Wordplay

Word History

Eavesdrop, Fiasco, and 8 More Words with Surprising Origins

Including some trivia on ‘trivia’

Funner, Stupider, and Other Words That Are in Fact Real

Don't argue with the dictionary

Etymologies for Every Day of the Week

The sun, the moon, four gods, and a goddess.

'Ganef,' 'Galoot,' and More Historical Slang Terms We Love

'Hella' is in hella good company

14 Words Inspired by Dogs

A lexicographer's best friend

7 Good Stories That Just Aren't True

No, that's not where that word comes from

10 Common Words with Military Origins

'Skedaddle', 'ginormous', and more

10 Words You Don’t Seem to Hear as Much These Days

As chosen by you, the social media scroller!

Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather 'Macaroni'?

What's with his feathered cap?

Compound Words That Used to Make a Lot More Sense

How 'jack' met 'pot.' How 'wed' met 'lock.'

7 Run-Down Words That Have Seen Better Days

They've taken a hit but are still standing.

13 New Words for Old Things

When did 'mail' become 'snail mail'?

'Handsome,' 'Geek,' and 8 More Words That Changed Their Meanings

Language evolves

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different

Including the secret history of 'secretary'

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first

'Chef': the Word We Borrowed Twice

This article is our chef d'oeuvre

April Fools' Day: We Don't Know Its Origin

But be wary on April 1 anyway.

'Bonanza' and Other Words from Mining and Prospecting

There's words in them hills

Quick: Read This!

'Quick' once had a very different meaning

The Secret History of 'Staycation'

New research reveals that the word is older than we thought

Your 'Deadline' Won't Kill You

Or will it?

'Bellwether': The Original Trend Watch

Following the Leader Like Sheep

The Dangerous Creation of "Limelight," & More

Words With Remarkable Origins, Vol. 2
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