10 Archaic Christmas Carol Words Explained
If you’re paying attention to your Christmas carols, there are some pretty ancient terms mixed in with all of the Fa-La-La-La-La-ing.
If you’re paying attention to your Christmas carols, there are some pretty ancient terms mixed in with all of the Fa-La-La-La-La-ing.
While the “Eskimos have 100 words for snow” debate remains up in the (cold, cold) air, we do know—thanks in large part to the folks at the Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE)—that Americans have no lack of idioms for the chilly white stuff.
There are six words written on a board. Can you guess the correct one based on these clues?
Both crime and amphibians may play a role.
You know how sometimes when you're talking, your mouth is moving faster than your brain and you inevitably transpose the beginning parts of a couple of words? That's called a Spoonerism.
The names for many of the dozens of particles that make up the universe—as well as a few that are still purely theoretical—come from ancient Greek.
It’s to be expected that the words we use will change and develop over time. In some instances, these developments can lead to words gaining new meanings entirely different from their original implications.
It’s to be expected that the words we use will change and develop over time. In some instances, these developments can lead to words gaining new meanings entirely different from their original implications.
There are countless words lying ignored in the murkier corners of the dictionary. Here's how to use them.
The term outlasted the technology.
English spelling is bizarre.
Repetitive or so-called antanaclastic sentences and tongue twisters like these are by no means unique to English—here are a few in other languages that you might want to try.
The new batch of official entries includes more than 250 terms and phrases.
The path a word takes to enter the general lexicon isn't always a straightforward one.
Your listeners will thank you.
In the vocabulary of English, <em>quis</em>, <em>quid</em>, and <em>ubi—</em>meaning who, what, and where in Latin—are everywhere.
We have many games to while away long days, but where do these words like 'poker' and 'hopscotch' come from? Here’s the etymological past of 11 pastimes enjoyed by young and old.
These words will make you sound smart as you catch or dodge the bouquet.
Whether you’re enjoying the sharp taste of an IPA or disliking some nasty words from a colleague, it’s hard not to talk about bitterness. But we could all use a few new—or old—terms for this all-too-common concept.
The new release of old field recordings from the Dictionary of American Regional English showcase many weird and wonderful words.
Show your friends you’re no oaf this April 1 with these 21 foolishly fun synonyms.
Let’s reach into the etymological cooler and crack open the origins of some everyday booze names.
Please, don't ever use the phrase "revolutioneering."
From <em>neutral ground</em> to <em>dividance</em> to <em>berm</em>, on the roads of the U.S. there are more names for the median than you might think.