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Definition Detective Quiz #37
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
LANGUAGE
The Odd Grammar Rule Most English Speakers Know But Are Rarely Taught
You know this rule, even if you don’t know you know it.
Where Does the Expression ‘Pull Out All the Stops’ Come From?
‘Pulling out all the stops’ means that someone is holding nothing back and making every conceivable effort to do or accomplish something. But where did the phrase come from? Pipe organs have a little something to do with it.
Where Does the Expression ‘Put Your Foot in Your Mouth’ Come From?
Made an awkward blunder in a conversation? You might have just put your foot in your mouth. Learn more about the history and origins surrounding this commonly used phrase here.
Why Is It Called “Extra Virgin” Olive Oil?
You’ve seen that “extra virgin” olive oil label plenty of times at the grocery store. Ever stop and wonder what it actually means?
Definition Detective Quiz #36
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Why Is It Called a “Duffel Bag”?
The duffel is perfect for weekend trips or cocaine smuggling. But why is it called a duffel?
The Dark History Behind the Phrase ‘Canary in the Coal Mine’
Any early warning sign can be a canary in a coal mine. But the original meaning was more specific.
Definition Detective Quiz #35
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
12 Things You Say Without Realizing You’re Quoting Poetry
If you’ve ever talked about “the birds and the bees” or referenced “the best laid plans of mice and men,” then you’ve inadvertently quoted some of the English language’s most famous poets.
Do Animals Have Regional Accents?
Can a Boston dog bahk?
The Rarest Baby Name in Each State
Looking for inspiration? Discover the rarest baby names in the United States according to Go Au Pair, from Arizona’s Noname to Maine’s Winner.
Why Is Having a Good Time Called “Painting the Town Red”?
Henry de la Poer Beresford, the 3rd Marquis of Waterford, had a little something to do with it. Or did he?
Let’s Circle Back: The Most-Hated Office Jargon in 2025
Tired of corporate lingo? You‘re not alone. A new report breaks down which office phrases Americans wish would disappear for good.
Definition Detective Quiz #34
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Why Is Easter Called “Easter”?
The origin of the word ‘Easter’ is linked to the ancient pagan goddess Ostara. But is she actually ancient?
Why Is a Tariff Called a “Tariff”?
This word has taken a long linguistic journey to get to where it is today.
6 Common Terms That Mean Something Different in Courtrooms
‘Toll,’ ‘information,’ and other legal terms you use all the time—just not the way lawyers do.
Why Do We Call a Dollar a “Buck”?
Everyone knows a buck means a dollar. But not everyone knows why.
Why Do Cowboys Say “Yee-Haw”?
Even though it’s a classic cowboy trope, you have to wonder: Did cowboys actually say that popular phrase?
23 Hipster Baby Name Ideas From the Dictionary of Medieval Names
Stand out from all the Noras and the Liams out there by choosing a medieval name like Hainfroy or Queniva.
What’s the Difference Between a Bull and a Bear Market?
The economic terms get tossed around a lot these days, but one market is clearly better for investors.
Definition Detective Quiz #33
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
11 Suffixes That Gave Us New (And Often Terrible) Words
Here are some word endings that have become productive to varying degrees.