Words

It’s the most frequent word in the English language, accounting for around 4 percent of all the words we write or speak. But what the word 'the' means is surprisingly complicated.

You can run fast, and you can hold fast.

You're about to stumble into the looking-glass world of contronyms—words that are their own antonyms.

‘Possum’ and ‘opossum’ are sometimes synonyms—but sometimes they refer to different animals. (Also, there’s a chance you've been pronouncing ‘opossum’ wrong all along.)

Just a couple of friends getting peloothered circa 1915.

Nothing makes you feel more like a flivver than getting too peloothered and waking up with the woofits.

The next time you go to Ireland, you’ll know what they mean when they say “craic.”

Do you know your 'craic' from your 'cat'? If you read this wee list, no one will be able to slag you.

There are some good ones—we pinkie promise.

The dictionary’s new words range from acronyms like ‘CODA’ to slang like ‘sh**housery.”

You use your hands every day to do thousands of things, but have you ever wondered why you refer to your fingers by names like 'thumb' and 'pinky'?

The origin of the word 'astronaut' just makes sense.

After a just little consideration, these word origins seem obvious once you know them.

Use these slang terms the next time you visit Cleveland.

Memorize these terms so you can sound like a native.

Do you know these words for other words?

There are dozens of little-known and little-used words referring to other words, describing their form, their origin, or their use.

Mispronouncing words can happen when you least expect.

These 2022 buzzwords have led to some pretty cringe-worthy mispronunciations.

Some common traits of creative types can be objectively measured.

A simple quiz can shed some light on how you problem-solve.

Whether you say xīnnián kuàilè (“happy New Year” in Chinese) or gelukkig nieuwjaar (“happy New Year” in Dutch), there are plenty of ways to ring in 2023.

Have you ever ridden one of Pittsburgh’s inclines?

Pittsburgh residents may seem like they speak a different language. And in a way, they do: Residents call their distinct dialect Pittsburghese. Here are some slang terms to know so you don’t look too much like a tourist.

Nobody will think you’re talking about baseball season, open season, or any other season. But why?

Keep these smart synonyms in mind for your next conversation.

Use these synonyms to reboot your vocabulary.

Why let 'tis have all the fun? This season, get in the proclitic spirit with these 10 other charming word-beginning contractions.

To win Wordle, it helps to know what the new editor might be thinking.

Did you Google the spaghetti recipe from 'The Bear'?

Betty White was a bigger trending search this year than Queen Elizabeth II.

Santa goes by many different names around the world.

Whether he’s coming to town, doublechecking his list, or kissing your mom, that rotund, rosy-cheeked gift bearer is probably Santa Claus to you. But around the world, he goes by many different names.