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What do the terms “busser” and “busing a table” have to do with public transportation? Nothing, it turns out.

The origin of the multipurpose saw's catchy name, explained.
Jake Rossen|
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Ellen Gutoskey|
Americans have a tough time figuring out how to correctly pronounce these words, from ‘açai’ to ‘tzatziki’ and beyond.
Paul Anthony Jones|

Words

Here are 10 fun historical alternatives to boring old ‘pregnant.’
Ellen Gutoskey|
Is your new pet’s name on this list?
CaLea Johnson|
Get the 411 on six-seven.
CaLea Johnson|
Fall is here, and you’re getting hungry. Feast on this cornucopia of etymologies for seasonal veggies straight from the garden.
John Kelly|
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
Ellen Gutoskey|
Ever wonder how to pronounce that creamy, tangy sauce on your gyro? Turns out, there‘s more than one way.
CaLea Johnson|
Which musicians are a language learner‘s best friend?
CaLea Johnson|
The prying tool's distinctive name may come from its resemblance to a certain bird's beak. (Or not.)
Jake Rossen|

Grammar

You know this rule, even if you don’t know you know it.
Michele Debczak|
Lots of languages have distinct plural forms for ‘you.’ Wouldn’t it be useful if English had one too? Spoiler alert: It does. Several, in fact.
Arika Okrent|
From the NASA mistake that made an interplanetary rocket explode to the bible with a very naughty misprint, these typos are an ode to proofreaders.
Jennifer M Wood|

Slang

‘Through thick and thin’ wasn’t always figurative. Here’s how Chaucer and other medieval writers used the phrase.

Names

If you’re looking for baby name inspiration, these titles have a strong sense of place.
CaLea Johnson|
If you need name inspiration for your own pup, take a cue from pet owners across the country.
CaLea Johnson|
Find out what names Americans were giving their babies in the year 2000, and how they compare to today's most popular names.
Ellen Gutoskey|
These names show up in Disney movies and shows, and they also happen to be some of the most popular baby names today.
CaLea Johnson|

Best of Language

It can be shocking to realize that we are able to follow rules that no one ever taught us explicitly.
Arika Okrent|
English, the language of Shakespeare and the internet, is often touted for its flexibility and adaptability. But with great flexibility comes great inconsistenc
Brett Reynolds|
You're going to be astonished how many of these you hopefully already know, but I'm sharing them because many millions of people don't. It's not Aw-ree, for instance, it's ah-wry (awry)
Alvin Ward|
We’re taking Strunk and White and grammarians everywhere to task in the latest episode of The List Show.
mentalfloss .com|

Spelling

From the Vatican’s “Lesus” medal to Beanie Babies to the Civil War coins that declare “shoot him on the spoot.”
Arika Okrent|
English spelling can be frustrating and confusing, but there are things you can do to help make the task of getting it right more manageable.
Editorial Staff|
Would you recoil in terror if spell-check ever stopped working? Fear not: You're in good company.
Mark Mancini|

Pronunciation

Let’s get to the bottom of the top pronunciation blunders in every state.
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