

Samhain is Gaelic for “summer’s end, and marks what has loosely been labeled the “Celtic New Year.” The end of the “lighter half” of the year and the beginning of the “darker half.”

All Saint’s Day honors all of the Catholic saints. The Roman Catholic Church refers to it

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What’s the word to describe if you’re not a twin (born solo)?

October 28, 2010 63 Celine Dion is now the proud momma of twin boys. We’re happy for the entertainment diva, and pleased at the excuse to explore the language of twins.

Dion’s boys are not identical twins. They’re fraternal. This means that they derived from separately fertilized ova and that they have different genetic makeup. Fraternal twins may be of the same or of the opposite sex.

While some fraternal twins resemble each other, some look as different as second

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What exactly does the “Illuminati” mean?

October 26, 2010 121 Rap impresario Kanye West has been hard at work not only quashing rumors that he practices devil worship, but that he is part of the notorious “Illuminati.” The gossip began after the release of his new short film “Runaway,” which contains references to the elusive organization. West recently expressed confusion about the Illuminati. Is it connected to supposed devil worship? What is its basis in reality, and what does the word signify?

The Illuminati refers to several different groups, which are both

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Why is Jane Austen guilty of “cacography?” (Are you guilty, too?)

October 25, 2010 66 Jane Austen is known for her clean and eloquent prose. But new scholarly work shows that the great novelist’s editor likely played a bigger role in Austen’s literary pursuits than previously thought.

(By the way, do you know what language the word “novel” comes from? Find out here.)

In fact, it seems that Austen may have been guilty of cacography, or bad

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Who is the “Jack” in “Jack O’ Lantern?”

October 24, 2010 91 This week thousands of Americans will scoop out the flesh of a gourd, crudely carve a haunting face into its rind, and stick a candle inside. Then the jack-o’-lanterns will proudly be displayed on porches and stoops. Who or what is this wacky tradition named after?

The British can claim ownership of the original use of the phrase “jack-o’-lantern.” In the 17th century, it referred to a night watchman, a man who literally carried a lantern.

But it was also a nickname for strange, flickering lights seen at night

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What poetic term describes living your life while accepting that it is filled with uncertainty?

October 23, 2010 41 On December 21, 1817, the poet John Keats wrote a letter to his brother in which he expressed and named a quality of human existence that is tricky to articulate. Keat’s formulation has been adopted by philosophers, poets, and others ever since.

Roughly, the idea is our ability to simultaneously acknowledge the unpredictable nature of events and conduct ourselves with confidence and happiness. He called this familiar yet complex concept

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What’s the name of the food causing a minor crisis in South Korea?

October 22, 2010 42 Koreans eat it with almost every meal. When the country’s first astronauts went into space, portions of this food went with them. Each year, South Koreans consume more than two million tons of it.

Now, because of abnormal fall weather, there is a shortage, driving the country into crisis.

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Does “right” actually mean “right?” Does that mean “left” means “wrong?”

October 21, 2010 60 Little kids often get confused regarding the fact that “right” refers to a certain direction and also what is good, proper, and just. After all, “left” doesn’t mean wrong ? right?

Well, not exactly.

“Left” comes from the Old English lyft, which means “weak, idle,

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Why is “dog” one of the great mysteries of the English language?

October 19, 2010 67 Behind the simplest words one can often find the most compelling questions. Take for example, “dog.”

Canis familiaris, also known as “dog,” is essentially a domesticated wolf. The dog is a member of the Canidae family, like the jackal and the fox.

About seven centuries ago, the word “hound,” which came from the Old

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Why did Texas confuse its state flag with Chile’s? Try to spot the difference, and learn what a “vexillologist” is.

October 18, 2010 19 Thanks to the eagle eyes of a Texan voter, the absentee ballot this election season in Atascosa County will not feature the flag of Chile. You can see the source of confusion below, but first, how did the Chilean flag end up on a Texan ballot?

As you will see, the flags of the Latin American country and the U.S. state are remarkably similar. Both flags have a white stripe on top and a

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Scientists discover a fish they name “dracula.” What’s the origin of the word, and does the fish sleep in a coffin?

October 13, 2010 102 Comments Share

Scientists recently released a list of new species that were discovered in the Greater Mekong Region, which comprises parts of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

One of the more peculiar species on the list is a translucent fish that scientists call “dracula.” The fish actually was first found in 2009, in a fish tank in Britain, but was only discovered in the wild this year.

The literary Dracula was known as “king of the vampires” in Bram Stoker’s novel, published in

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The “Taser” is a serious weapon, but what the name stands for may puzzle you

October 12, 2010 88 The electroshock weapon called the Taser, which is typically used by police when trying to control a fleeing suspect, uses an electrical current that causes neuromuscular incapacitation. In other words, if you’re struck by a Taser, your chances of getting away are null.

There have been plenty of controversies involving the device and law enforcement. The most notorious may be the altercation that led to

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Want to meet two extinct letters of the alphabet? Learn what “thorn” and “wynn” sounded like

October 11, 2010 68 Comments Share

The English alphabet, as you likely know, is made up of 26 letters.

But it wasn’t always that way.

Before we get to which letters were late additions, let’s explain a bit about Old English. English was first written in the Anglo-Saxon futhorc runic alphabet, also known as Anglo-Saxon. The Angles and Saxons

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Columbus’ first name isn’t really Christopher. What is it?

October 11, 2010 111 Today is Columbus Day, which marks what is arguably the first landing of a European in the “New World.” On October 12, 1492, an ambitious seaman sailed into the West Indies, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The West Indies is a region of more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays in the Caribbean Sea. When Columbus landed there, he mistakenly believed that he had reached the Indies, his intended

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Spaghetti tacos, seriously? What’s the definition of this food craze?

October 8, 2010 88 The marriage of tacos and spaghetti seems to be a bonafide fad. Nickelodeon show “iCarly” has enhanced the nation’s taste for the incongruous pairing of these Italian and Mexican staples. We’re no culinary experts, but we can smell a tasty linguistic opportunity a mile away. What happens when you put these words together? Here’s some, ahem, food for thought.

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Who is the “Nobel” in “Nobel Prize,” and what does he have to do with explosions?

October 7, 2010 26 Each year in October, the Nobel Prize committee in Stockholm announces what has become a sort of gold medal for science, literature, and politics. This year’s laureates include Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa in literature and Robert G. Edwards, father of the test tube baby, in medicine. Winners receive a sum usually worth millions of dollars in addition to oodles of prestige.

After you read this, you will always associate the namesake of the prize with the word “boom.” Here’s why.

Alfred Nobel was a chemist and engineer as well as an amateur poet. In the mid-1800s he invented a chemical agent of nitroglycerine and cellulose nitrate, bringing about a smokeless explosive called ballistite. Ballistite was first marketed as blasting caps and was the basis for his next big invention, dynamite.

Near the end of his life a French newspaper called Nobel a merchant of death, prompting him to consider the legacy he was leaving behind. In response, he instructed that his fortune be used to fund a prize promoting fraternity among nations and the reduction of conflict.

(The MacArthur “genius” Awards were recently granted. What defines a “genius,” and what I.Q. score allegedly defines genius? Here’s the answer.)

The first awards were granted in 1901. Chemistry, economics, literature, medicine and physics, as well as the coveted Peace Prize, make up the menagerie of awards. Recipients, called laureates, receive a gold medal and diploma as well as the above-mentioned cash. The prize may only be given to living individuals and teams of up to three people.

The Peace Prize has is the most controversial award bestowed by the Nobel Committee. The criteria for selecting the winner are cryptic at best; no one knows how laureates are selected or who the contenders are prior to announcement.

An unknown language was recently discovered ? what’s its name and where was it found?

October 7, 2010 41 Arunachal Pradesh is a state in the far northeast corner of India. It shares a border with Burma, Bhutan, and China. In the state there’s a district called East Kameng, a community of villages that have had few interactions with the outside world. And in that community, there are several thousand people who speak a language called Aka.

Within the community of Aka speakers, however, there’s an even

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How are “scum,” “sludge,” “slush,” “slime,” “ooze,” “muck,” “mire,” “goo,” and “gunk” different?

October 6, 2010 40 Toxic red sludge poured into a Hungarian village this week after a dam containing the chemical residue from an aluminum plant burst. At least four people were killed and dozens injured. The sludge continues to flow and threatens to contaminate the Danube River, one of Europe’s major waterways.

This tragedy poses a linguistic puzzle that, hopefully, can help us better

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What exactly is Pig Latin, is it a language? And how is it a mystery?

October 5, 2010 83 Comments Share

What language do these words come from: ouch-cay, appy-hay, and ender-tay?

If you guessed Pig Latin, you’re correct.

Pig Latin is not actually a language but a language game that children (and some adults) use to speak “in code.” Pig Latin words are formed by altering words in English.

Here’s how it works: First, pick any English word. We’ll use “dictionary.” Next, move the

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Why was the scary word “cataclysm” so popular on Google yesterday? What does it mean?

October 5, 2010 21 Comments Share

If a word like “cataclysm,” that basically means “a ginormous, Armageddon-style disaster” is all over the Web, you might feel a tad cantankerous, or at least concerned. Would it make you feel better to know that the news was greeted by thousands of geeks around the world with glee?

Enough teasing - “Cataclysm” refers to the latest installment of

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What’s the difference between green and black tea? And who is the “Earl” in “Earl Grey?”

October 4, 2010 34 Whether you start your morning with coffee or tea - it’s part of who you are, but how much do you know about either caffeinated beverage?

If you want to learn the mysterious origin of coffee’s name and more, click here. This is about the drink that comes from leaves, not beans.

“Tea” comes from the Chinese d’a, and transformed into tea or ch’a

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“Turf toe,” “metatarsalphalangeal joint sprain,” or “death toe.” What’s the painful meaning of all three?

October 3, 2010 18 Comments Share

Recently, the Detroit Lions’ Jahvid Best was forced out of a football game due to turf toe - Grade 2 turf toe, to be exact. It’s a funky name for what can become an significant injury for professional athletes.

First of all, turf toe gets its name because athletes who play on artificial turf face the highest risk of suffering from it. This means football players, rugby players, and ultimate frisbee players are all susceptible.

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Does “KISS” stand for anything? And what does the Holocaust have to do with it?

October 2, 2010 51 Comments Share

The hard rock band KISS, known for their wild stage makeup and intense pyrotechnics, will not be inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year (for the 11th year in a row.)

Fans insist this is a major diss, but critics who consider KISS a gimmick band (despite their 24 gold albums) think that they have no place among the 288 inductees.

Hype around the KISS snub inspired curiousity about the band’s name. Surely it can’t simply

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“Bigot” remarks get CNN reporter fired. What does “bigot” mean exactly? (Its origin involves cussing)

October 2, 2010 11 Every so often, surprises seem to pop out of the mouths of public figures like a Jack-in-the-Box. CNN reporter Rick Sanchez lost his job Friday for a few eyebrow-raising comments he made on the radio.

Among other things, Sanchez called the comedian and political talk show host Jon Stewart a “bigot.” The specifics of the remarks aren’t the concern of this blog. When thousands of people began searching for the definition of “bigot,” however, our lexicological sirens start to flash.

A bigot is “a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.” OK, but

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Is Friday named after a beautiful goddess with a chariot pulled by cats? Well . . .

September 30, 2010 55 Comments Share

In a world that knows too many details about unimportant matters, one would think that our collective expertise could be certain about something as essential as the days of the week. There is, however, a scholarly debate regarding which goddess of love in Norse mythology is the namesake of “Friday.” To complicate matters, it may be that Frigg (or Frigga) and Freyja were at one point one goddess, or at least

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Why is exciting planet discovery called “Goldilocks,” and what is its actual name?

September 30, 2010 127 This week, excitement was stoked by the discovery of a “Goldilocks planet” within our astronomical neighborhood. Located about 20 light years away in the constellation of Libra, the exoplanet in question has temperatures ranging from -25 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit , orbits its star from a distance of .146 Astronomical Units (about 14 million miles), and has a mass 3 to 4 times that of the earth. In other words, this planet

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What’s the difference between atheism and agnosticism?

September 29, 2010 186 Comments Share

A recent survey on religion caused a stir when it revealed that many Americans lack some basic knowledge about their own religious faiths. Another provocative finding indicated both atheists and agnostics are surprisingly knowledgable about a variety of religions.

This prompts us to address a commonly-asked question: What is the difference between someone who defines themselves as “atheist” and

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“UFOs?” What bizarre event spawned the phrase “flying saucer?”

September 29, 2010 11 There’s a fresh UFO hullabaloo, and that provides the perfect opportunity to encounter the origin of “flying saucer” and “UFO.” There are no alien autopsies, abductions or crop circles in these stories, but there is no shortage of weirdness.

First, here’s the latest extraterrestrial extravaganza. A group of retired Air Force members and UFO researchers held a press conference claiming that aliens not only monitor, but have interfered with nuclear

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The TV show “Glee” is sassy, but what does the word “glee” have to do with squinting and schadenfreude?

September 28, 2010 21 Cute teenagers, song and dance routines, even Britney Spears - this is “Glee’s” moment in the sun. We want to take this same moment to illuminate some of the unusual senses of “glee” (like what it has to do with schadenfreude.)

Let’s begin with “Glee Club.” These infamously chipper singing groups are called “glee” because the melding of voices makes everyone happy, right? Actually,

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What I.Q. defines a “genius?” What does the word actually mean?

September 28, 2010 56 The 2010 MacArthur “genius” fellowships were announced today, meaning 23 individuals just received $500,000 in recognition of their “making our world a better place.” The recipients, artists, scientists, and others, can do whatever they want with the cash. Every year when these fabulous funds are given out, people tend to ask: “What makes them so special,” and “Don’t I deserve a genius grant?”

Perhaps a psychologist is better qualified to answer those questions, but we’re happy to see if our dictionary gnomes can provide some insight regarding the concept of “genius.” One of the most popular online definitions of genius would seem to be I.Q.

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Is “achoo” a word? And what’s the origin of saying “God bless you” after a sneeze?

September 26, 2010 168 Comments Share

Every sneeze has a different ring to it, but there are only a few words in English that name the sound. Achoo is the most favored.

This instance of onomatopoeia imitates the sound of sneezing. The first syllable mimics the quick intake of breath, while

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A woman fights off a bear with a “courgette.” What is a “courgette,” and why is it funny?

September 26, 2010 No CommentsShare

According to the British tabloid the Daily Mirror, a quick-thinking Montana woman fended off a bear attack with a 14-inch courgette. Is this some sort of ax, shovel, or broom? No. Here’s a hint: a courgette is perfect sautéed in garlic and butter.

If you are of British extraction, you may recognize the weapon of necessity as the humble yet

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Why is bankruptcy called “chapter 11?” What about chapters 10 and 12?

September 25, 2010 No CommentsShare

You may have heard that Blockbuster filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The term chapter 11 is often used synonymously with bankruptcy. Chapter 11 and bankruptcy, however, aren’t exactly the same.

Chapter 11 is a specific section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. It permits the reorganization of

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If your last name ends in “-ez,” what does it mean? And what last name means “bold voyager?”

September 23, 2010 158 Comments Share

A few weeks back we asked readers to suggest last names to be explored and explained. The surnames with the most requests happened to end in -ez. We like to make you happy. First, we need to touch on how many names originating in Spain function.

Most Hispanic surnames, including those that end in -ez, fall into a few general categories. Many family names are based on a character or physical trait describing the original bearer of the name. For example, if your last name is Delgado, it’s possible that your great-great-great grandfather was a skinny fellow. (Delgado means “thin” is Spanish.)

Geographical surnames are also very common. These names are formed based on the location where a family lived - sometimes

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“Equinox” - What does it mean exactly? How is a “solstice” different?

September 22, 2010 34 Comments Share

The onset of autumn differs depending on whom you ask. For some, Labor Day marks the shift of seasons. For others, it is when the dramatic harvest moon rises on the horizon.

But traditionally, fall begins promptly on Thursday, with the autumn equinox.

The equinox occurs twice a year. The vernal equinox happens around March 21, when the sun moves north across the celestial equator. The autumnal equinox

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Why “acne” comes from a mistake, and what doctors call “pimples”

September 21, 2010 36 Comments Share

A recent report about acne and depression inspired an exploration of the words associated with the inflammatory affliction. What is the medical name for acne? And how did the slang word “pimple” come about?

Acne is a shortening of the medical term acne vulgaris, a chronic skin condition of the sebaceous glands that is common in

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This week is the “harvest moon” of 2010. What does this mean exactly, and what is the “hunter’s moon” that comes next?

September 21, 2010 49 Comments Share

The gigantic, orange globe sitting on the horizon on Thursday may look like a celestial pumpkin, but it will actually be the harvest moon. (It is also known as the wine moon, the singing moon, or the elk call moon.)

The harvest moon happens once a year. It is the full moon nearest to the

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Look at your keyboard ? What does QWERTY stand for? Is it a word?

September 20, 2010 106 Comments Share

Most of us take our keyboards for granted. If we’re touch typists, we automatically position our fingers above the same eight keys and our muscle memory takes over. We just type!

(What are those eight keys called? And what do they have to do with a popular Google search? Read about that here.)

But our keyboards have an interesting history. Most English language keyboards have a QWERTY layout. And QWERTY isn’t an acronym or

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Gosh, really? Learn the religious meaning of “golly,” “gosh,” and “gee”

September 19, 2010 26 Comments Share

Gosh, golly, and gee casually express surprise or excitement, right? Actually, they have a more serious origin and purpose.

While this folksy trio are informal interjections, they are also euphemistic alterations of the word “god” or, in the case of gee, “Jesus.” The use of gosh predates

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An “Asian unicorn?” What’s the real name of this rare creature that was recently captured?

September 18, 2010 5 Comments Share

When one of the world’s rarest mammals makes an appearance, a number of equally exotic words tend to follow. This wild, extraordinary creature hasn’t been photographed since 1999. However, reports emerged this week that a small village in Laos captured one. Sadly, it died several days later.

The “Asian unicorn” nickname isn’t exactly fitting since the animal is

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What does “pope” literally mean? And how does a pope choose his name?

September 17, 2010 30 Comments Share

As you read about the Pope’s visit to Britain, you may begin to wonder about his name. After all, what does “pope” actually mean? And how does a pope get his name after he assumes the papacy?

The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, and thereby the world leader of the Catholic Church. The word comes from the Latin

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Why do you use No. 2 pencils for tests? Why not a No. 3, 4, or 5?

September 16, 2010 69 This question will probably not be on your standardized test: Why are most pencils yellow? You won’t be able to answer that with a ballpoint pen, or a neon pink highlighter.

Let’s start with the word “pencil.” It comes from a Latin word meaning “little tail.” The writing instrument is made up of a casing that protects a solid pigment core. (By the way, pigment comes from the

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What exactly does “Tea Party” refer to, and what is “GOP” short for?

September 15, 2010 57 After Tuesday’s primary victories by Tea Party movement-backed candidates, water cooler talk seems focused on the relationship between the political movement and the GOP. The future impact of one on the other is unknown yet intriguing; the origins and meaning of both terms are just as fascinating.

The Republican Party picked up the “Grand Old Party” label in the

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What do the two lines on the dollar sign mean? But wait, what other currency also uses the $

September 14, 2010 53 Comments Share

Check out the number four key on your keyboard. Stamped above it is one of the most powerful symbols in the world: the almighty dollar sign.

But the symbol doesn’t just mark the U.S. currency. Originally - and to this day— the emblem also represents the peso. Several Spanish-speaking countries consider it their own. Peso literally means “weight” in Spanish.

The origin of the dollar, (or peso) sign is uncertain. However, the reigning theory is that

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What is it called when you say “um,” “eh,” or “well . . .” Are these considered words?

September 13, 2010 97 Have you ever had to listen to a recording of a conversation, or worse, had to transcribe one? You quickly learn that everyday speech isn’t exactly made of flowing repartee. Grunts, coughs, sighs ? they aren’t pleasant to listen back to, but these sounds are probably more common than the words between them.

Remember that face-to-face communication is a different beast than

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Yes, a woman grew back her pinkie, but think ? why is it called a “pinkie?”

September 10, 2010 36 Comments Share

Why is the most diminutive digit on your hand not called a finger? Do the ring, index, and middle have their own, obscure names? Let us give you, ahem, a hand with these questions.

The amazing story of Deepa Kulkarni of California sparked our curiosity about hands and fingers. She lost the tip of her pinkie in a grotesque accident. Through tenacity and new medical technology, she actually

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What does “Ramadan” mean exactly, and why is today so important to Muslims?

September 9, 2010 12 After a long period of fasting, today marks Eid al-Fitr, the final day of the month of Ramadan. Muslims around the world will mark the occasion with a day of feasting.

During Ramadan, Muslims honor the time when they believe God revealed the

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A bizarre series of letters is suddenly popular on the Web ? what does it mean? (And help us solve a mystery)

September 9, 2010 88 Comments Share

Yesterday, “asdfasdfasdfasdfasdf” suddenly appeared on Google’s list of hot Web searches. What does this combination of letters stand for?

The answer is actually right in front of you - on your keyboard. On a standard QWERTY keyboard, “asdf” are the first four letters in the home

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Risqué Natalie Portman film “Black Swan” gets hype, but what “swan” does the title refer to?

September 8, 2010 29 Every so often, a film picks up buzz before its release. Rumors of Natalie Portman engaging in lewd behavior and painted in flamboyant makeup have propelled the new picture “Black Swan” into gossip territory.

Internet searches reveal that people want to know about the title as well as the purportedly licentious scenes involving Ms. Portman’s character. Beyond the movie, “Black Swan” has a number of remarkable meanings

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What does “Rosh Hashana” literally mean, and what does it celebrate?

September 8, 2010 27 At sunset today, families and friends will gather to pray and then eat the traditional honey and apples, which symbolizes the hope for a sweet new year.

Today is Rosh Hashana, the day that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashana comes from Hebrew and simply means “beginning of the year.”

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Why isn’t Labor Day in May? (And what bloody tragedy helped inspire the holiday?)

September 6, 2010 22 In more than 80 countries, on May 1, labor unions and working people take to the streets. The holiday is often referred to as International Workers’ Day or May Day.

The day marks the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where police shot and killed several demonstrators who were fighting for the eight-hour workday. Over the next several years, people across the globe began demonstrating on May 1, and in many countries the day became an official holiday.

So why don’t we celebrate in May? Government officials

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What is the medical term for having déjà vu? (And what is the opposite sensation called?)

September 5, 2010 33 Déjà vu is that spooky feeling in which you feel like you have previously experienced something that is actually being encountered for the first time.

In French, the term literally means “already seen.” Déjà vu is often

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“Hut, hut, hike?” What’s it called when the center “hikes” the football? And a “quarter” of what, exactly?

September 4, 2010 46 See if your football fanatic friends can explain the meaning and history behind these common football words. Let’s start with the most confusing term in the game: touchdown. The football does not need to touch the ground in order to score, and for most of the game the last thing a player wants is for the pig skin to make contact with terra firma. The contradictory nature of the term touchdown is a

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What do the words “Barack” and “Obama” literally mean?

September 3, 2010 42 We recently asked readers to suggest a name for us to research and write about. The name that received the most requests happens to belong to Barack Obama.

The 44th President of the United States is named after his father, who was a Kenyan economist. Barack is an African name meaning

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What’s the word that describes the official end of summer? Is it Labor Day?

September 3, 2010 27 Many consider Labor Day to be the final hurrah of summer. School is kicking off. Fashionistas box away their white clothes, and the NFL and college football seasons are launched. Many Americans host final barbeques to mark the occasion.

(Speaking of grill parties, read here about where hot dogs and hamburgers got their names.)

But Labor Day is really just a symbolic end to summer.

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Right now, the Web is abuzz about the arrest of rapper ”T.I.” What do the “T” & “I” stand for? (The answer is odd)

September 2, 2010 50 Lots of celebrities use odd names. Snooki? Lady Gaga? (Find out if the word Snooki actually means anything, here.) The arrest of popular hip-hop star T.I. turns the spotlight on his unique name, which we consider far more fascinating than 99% of the funny things pop stars choose to call themselves.

Why do we find the moniker “T.I.” so provocative? It’s presumably an abbreviation, but for what? We’re not sure that it matters, and that’s the key. It doesn’t stand for his given name, Clifford Harris Jr. The initials

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Category 1 hurricane? Category 5? What do the numbers really mean?

September 1, 2010 24 All eyes are on the movements of Earl and Fiona. What category will the hurricanes be when they hit land? What kind of damage might they inflict?

(And by the way, who picked the names Earl and Fiona? Read about it here.)

Part of the drama of hurricane season revolves around the predicting

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Wait - if September means “seven,” why is it the ninth month? Also, why is it “lucky seven?”

August 31, 2010 59 Comments Share

We take the predictability of the calendar for granted. But we may have felt differently if we were living under the rule of Julius Caesar.

September was the seventh month of the old Roman calendar. In this calendar, the year began in March. But the Julian calendar reform shifted the start of new year back

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Million-dollar hair? OK, sure - but what do you call the biggest numbers in existence?

August 31, 2010 21 You’ve probably heard about the football player Troy Polamalu whose long locks are, as of today, insured for $1,000,000 dollars. The silly stunt is just the chance we need to talk big - bigger than a million. How big? Let’s see how big.

A “million” is literally Latin for “a great thousand” (mille is “thousand,” -ion is “largeness” or “greatness.”) A “billion” is literally “two or twice

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That’s “baloney!” Or is it “bologna?” What’s the difference? (One has to do with a legendary politician)

August 31, 2010 10 Thinly dressed with yellow mustard and slapped between two slices of white bread, bologna is found in the lunchboxes of many American youth. But what does the cold cut have to do with baloney, a slang word that implies nonsense?

The bologna sausage is traditionally made from the “odds and ends” of chicken, turkey, beef, or pork. It is similar to the Italian mortadella, which originated in the Italian city of

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Is there a connection between Snoopy and Snoop Dogg? Also, what was Snoopy almost called instead?

August 30, 2010 23 Before he was Snoop Dogg, the West Coast rap icon went by his given name: Cordozar Calvin Broadus. He was named after his stepfather.

His stage name was inspired by Snoopy, a childhood nickname. His parents gave him the pet name because of the way he looked.

(By the way, the word “nickname” comes from ekename, which means

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Hurricane “Earl?” Hurricane “Katrina?” Who picks storm names, and what’s next on the list?

August 30, 2010 15 Nobody can tell you how serious Hurricane Earl might be, but we can tell you why Earl has that name. (A pretty friendly name for such a potential disaster.)

Briefly, here’s how the monikers for storms are picked. The world is roughly divided into six major basins where storm activity occurs. Each basin has an organization that comes up with lists of names a few years in advance. The basins don’t all follow the same rules

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Who is the “Tom” in “tomcat,” the name for male cats? Plus, you have a pack of dogs, but a “what” of cats?

August 30, 2010 95 Ailurophiles (cat fanciers) will tell you that it makes perfect sense female cats are called queens. “Tomcat,” however, is a little trickier. While we’re on the feline topic, what is the name for a group of cats, and where does the myth of cats’ nine lives originate?

Meow. (What do people in Japan say instead of ”meow?” Here’s the answer.)

It turns out that the term for a male cat is associated with a fictional character from long before

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The “Emmy” of Emmy Awards isn’t a woman, or even human. What is it?

August 29, 2010 17 The trophies from the big award shows all have cute little names (Oscar), and the Emmys ceremony is getting all the attention. Emmy must be very excited, right? Some Emily who was so important to the TV industry that an honor was named after her? Nope. Emmy isn’t human, is a feminization, and is totally obsolete.

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What does “sophomore” mean exactly, and can it be an insult?

August 28, 2010 31 Comments Share

Let’s play a game. Call out when we get to a word whose origin isn’t immediately obvious. Ready? Junior. Senior. Freshman. Sophomore. Huh?

In school, the place where you are most expected to know the how and why of everything, it’s funny that second-year students are called by a term whose roots are abstruse. Then there is the problem of

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Why are planes named after numbers, like the 747? Is there a 947 or a 658?

August 27, 2010 19 After World War II, one of the largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing, turned its attention from designing military craft to building commercial planes, along with missiles and spaceships. (Unrelated fact: when Boeing was forced to spin off its passenger flight division, the newly-formed company became United Airlines.

Back to the late 1940s: Model numbers were assigned to each division of aircraft (from the Boeing website:) “300s and 400s represented [military] aircraft, 500s would be used on turbine engines, 600s for

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Beware Friday’s hoax about the moon and Mars. Plus, are you sure you know why Mars is named “Mars?”

August 26, 2010 46 There’s an email going around that claims on Friday night, the sky will look as though there are two big moons. Allegedly, Mars will be so large that it will rival Luna (the official name of our lovely moon.) Here’s the problem: this email has been circulating since 2003. In reality, on Friday the red planet will appear approximately 400 times smaller than the moon.

This bogus, spurious, factitious story gives us a reason to launch a mission to explore how Mars got its name. It is well known that Mars is the

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When stocks go up or down, what exactly do people mean by “the Dow?”

August 25, 2010 6 When someone casually uses a term they assume you understand but don’t, you have a few choices. You can get frustrated, or you can look it up. Financial jargon can be a code of confusing abbreviations and arithmetic. Let’s focus on one of the most common bits of shorthand: “the Dow.”

The full name for this measure of stock performance is the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Charles Henry Dow and Edward D. Jones are

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Afghanistan, Kazakhstan - How many “stans” are there, & what does it mean?

August 24, 2010 75 Pakistan, the site of so much suffering lately, means “land of the pure” in Urdu and Persian. Part of this meaning is also found in the names Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. What is it?

If you guessed the meaning of the suffix -stan, you’re correct.

The suffix -stan is Persian and Urdu for “place of,” or “where

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Today is a big day for “Virgos.” What exactly do “Virgo” and “zodiac” mean?

August 23, 2010 32 If you read your horoscope, you probably know that today is special according to the zodiac. But honestly, do you know what all the terms of astrology refer to? As an exercise in clarity, let’s explore the precise sense of the mystical-sounding phrase “the sun is in Virgo.”

The zodiac is, officially, “an imaginary belt of the heavens, extending about 8 degrees on each side of the ecliptic, within which are the

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Ouch. What do “rhabdomyolysis” & “compartment syndrome” mean & why are they the talk of football?

August 23, 2010 8 Comments Share

Nineteen Oregon high school football players required medical attention this past week after complaining of intense muscle soreness. Three of the players required surgery after they were diagnosed with compartment syndrome, which is about as close to a physical nightmare as we can imagine.

The condition results “from the expansion or overgrowth of enclosed tissue within its anatomical enclosure (as a muscular sheath) producing pressure that interferes with circulation and adversely affects the function and health of the tissue itself.” Yes, that means the muscle grows too large for

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You may already know what the last name “Smith” means but what about, say, “Garcia” or “Miller?”

August 22, 2010 120 Comments Share

In the 1990 and 2000 Census results, Smith was the most popular last name in the United States. Maybe your last name is Smith, or Garcia or Miller: do you know the meaning and the history of this part of you that you write and say daily?

Surname means “the name that a person has in common with other family members, as distinguished from a Christian name or given name; family name.” Sur is a French root meaning “above.”

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“Denim” and “jeans” are originally names of two cities. And are “pants” really named after a clown?

August 21, 2010 38 Comments Share

Whether they are skinny, boot-legged, or low-rise, most Americans have at least one pair that we couldn’t live without. Jeans are as American as apple pie, right?

In fact, the word “jean” comes from the French jean fustian. Fustian is a type

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Why is it called “adultery” when being unfaithful isn’t a particularly “adult” thing to do?

August 20, 2010 42 Comments Share

A celebrity marriage mystery has raised some very grown-up questions about the words we use to talk about love, commitment and desire.

Gossip-mongers have been transfixed the past few days by the curious romantic situation of three TV stars: Elisabeth Moss of “Mad Men” wed Fred Armisen of “Saturday Night Live” (the guy who plays President Obama) in 2009 after a whirlwind romance. In the past few

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What we call an “egg” almost had a different name. What was it, and why?

August 19, 2010 44 Like it or not, you probably have eggs on the brain. The massive recall of shell eggs is growing, along with reported cases of salmonella food poisoning. Learn the symptoms of salmonella and why it shares its name with salmon, right here.

While digging into the facts behind this scary situation, we found a story about the word “egg” that almost cracked our shell. Basically, two different terms for “egg” vied with each other across England until the 1500s, when “egg” won out. The loser? The now obsolete

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With huge egg recall, what are salmonella symptoms, and why does “salmonella” look like “salmon?”

August 19, 2010 72 More than 228 million eggs have been recalled across the United States due to the presence of salmonella bacteria. The outbreak is linked to a farm in Iowa, and according to the Associated Press, the eggs are sold across the country under the following brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps.

Salmonella is a common source of food poisoning, but how much do you know about it? Here’s a description of what it is, why it makes people sick, symptoms, and, of course, the riddle of why it shares a name with the fish “salmon.”

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Really? Learn why taking “hostages” used to be legal and routine

August 19, 2010 7 On Tuesday, security guards captured a man who broke into the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv and tried to take hostages. His attempt provides a chance to point out a curious fact; that “hostage” used to mean something far less violent and far more acceptable.

Hostage comes from the Old French meaning a “person given as

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Help us solve Sarah Palin’s latest language mystery

August 18, 2010 85 Today, the former governor of the great state of Alaska sent a message on Twitter containing the following phrase : “Who hijacked term: ‘feminist’? A cackle of rads who want to crucify . . .” Given Palin’s high profile and her penchant for controversy we can’t help but try to decipher the use of “cackle” in this context.

Of the many senses of cackle, none really make sense when

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Oops - you’ve made a Freudian slip. What’s the technical term for a slip of the tongue?

August 17, 2010 120 Comments Share

It’s one thing to make a typo on your resume, but we know of a worse kind of mistake: calling your boy or girlfriend the name of a previous paramour. Or perhaps you’re talking to your boss and out of your mouth pops an obscene word that rhymes with what you meant to say.

These slips, of tongue, the keyboard, or the pen, are generally termed “Freudian,” but are also known as

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What is the exact meaning of “mosque?” (and “temple” and “church” while we’re at it)

August 16, 2010 178 Comments Share

Debate is easy, and yelling is easier. How often, however, do people examine their most basic knowledge?

Right now, the proposed construction of an Islamic worship center in relative proximity to “Ground Zero” in Manhattan is a nexus of conflict and emotion. The missing ingredient is definition. Let’s examine basic terms, starting with mosque.

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Forget about TV’s “Snooki.” A “snook” can be delicious or offensive, but first you need to know what it means.

August 15, 2010 16 Does the quasi-actress Snooki ever get called “snookums” at the snooker table by an ichthyologist who studies snook? Let’s unpack this ludicrous question and find out.

You see, Nicole Polizzi, better known as Snooki on the reality TV show “Jersey Shore,” recently faced rejection of the semantic kind. The United

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It’s strange but true - your crisp “dollar” comes from the word “Joachimsthaler.” Here’s the story.

August 14, 2010 35 Today, this humble blog gets serious. Prepare to unravel (some) of the mysteries of money.

Open your wallet and take out a dollar bill. What is this complicated piece of paper that so much of your life depends on? And really, what’s the deal with the pyramid with an eye on top? (Here’s a decent answer.)

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Um . . . Something called a “Hindenburg Omen” has the stock market concerned. What it means

August 13, 2010 24 Comments Share

It sounds like a sequel to “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” but a “Hindenburg Omen” isn’t any fun. If you want to call attention to potential bad news, it’s hard to go wrong with the name “Hindenburg.”

Paul von Hindenburg was a celebrated World War I general and a less celebrated President of Germany. The more infamous Hindenburg, however, is the dirigible named for the general and

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Right now, a new “superbug” named NDM-1 is making headlines. What does “NDM-1? stand for (and what exactly is a superbug?)

August 12, 2010 23 Do you find that medical conditions seem scarier because their names often resemble mysterious codes? Fear is rarely useful, but information almost always inoculates against hype.

You’ve probably been hearing about superbugs for a while, ”infective microorganisms resistant to antibiotics.” A number of extremely common bacteria have transmogrified into superbugs, including e. Coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus. Without effective antibiotics, the resistant strains of these

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Sure, “ain’t” gets the attention, but what do “am’nt,” “h’aint,” and “b’aint” mean?

August 11, 2010 191 What’s all the fuss over “ain’t” about? Is there really anything wrong with the word? Or is it even a word?

The colloquialism ain’t is a nonstandard contraction of the following: “am not;” “are not;” “is not;” “have not;” and “has not.”

It is also used in some dialects as a contraction for “do not,” “does not,” and “did not.” For example, “We ain’t got any milk left.”

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Danger! What is the frantic origin of “hello?” (And the source of “hi” may surprise you)

August 9, 2010 93 We use hello several times a day to greet people or attract attention. But as prevalent as the word is, “hello” is relatively new.

Hello came into existence in the mid-1800s. It is an alteration of hallo, which was an alteration of holla or hollo. These words were used to attract

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OK, “ice cream” is obvious, but the word “yogurt” was created by a misunderstanding. Get the scoop

August 6, 2010 35 Double or single scoop? Cone or cup? However you take it, all frozen desserts have one thing in common. Nothing tastes better on a summer afternoon than an ice-cold, sweet treat.

Frozen yogurt is fairly new to the world of sweets. It was introduced in the 1970s under the name Frogurt, and in the 1980s sales skyrocketed.

The word yogurt, however, dates back to 1625. It is a

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Meet a word whose history really is a mystery - “pundit”

August 6, 2010 41 These days you can’t turn on the television without being bombarded by panels of pundits spewing their two cents. If there were a prize for the term whose contemporary meaning is the furthest from its origin, “pundit” would be a contender.

When we talk about a pundit, we are referring to someone who comments or opines on a subject. The word also implies that the person

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You don’t like “jerks” or a person who’s “chicken,” so why is something so delicious called “jerk chicken?”

August 6, 2010 5 Yum. Jerk sauce, which is commonly used to marinate chicken and pork, contains a spicy seasoning mixture that is flavored with allspice. It is used in Jamaican cooking. And on grills all summer long.

First of all, jerk chicken is different from jerky, a favorite convenience store snack. Jerky is

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As courts decide the definition of marriage, does the dictionary provide any insight?

August 4, 2010 156 Comments Share

Today, a California judge overturned the state’s Proposition 8, which dictates that marriage is “between a man and a woman.” Does our dictionary entry for “marriage” shed any light on the controversy?

Proponents and opponents of same-sex marriage agree that the legal battle is far from over; an appeal is inevitable and the Supreme Court could easily have the final say. The cultural division between

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If you see an odd glow in the sky tonight, here’s what it’s called and its cause

August 4, 2010 61 Comments Share

You’ve heard of the northern lights? The next few days you may be able to see lights even if you aren’t that far north.

The sun erupted on Sunday, spewing plasma, “a highly ionized gas containing an approximately equal number of positive ions and electrons” right in our direction. There’s no reason to freak out; solar storms are relatively common, and the most significant impact

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Relax, Bill Cosby isn’t dead - it was a hoax. Is it true that the origin of ”hoax” mocks Christianity?

August 3, 2010 44 Comments Share

They are the acne of the Web, stupid rumors about celebrities. Justin Bieber and Britney Spears are frequent targets, and yesterday, the venerable Bill Cosby actually had to appear online and on TV to quash the frothing gossip that, well, he was dead. As Mark Twain said, “The report of my death was an exaggeration.”

Bigfoot and Hitler’s diaries are two of the more famous hoaxes in recent history. The Internet has empowered hucksters and hooligans to spread spurious stuff like never before. A hoax is specifically “something intended to deceive or defraud.” The possible origins of the word, however, are far more compelling than a trillion Bigfoots in flying saucers.

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Actually, the “mad” in the TV show “Mad Men” isn’t short for madness, so what does it mean?

August 2, 2010 26 Are you ready to have an aha moment? “Mad Men” has more sin and angst than your average pop culture sensation, but the show’s characters hardly meet the definition of insanity. This “mad” doesn’t refer to a bunch of pissed off guys in natty retro attire, either.

“Mad men” is a historical term short for “Madison Avenue” men, coined by the advertising industry itself, in typically self-promotional fashion. Madison Avenue, of course, has been synonymous with the advertising industry since the 1920s. On closer examination, however, the story gets

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“Caftans” and “tallitot” - Who wore what at the Clinton/Mezvinsky wedding & what it means

What do “corny” and “corned beef” have to do with plain-old “corn?”

July 30, 2010 19 The grain called corn that is grown in the U.S. is Indian corn or maize. It has been cultivated for long before the first Europeans arrived and is now grown in The Corn Belt. But corn also refers any leading cereal crop, such as wheat is England or oats in Scotland and Ireland.

The uses of the corn are abundant. It is the raw material used in ethanol. It is the main feed grain for animals in the U.S. It is ground and made into tamales and tortillas, and it’s also eaten as hominy and grits. And, of course, it is eaten straight off the cob. Yum.

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Obama’s “mongrel people” remark raises a touchy topic. What did he say, and what does “mongrel” mean?

July 30, 2010 94 Yesterday, President Barack Obama visited daytime talk show “The View” and touched on a wide range of topics, including Lindsay Lohan’s prison term. But during a more serious exchange, Obama used a word to describe African-Americans that has its own complex and emotional history: “mongrel.”

The president and the five “View” co-hosts were discussing the recent controversy around Shirley Sherrod and the dilemmas of race in America. Barbara Walters offered this comment and question to President Obama:

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A “zedonk,” half donkey/zebra, was just born. What are the parents of ligers, dzos, & beefalos?

July 28, 2010 84 Zedonk. Yes, this is for real. ”The offspring of a zebra and a donkey.” Prepare yourself for an even larger dose of absurdity: there are plenty more zany names for unlikely crossbreeds, and we’ve collected a nonsensical herd of them.

We don’t know if the baby zedonk, born in the state of Georgia about a week ago, has a name, but an Associated Press report notes that “donkeys and zebras don’t usually mate, but zedonks turn

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WikiLeaks, wiki-this, wiki-that. What does “wiki” mean, & what exotic language is it from?

July 28, 2010 36 Wiki. Don’t you? But have you ever wondered what wiki means?

WikiLeaks has been in the news lately because it released a document that encompasses over 91,000 reports covering the war in Afghanistan. Wikileaks is a site that obtains and publishes sensitive material and is designed to protect whistleblowers, journalists, and activists.

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You’re not asleep, but you’re not awake either. What’s the word for that mysterious feeling?

July 27, 2010 33 A hypnic jerk is someone you wouldn’t want to share a cab with, right? Actually, it is a feeling that many of us experience nightly.

In “Inception” the dream travelers move from dream to dream via a “kick,” which is like a hypnic jerk. Sleep starts, night starts, or hypnagogic jerks are also names for the feeling of an involuntary myoclonic twitch that happens just as we’re beginning to fall asleep.

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What term describes your relationship: polygyny, polyamory, monandry? Plus, what polygamy actually means

July 27, 2010 25 Sex, marriage, and the law. Always complicated. That’s why there are so many words to describe how two people (sometimes more) live and love together. Like polygamy.

Do you remember the 2007 arrest of Warren Jeffs, a religious leader and polygamist on charges involving multiple marriages and underage girls? The case, and polygamy, are back in the news.

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How yoga poses like “downward dog” get their names (and what “yoga” means exactly)

July 26, 2010 20 Comments Share

You can buy yoga mats in grocery stores and take yoga classes at gyms, hospitals, or even malls. It may have originated in India, but yoga is now practiced worldwide through variations of traditional physical and mental disciplines. For some it is a type of medicinal exercise, while for others it is simply a way of chilling out and keeping lean.

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"Honey" and "moon"? Sure, they’re fun, but what exactly does "honeymoon" mean?

July 26, 2010 23 Comments Share

The most talked-about wedding of the summer is almost here (July 31st.) But where will Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mevzinsky take their honeymoon? And why is the post-wedding holiday called by that name?

The word derives from the Old English hony moone. Hony refers to the new marriage’s sweetness, as well a reference to the European custom

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“Nerd!” “Geek!” Do you consider these words insults or praise? Learn both of their bizarre origins

July 26, 2010 59 It was hard to miss the weekend hype about Comic-Con, the massive sci-fi and comic book convention. And “Inception” is still conjuring up all sorts of brainy talk: “what does inception actually mean?” (Here’s the answer.) “What do you call someone who wakes up in their dreams?” (Find out here.)

Which brings us to nerd and geek. Comic-Con and “Inception” are exemplars of nerd/geek culture ruling the mainstream. Many people don’t realize that these words were intense badges of shame until extremely recently. Start up the

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What exactly do the “virgin” & “extra-virgin” in olive oil mean?

July 26, 2010 21 Comments Share

The purity of some extra-virgin olive oils is being challenged.

A recent report found that 69 percent of imported oils and 10 percent of domestic oils sampled from grocery stores shelves in the U.S. did not meet the international standards that define the title of extra-virgin.

But what do these terms really mean? Is there a measurable difference between the virgin and extra virgin labels?

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Right now, a rare illness, “Prader-Willi syndrome,” is one of the top Web searches. What does it mean?

July 26, 2010 17 Every once in a while the Internet creates a mystery. Sunday evening, Prader-Willi syndrome beat out the Gulf oil spill and “Mad Men” on Google. What’s going on?

The short answer is that the popular TV show ”Extreme Makeover:

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If you pray and say “amen” at the end, what does it literally mean?

July 26, 2010 122 Comments Share

Sunday’s the day of the week when many Americans gather in their respective houses of worship and repeat the same word: amen. But what does the word mean? And why do people say it?

Amen is commonly used after a prayer, creed, or other formal statement. It is spoken to express solemn ratification or

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How do storms like Tropical Storm Bonnie get their names?

July 24, 2010 2 As far as storms and hurricanes go, Bonnie isn’t a huge threat. Wait - do you realize how strange it is to refer to a mass of air and water by name, let alone an apellation that reminds you of that neighbor who bakes really great chocolate chip cookies?

Briefly, here’s how the names for storms are picked. The world is roughly divided into six major basins where

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Why are sales days called "Black Friday" when "Black Monday" means one of history’s worst financial disasters?

July 23, 2010 5 Today, a number of retail chains are trying to have Christmas in July by offering massive sales. The media has labeled this a second "Black Friday", referring to the Friday after Thanksgiving when stores traditionally offer deep discounts.

When you stop to think about it, the use of black to describe a massive shopping day contradicts the history of other “black” days.

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An “oneironaut” is someone who wakes up in their dreams. What do flying & falling dreams typically mean?

July 22, 2010 55 One reason the dreamy film “Inception” is so successful is wish fulfillment. Who doesn’t fantasize about waking up in someone else’s dreams, let alone your own? In the movie, “inception” is defined as the ability to enter another’s dream and plant an idea within the person’s subconscious. Of course, the real definition of “inception” is not quite so phantasmagorical.

Lucid dreaming is “a dream state in which one is conscious enough to recognize that one is in the dream state and which stays in one’s memory.” The study of dreams is one of those areas where science and New Age concepts get fuzzy.

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What word do scientists use to describe the most ginormous star ever discovered?

July 21, 2010 65 If you find something that’s bigger than you thought was physically possible, how would you describe it? You start with what you already have, which is R136a1, the equivalent of a cosmic ZIP code. The R stands for Radcliffe Observatory, which located the star in the first place (long before anyone knew its immensity.)

Massive isn’t the same thing as ”big” in astronomy. Mass is roughly equivalent to weight, and R136a1 is hefty: it once weighed 320 times

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How do you pronounce “whooping cough,” and why is it called that? Plus, learn its symptoms

July 21, 2010 22 Whooping cough, known by its medical name pertussis, has been in the news lately due to its disturbing reemergence. So far this year, nearly 1,500 cases have been reported in California alone. An infant died of the disease on Tuesday in Los Angeles County.

Pertussis is an infectious illness of the respiratory mucous membrane characterized by a series of short, severe coughs that are often followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like

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Pot? Why marijuana is called the same thing we cook soup in

July 20, 2010 118 Comments Share

How did the word for a common kitchen instrument become slang for marijuana?

Actually, the origin of pot has nothing to do with the culinary tools. The word came into use in America in the late 1930s. It is a shortening of the Spanish potiguaya or potaguaya that came from potación de guaya,

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Stop for a second - it’s July 20th, but what do the “twen-” and “-ty” in twenty mean exactly?

July 19, 2010 51 Comments Share

Think about what you take for granted. Do you ever wonder why “America” is named after Amerigo Vespucci? Why we call green green? The same goes for twenty.

Twenty is the natural number sandwiched between nineteen and twenty-one. The word comes from the Old English twegen, which means

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Sarah Palin says “refudiate,” and creates a word controversy. What’s the big problem with refudiate?

July 19, 2010 290 Comments Share

Yesterday, Sarah Palin offered her opinion on a proposal to build a mosque in the vicinity of the September 11th site. Her words:

This tweet is a pundit’s dream, a perfect storm for mud-slinging, flak,

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What is a “claret jug” and why does the winner of the British Open get one? Plus, “bogeys” and ghosts?

July 18, 2010 7 Since 1872 the oldest trophy in golf has been given to the winner of the British Open, which is also called The Open Championship.

The trophy, the Claret Jug, is made in the style of the jugs used in the nineteenth century to serve claret, a dry red wine produced in France’s famous Bordeaux region. The winner’s name is engraved on the jug, joining the names of previous champions. He is obliged to return the jug before the next tournament, and at that time, he is given a replica

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If you gain wisdom from staring at your belly button, it’s “omphaloskepsis.” Plus, “innie” & “outie” defined

July 18, 2010 46 Some of us get squeamish at the sight of them. Some of us shoot studs into them. Some of us forget they are even there.

No two are exactly alike - even for identical twins.

The belly button is the scar on the abdomen that is caused when the umbilical cord, through which the mammalian fetus receives nourishment, is removed. Unlike other placental mammals, the human umbilicus is quite conspicuous. In humans, the navel is the center of gravity of the body.

Omphalos, an ancient religious stone artifact, means “navel” in Greek. The legend goes

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Define your films: Are you sure what “inception” and “despicable” mean?

July 16, 2010 14 Comments Share

“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” “Despicable Me.” “Inception.” Before you shell out the dough for a ticket, inform your decision with the meaning behind the titles.

“Inception” is director Christopher Nolan’s first film since the box office behemoth “The Dark Knight.” Nolan has a habit of using sophisticated, one-word titles for his films (besides the Batman series): “Memento,” “Insomnia,” “The Prestige. ”The general definition of inception is “a beginning.” The more interesting, specific sense of the word is the opposite of

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Steve Jobs just used the term“anechoic” in his iPhone speech. What does it mean?

July 16, 2010 20 Apple has been dealing with a technical fiasco around the release of the iPhone 4. Today, CEO Steve Jobs held a press conference to address how the company is going to fix a number of bugs with the phone and compensate consumers for the glitches.

Jobs’ talk gave tech geeks and language enthusiasts a double, unexpected treat: a glimpse into a secret testing facility,

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(E?)(L?) https://www.dictionary.com/e/cussing-swearing-cursing/?itm_source=parsely-api

What’s The Difference Between Cussing, Swearing, And Cursing?

Bleep! What’s the difference between cussing, swearing, and cursing?

July 15, 2010 196 Comments Share

U2 singer Bono infamously uttered what many consider the “worst” swear word in the English language during the 2003 Golden Globes. The U.S. government, through the FCC, responded with what they called the "fleeting expletive" policy, which stated that broadcasters could be fined for allowing even a single curse word on live television.

But on Tuesday, a federal appeals court in New York concluded

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The legendary beast, the chupacabra, means “goat-sucker.” Why the odd name?

July 15, 2010 8 Bigfoot, the Abominable Snowman, the Loch Ness Monster, the Jersey Devil. Weird creatures with weird names. The chupacabra, Spanish for “goat sucker,” is in good company.

A rancher and a sheriff in Fort Hood, Texas, made headlines this week when they found and killed an odd, “real ugly” beast. Animal experts

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Why avocados are called “alligator pears” and “fertility fruit”

July 15, 2010 65 As you munch on guacamole and chips, chew on the etymology of the humble avocado. Its many names are as wacky as the fruit is yummy.

Guacamole is in the news because a study links the beloved dip to many cases of food poisoning. The reason? Raw ingredients that may not be washed properly or adequately refrigerated. Just be cautious.

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What is a bastille, and what is the violent story of Bastille Day?

July 14, 2010 24 Comments Share

Today, the world parties in the name of France. But do you know what makes Bastille Day so important not just for France but the history of all democracies?

The occasion is typically honored with military parades and copious consumption of libations (alcohol.) This mix of weapons and wooziness

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The YMCA is now officially just “the Y.” But is Y a vowel or consonant?

July 13, 2010 58 Comments Share

The YMCA has announced its first branding change in 43 years. The organization will now be known officially as the Y.

This may seem a no-brainer to Americans who have casually referred to the Young Men’s Christian Association by its familiar abbreviation

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Have you ever noticed “FICO” by your credit score? What it means

July 13, 2010 No CommentsShare When was the last time you ordered a credit report? The paper document is abstruse enough, but you have to maneuver through the morass of oddly-named companies that produce them - Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and more.

The process is abstract, but the results are concrete. There’s some new, and bad, news about those infamous numbers. More than a

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Why is Easter Island named “Easter,” and what is its native name?

July 12, 2010 7 Comments Share

This past weekend, a rare total solar eclipse was visible in the South Pacific, and Easter Island was one of the best locations on the planet to witness the astronomical phenomenon. This spot, one of the most isolated inhabited places on the planet, bears a mystique to rival the island from “Lost.”

The instantly recognizable statues on Easter Island (887 of them), called

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What does “love” mean in tennis, and how did it get that odd & lovely name?

July 11, 2010 41 There is no moment in sports more romantic than the beginning of a tennis game, when the score is “love-love” and anything is possible.

During the recent Wimbledon tennis tournament, a timeless question came to mind: What is love? Or in this case, what is tennis love?

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The dog days of summer are here, & the name comes from stars (not dogs)

July 10, 2010 17 The dog days of summer, the sultriest time of the year, have undoubtedly arrived.

Some believe that the wicked, mid-summer heat drives dogs mad, hence the expression. But as every pet owner knows, prolonged heat waves do just the opposite. The poor pups pant listlessly in the

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LeBron is called “narcissistic,” a word tied to a Greek myth of lust & death

July 9, 2010 10 LeBron James has inspired the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team he left for the Miami Heat, to write an open letter to the basketball MVP that uses some very juicy words. Thank you, Dan Gilbert, for giving us a reason to gaze into the freakish history of narcissistic. The story starts with anger, but ends with a flower.

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The New York Knicks is short for “Knickerbocker.” What that means

July 9, 2010 9 The most interesting question in basketball at this moment, lexicographically speaking, has to do with the New York Knickerbockers. (Sorry, LeBron James.) Now, before you start throwing knickknacks at your computer screen, indulge a brief explanation.

Knickerbocker was a common surname among the

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What does manslaughter mean, and how is it different from murder?

July 8, 2010 41 The jury in the murder trial of former BART Police Officer Johannes Mehserler returned a verdict of involuntary manslaughter today. How can a person cause the death of another without the act being considered a murder?

In the universe of legalese, words can perform in unusual ways. Manslaughter, simply defined, is “the unlawful killing of a

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What is soft about a soft drink? What does soda have to do with sodium?

July 8, 2010 44 Some call it soda. Others say soft drink, fizzy drink, soda pop, or just plain-old pop. There is no right word for the sweet carbonated beverage, although it would be wrong not to know the linguistic background behind the bubbles. A much-discussed soda ban in Los Angeles schools has increased our thirst. For knowledge, that is.

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Tar balls, sure. But what part of an oil spill is called chocolate mousse?

July 6, 2010 33 Can you imagine cleaning up an oil spill for a living? You would need words to talk about the work. So what is the difference between a tar ball, a patch, a patty, a sheen and a slick? And chocolate mousse.

Starting with the term you are hearing all over the news, a tar ball is

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Google’s logo doodle is Frida Kahlo, but what was “doodle” as an insult?

July 6, 2010 9 Today is the 103rd anniversary of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s birth. Now, the Kahlo-inspired doodle version of the Google logo makes her even more of an icon.

To “doodle” is a harmless pastime, with a pen in hand, right? The original sense of the word isn’t so sweet.

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Heat wave term: This “hyper” relation to “hypothermia” is just as risky

July 6, 2010 16 Is it warm where you are? Some people reading this probably think that question is a cruel joke, as they wipe the sweat off their foreheads. Summer scorchers aren’t a joke, and our goal is to share the names and meaning of what doctors call various heat-related health risks and how to avoid any suffering while the weather is sweltering.

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How do your ideas of “socialism” & “democracy” compare to definitions?

July 5, 2010 55 Along with fireworks and barbecue, waxing poetic about freedom has always been an Independence Day tradition. Some of the old chestnuts you hear: the price of freedom is responsibility, be an informed citizen, don’t take your rights for granted . . .

What better way for a dictionary-themed blog to honor this insight than by looking at the definitions of some of the most-used political

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Before Mel Gibson’s rant, what was the word’s link to a religious mystery?

July 2, 2010 4 Mel Gibson sure seems to have a problem with vulgar tirades. Vulgar used to mean “of the common people” before it acquired the sense of “off-color.” And a tirade literally derives from the French tirare, “to pull continuously.” The actor’s ex-girlfriend is making tabloid headlines with claims that she has a recording of the troubled actor engaging in

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What plant word links the new poet laureate, the dollar bill, & a nymph?

July 2, 2010 8 The nation has new a poet laureate, W.S. Merwin, who has written more than 30 books of poetry, translation, and prose over the past 60 years. Despite what Merwin’s title says, don’t expect him to parade around the Library of Congress with a leaf wreath on his head.

The word “laureate” is derived from Latin, meaning “crowned with laurel.”Also known as the sweet bay, or just bay, the laurel tree was a

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How typhoons, hurricanes & cyclones differ (2 are named for monsters)

July 1, 2010 50 Hurricane Alex is starting to dwindle, yet it is currently drenching Northern Mexico and causing serious damage. Other storms will turn into hurricanes before we know it, potentially causing catastrophes and very likely pushing the toxic petroleum goo in the Gulf of Mexico deeper and further into the ocean.

Are hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons distinct meteorological

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July is named for this man, and there’s a good reason why

July 1, 2010 62 Kaboom! June, named for Juno, a famously jealous Roman Goddess, was fun, but July has arrived like fireworks. The new month is named for a mortal, albeit one who devised and ruled an empire.

Julius Caesar (as in kaiser and many other modern words) was a political and military genius who conquered Gaul (what is now part

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“Twilight” baby names: Do parents know what Jacob & Isabella mean?

June 30, 2010 61 Comments Share

It wouldn’t be a surprise if today, or very soon, you will be spending some time with Jacob Black and Isabella Marie Swan - more affectionately known as Bella.

“Eclipse,” the third installment in the Twilight series hits movie theaters today, with enough vampirism and lycanthropy to last until

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Master the 3 new “official” dog breeds: What Cane Corso means

June 29, 2010 23 Today the AKC (American Kennel Club), the main organization for dog breeders in the United States, recognized three new dog breeds: the Icelandic Sheepdog, the Leonberger, and the Cane Corso. This means that breeders of these three types of canine gain access to the

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Sen. Orrin Hatch says he and Elena Kagan had a “colloquy.” Is that good?

June 29, 2010 2 When a nominee for the United States Supreme Court faces confirmation hearings, two things tend to happen. Every single word uttered by the nominee or the Judical Commitee faces intensive scrutiny. Fortunately for the

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Over the weekend, U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave a joint press conference. Obama said of the Russian President, “During his visit to Silicon Valley this week, he

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This is a trick question: What do the A, C, and T of the ACT test mean?

June 28, 2010 10 Into the heat and happy languor of summer, a chilly reminder of grades and scores is smacking students. Right now, people who took the ACT national exam in June are learning their scores. This may explain why the teens around you seem more ecstatic, despondent, or confused than usual.

You probably know how it works: kids take the ACT or

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Learn what bar code numbers mean in the wake of major cereal recall

June 26, 2010 31 On Friday, Kellogg’s recalled about 28 million boxes of cereal because consumers reported a unusual smell coming from the packaging that could potentially make people ill. In order to help identify the specific products involved, Kellogg’s referred the public to the universal product code (UPC). That’s the official name for the pattern of black lines on the side of almost everything you can possibly purchase.

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Why is this weekend’s full moon (the flower moon) so unusual?

June 26, 2010 42 Comments Share

When an exceptional full moon peeks out of the sky on Saturday morning, a whole host of lunar vocabulary will come with it.

It’s no coincidence that the word “moon” looks like “month.” They share a Germanic base - plus, the moon’s cycle resets itself on average every 29.53 days. The period of time between new moons

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“Smurf” now has four definitions - and a word error started it all

June 25, 2010 45 The summer’s blockbuster films keep coming every weekend, assailing us with men of iron, ogres, toy cowboys and Cheshire cats. But some cinephiles are already looking ahead to next summer, especially with the recent release of the very short trailer for “The Smurfs.”

Those famous blue cartoon characters (and their memorable theme song) sparked a thought: What the smurf is a smurf? Is there

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How the iPhone got its name, and what droid and kindle really mean

June 24, 2010 43 Did you wait for hours to be one of the first to own the iPhone 4? If you think people who stand in line for new devices are silly, fill in the blank: “I can’t live without my ——————” You may not be a super early adopter, but your gadget/gizmo/doohickey/thingamajig/mobile device

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If you encounter “the God particle” today, this is what it means

June 24, 2010 25 Step aside Lady Gaga. The next musical craze might soon come from the CERN particle accelerator on the French-Swiss border. (The acronym, in French, stands for Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire [European Council for Nuclear Research].)

Scientists there are using the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to smash

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Learn the mystery of coffee’s name (and a beautiful phrase along the way)

June 23, 2010 35 Just how caffeinated do you like to be? A medical study has found that the more coffee subjects guzzled during the day, the lower their risk of contracting a rare form of head and neck cancer. People who drank at least 4 cups a day seemed to cut their risk by one-third.

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What does the palsy in cerebral palsy mean? How many palsies are there?

June 22, 2010 17 Comments Share

Zach Anner is on the cusp of becoming a huge celebrity. He’s been leading the contestants in Oprah Winfrey’s “Search for the Next TV Star” contest. His hilarious audition tape has received almost 3.5 million votes so far.

What makes Zach above-and-beyond incredible, in addition to

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Right now, oil has everyone talking “moratorium.” What does it mean?

June 22, 2010 17 After the massive gulf oil spill on April 20th, the Obama Administration imposed a six-month moratorium on new deepwater drilling and suspended existing efforts. Today, U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman in New Orleans overturned the moratorium, citing “the immeasurable effect on the plaintiffs, the local economy, the Gulf region” and more.

It’s no coincidence that the judge’s decision invokes

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Tuesday really is named for a one-handed god named Tiw. Who is he?

June 22, 2010 164 Yes, it’s true. Tiw’s remarkable myth involves women with beards (more on that in a bit.) Regardless, the past 1,000 years or so have not been kind to this Northern European divinity.

To make a long story short, it seems that Tiw used to be a big shot, up there with Odin and Thor in Norse mythology. He may even have been chief of the gods. But culture can be fickle and

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What do you call “a woman whose husband is unfaithful?” (TV romance)

June 21, 2010 10 Like all seasons of the “Bachelor” or “Bachelorette,” the current series is ridiculous, amusing, and melodramatic. It’s also filled with hints of betrayal, egotism and eccentricity, not exactly the ingredients of a sustainable real-life relationship.

Here are a few words from the lexicon of risky romance that

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“Gaza,” “Israel,” - learn the powerful history of these words

June 21, 2010 13 The Gaza Strip - also referred to as just Gaza - has made international headlines again. On Sunday, the Israeli government announced that it will ease the overland blockage of some goods into the Palestinian territory.

The word “Gaza” comes from the Hebrew “Azzah,” loosely

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Big Vitamin B6-cancer news raises the question: What do the B and 6 mean?

June 20, 2010 33 A study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association says that smokers with greater amounts of Vitamin B6 may be less likely to develop lung cancer. The findings are preliminary, but have caused a lot of excitement.

Behind the promising health news is a great

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What is the A in “A-Team”? And what does karate mean in Japanese?

June 19, 2010 31 This weekend, the movie box office belongs to “Toy Story 3.” But pop culture has a strange way of sticking around, like a soda bottle on the beach. Consider that two pretty silly slices of entertainment, “The Karate Kid” and “The A-Team”, have been

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What are the names of ways to use a knife? “Top Chef” hypes brunoise

June 18, 2010 7 Comments Share

The seventh season of Bravo’s “Top Chef” has begun, and part of the first episode has already made a sharp impression. During the premiere Quickfire Challenge, which is a notoriously difficult test of adroitness and haste, the chef contestants

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Today is a stock market “quadruple witching day.” What does that mean?

June 18, 2010 5 Financial markets climb and plunge for all sorts of reasons, some of which are rational and some that seem like they are based in hocus pocus. The third Friday of June is typically a quadruple witching day, which sounds like magic but actually describes a logical

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What is a Celtic? And what lakes are the Lakers named after?

June 17, 2010 46 Game seven of the NBA Finals. A familiar rivalry that actually becomes more exciting because the teams have so much basketball history.

Let’s step back from the oomph and ebullience of the Finals for a minute. How much do you know about the basics behind

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An exotic term tops Web searches: prosopagnosia. What is it?

June 17, 2010 16 Popular Web searches are predictable: celebrities, sporting events, scandals. But every once in a while, a truly exotic word rushes into the mix. Today, that term is prosopagnosia.

Prosopagnosia is a rare disorder that is informally known as

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The Kinect is a game sensation, but what does the word actually mean?

June 16, 2010 25 Either you, or someone you know, is probably paying attention to Kinect, Microsoft’s new controller-less addition for the Xbox that allows people to play games with their entire bodies.

What about the word? It’s pronounced like “connect,” but why

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M

"§" magswordfinder Mag's Word Finder

"§" mentalfloss.com The Dirty Etymology of 9 Everyday Words

"§" mentalfloss.com 13 Fascinating Word Origin Stories (That Are Completely Untrue)

"§" musanim Words of unknown origin Word List Wort-Liste

N

"§" nausetnewcomers Origin of Words

O

"§" oneword.com Write about a Word

"§" oxforddictionaries.com Wordster, wordmonger, and other words about words

"§" oreilly On Interesting Words

P

"§" phrontistery Phrontistery English Word Lists and Language Resources

Q

"§" questia English Words and Their Background

"§" questia The Wonder of Words

"§" questia Unusual Words and How They Came About

"§" questia Word Origins

R

"§" rhymezone.com Find rhymes, synonyms, adjectives, and more The Rhyming Dictionary and Thesaurus and related tools Multifunctional Dictionary Semantic rhyming dictionary

S

"§" snappywords.com Snappy Words Free Visual Online Dictionary

T

U

"§" Uni Michigan Michigan Corpus of Academic Spoken English

V

"§" voanews.com Voice of America SpecialEnglish Word Book

"§" voanews.com Voice of America Words and Their Stories

"§" vocabulary.com Vocabulary Lists

W

"§" WarrenAllen Curious Words Page

"§" wolframalpha Words & Linguistics

"§" wordfocus.com Focusing on Words

"§" wordle word clouds

"§" woxikon.com Lexikon und Wörterbuch Multilingual dictionary and synonyms database

"§" word-detective (wde) The Word Detective by Evan Morris Word List Wort-Liste

"§" words-l Words-L mailing list

"§" wordweb

"§" wordwithyou A Word with You Word List Wort-Liste

X

Y

Z

A

"§" ahdictionary American Heritage Dictionary 100 Words Series

B

"§" Bertram, Anne In Other Words Making Better Word Choices in American English

C

"§" Crystal, David Words, Words, Words Quotations about Language and Languages

D

E

"§" Elster, Charles Harrington What in the Word? Wordplay, Word Lore, and Answers to Your Peskiest Questions about Language

F

"§" Forsyth, Mark (Author) The Etymologicon A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language

G

"§" Grambs, David Just Ask Mister Wordwizard

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I

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about.com
Etymological word lists

"§"
basicenglishspeaking
3000 Most Common Words in English

"§"
chronicle.com
Words

"§"
compuserve
WarrenAllen's Curious Words Page
Word List
Wort-Liste

"§"
corsinet
English Language Trivia
Brain Candy
Trivia about the English language and word origins

"§"
dictionary
Hot Word

"§"
dictionary.com
Arts & Entertainment
Authors, books, movies, music, and other literary works

"§"
freerice
Play and feed hungry people
Reisspende per Wörterlernen

"§"
inkyfool.com
On Words, Phrases, Grammar, Rhetoric and Prose

"§"
itools
Wörterbücher
Look up words
Translate Language

"§"
kith
Words and Stuff

"§"
magswordfinder
Mag's Word Finder

"§"
mentalfloss.com
The Dirty Etymology of 9 Everyday Words

"§"
mentalfloss.com
13 Fascinating Word Origin Stories (That Are Completely Untrue)

"§"
musanim
Words of unknown origin
Word List
Wort-Liste

"§"
nausetnewcomers
Origin of Words

"§"
oneword.com
Write about a Word

"§"
oxforddictionaries.com
Wordster, wordmonger, and other words about words

"§"
oreilly
On Interesting Words

"§"
phrontistery
Phrontistery
English Word Lists and Language Resources

"§"
questia
English Words and Their Background

"§"
questia
The Wonder of Words

"§"
questia
Unusual Words and How They Came About

"§"
questia
Word Origins

"§"
rhymezone.com
Find rhymes, synonyms, adjectives, and more
The Rhyming Dictionary and Thesaurus and related tools
Multifunctional Dictionary
Semantic rhyming dictionary

"§"
snappywords.com
Snappy Words
Free Visual Online Dictionary

"§"
Uni Michigan
Michigan Corpus of Academic Spoken English

"§"
voanews.com
Voice of America
SpecialEnglish Word Book

"§"
voanews.com
Voice of America
Words and Their Stories

"§"
vocabulary.com
Vocabulary Lists

"§"
WarrenAllen
Curious Words Page

"§"
wolframalpha
Words & Linguistics

"§"
wordfocus.com
Focusing on Words

"§"
wordle
word clouds

"§"
woxikon.com
Lexikon und Wörterbuch
Multilingual dictionary and synonyms database

"§"
word-detective (wde)
The Word Detective
by Evan Morris
Word List
Wort-Liste

"§"
words-l
Words-L mailing list

"§"
wordweb

"§"
wordwithyou
A Word with You
Word List
Wort-Liste

"§"
ahdictionary
American Heritage Dictionary
100 Words Series

"§"
Bertram, Anne
In Other Words
Making Better Word Choices in American English

"§"
Crystal, David
Words, Words, Words
Quotations about Language and Languages

"§"
Elster, Charles Harrington
What in the Word?
Wordplay, Word Lore, and Answers to Your Peskiest Questions about Language

"§"
Forsyth, Mark (Author)
The Etymologicon
A Circular Stroll Through the Hidden Connections of the English Language

"§"
Grambs, David
Just Ask Mister Wordwizard

"§"
Kleinedler, Steve
100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know

"§"
Langenscheidt - Uwb
Langenscheidt - Universal-Wörterbuch
Byrd, Erick P.
Amerikanisches Englisch

"§"
LaRocque, Paula
On Words
Insight Into How Our Words Work - and Don't

"§"
Lederer, Richard - AW
Amazing Words

"§"
Lederer, Richard - CW
Challenging Words

"§"
Lederer, Richard - WW
Word Wizard

"§"
Morris, Evan
The Word Detective
A hardback collection of The Word Detective columns

"§"
Morris, Evan
The Word Detective
Solving the Mysteries Behind Those Pesky Words and Phrases

"§"
Novak, Alex
Tawdry Knickers
And Other Unfortunate Ways to Be Remembered

"§"
Paros, Lawrence
Bawdy Language
Everything You Always Wanted To Do But Were Afraid To Say

"§"
Polyglott Sprachführer
Amerikanisches Englisch

"§"
Soukhanov, Anne H.
Word Watch
The Stories Behind the Words of Our Lives

"§"
Thomas, Lewis
Et Cetera, Et Cetera: Notes of a Word-Watcher

"§"
Wallraff, Barbara
Word Court
Wherein Verbal Virtue is Rewarded, Crimes Against the Language Are Punished, and Poetic Justice is Done

"§"
Wallraff, Barbara
Word Fugitives: In Pursuit of Wanted Words

"§"
West, Paul
The Secret Lives of Words

"§"
West, Paul
The Secret Lives of Words