

Paul Anthony Jones
Joined: Jun 20, 2014
Paul Anthony Jones is a writer and musician from Newcastle upon Tyne. He is the author of word origins guide Haggard Hawks and Paltry Poltroons, and runs its tie-in Twitter account @HaggardHawks.




Behind the pancakes and prosecco lies the origin of one of dining’s most over-the-top phrases.
Why do photographers say “cheese”? Explore the quirky global history and linguistic science behind the word that helps people smile for photos.
Does this phrase really refer to narrowly avoiding being buried alive? Here's the truth about where "saved by the bell" comes from.
Looking back at the origins of “pick-me” and how the term has evolved.
"Bite the Dust" may actually have its roots in an ancient Greek text.
No, we’re not talking about “middle.” Here’s what the slang word “mid” means.
There's a reason why your Aquafina might taste different from your Fiji—here's why different types of bottled water really do taste different.
Spice up your vocabulary with these 15 words that end with ‘Q.’
Airplane cabin lights aren’t dimmed just for comfort. Here’s how the practice helps passengers, crew, and pilots stay safer during flights.
Across the globe, museums are home to some truly unsettling artifacts, including bog bodies, haunted dolls, and centuries-old mummified remains.
From the Beatles and the Rolling Stones classics to ABBA and Taylor Swift hits, these songs may have detailed the dissolution of famous romances.
From surströmming to garbage plates, explore six regional foods that baffle outsiders—from pungent fermented fish to sweet sprinkles on bread.