WORDS

The Translation Mystery Behind Imagery of Moses With Horns

Here's why medieval artists loved putting horns on Moses.

If you say "main sail," some sailors might consider you an outsider.

10 Nautical Terms You Might Be Mispronouncing

From 'bowline' to 'topgallant,' these nautical terms don't sound how they look.

Is your bread presliced, your oven preheated, and your car pre-owned?

To Pre or Not to Pre: The Reason We Add ‘Pre’ Before So Many Words

The prefix ‘pre-’ often seems redundant—but it’s actually working hard to serve its purpose.

Why Do We Call the Country “the Boonies”?

We have the military to thank.

Why ‘Run’ Is The Most Complex Word in the English Language

This pithy word may only be three letters long, but it's deceptively complex. According to one lexicographer, it has 645 distinct definitions.

Definition Detective Quiz #23

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

12 Rare Old Words for Monsters

For the next time you encounter a sea serpent, a blood-sucking fiend, or a creepy cryptid.

The Reason Unmanned Aircraft are Called “Drones”

It has a little something to do with bees—a fact you can drop around the watercooler the next time your coworker says they spotted a mysterious drone in the sky.

Find out which languages people in the U.S. care about learning the most.

The 10 Languages Americans Want to Learn the Most

Thinking about learning a new language? Here‘s a look at the most popular choices in the U.S. right now.

20 Baby Names at Risk of Going Extinct

Nickname-names like Ellie and Liam are in. Millennial and royal names are out. (Sorry Erin and William.)

The National Archives Is Looking for Volunteers With a “Superpower”: Reading Cursive

The agency needs help deciphering the flowing penmanship of the past.

Definition Detective Quiz #22

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Some situations require sterilization, while sanitizing works fine in others.

Sanitize vs. Disinfect vs. Sterilize: What‘s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing to properly clean your home and protect your health.

The Surprisingly Literal Reason We Call Letters “Uppercase” and “Lowercase”

The terms are more literal than you might have assumed.

Why Is It Called a “Manila” Envelope?

There’s a surprising connection between the capital of the Philippines and mailing important documents.

Why Are Oft-Repeated Jokes or Stories Sometimes Called “Old Chestnuts”?

There are several theories as to where this phrase came from—and none of them involves the nuts.

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?

The difference between misinformation and disinformation boils down to the intent behind it (or lack thereof). Plus, a handy trick for knowing which term to use when the time comes.

Definition Detective Quiz #21

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

11 Common Words With Very Specific Meanings on Food Labels in the U.S.

Sometimes regular English words—words that have commonsense but slightly fuzzy meanings—must be defined more precisely for food labeling.

Definition Detective Quiz #20

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

You want nothing to do with chimney sweep’s scrotum.

16 Weird Work-Related Ailments

Today’s work-related ailments have nothing on these (mostly) historical diseases. You’ll be glad you're not suffering from Hatter’s Shakes—or worse, Chimney Sweep’s Scrotum.

Is the Term a Euphemism for Dying or for Getting Fired?

‘Six feet under’ may be an obvious nod to death, but other phrases are a little trickier.

What’s a wazoo, and why do we invoke it?

Why Do We Say “Up the Wazoo”?

On the possible origins of ‘wazoo,’ and why things are said to tumble out of it.

The UK and the U.S. have their own go-to slang for the office setting.

The Top 5 Office Slang Terms From the UK and U.S.

“Circle back,” “dodgy,” and “bandwidth” are popular slang terms.