WORDS

Definition Detective Quiz #1

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

What Exactly Is a ‘Wild Goose Chase’?

No wild geese were harmed in the making of this idiom.

Why Do We Say “Cold, Hard Cash”?

The meaning behind the money.

What’s the Word for When You Can’t Remember a Word?

There's a fancy term for forgetting a word—'lethologica.'

Olympic sports like volleyball have their own delicious slang.

20 Colorful Slang Terms from Olympic Sports

Here are 20 fun bits of Olympics slang, from diving’s ‘bingo’ to gymnastics’ ‘twisties.’

In Korean, ‘chikin’ means something pretty specific—and it’s not exactly what you think.

14 Konglish Words That Aren’t What They Seem

Korean is full of pseudo-anglicisms, colloquially called “Konglish.” Can you guess what the words that sound like ‘meeting’ or ‘skin’ refer to?

These languages have disappeared—but some of them are making a comeback.

11 Extinct, Dead, and Dormant U.S. Languages

Not all languages stick around forever. Some of these 11 tongues are extinct, some are dead or dormant, and some are finding new life.

'Stump Speaking' by George Caleb Bingham, 1853.

The Reason Why Some Political Addresses Are Called “Stump Speeches”

Some stumps were involved in the making of the stump speech.

The song may not actually have much to do with a weasel at all.

‘Pop! Goes the Weasel’: The Real Meaning Behind the Nursery Rhyme

You may think you know the words to “Pop! Goes the Weasel.” The tune is everywhere from jack-in-the-box toys to Data and Riker’s first encounter in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. But it may not even be about a weasel at all.

Why Do We Say Things Are “Cute as a Button”?

The expression—which can be used for all things adorable—dates back to the early 20th century.

The words ‘galaxy’ and ‘lactose’ have a surprising connection.

Linguistic Siblings: 14 Pairs of Words With Surprisingly Shared Etymologies

The connections between words aren’t always as straightforward as the link between ‘run’ and ‘runner’; often, figuring them out requires the subtle unraveling of linguistic evolution, the kind of detective work that makes etymology so fascinating.

A few yards of clear air means the difference between a tornado and a funnel cloud.

Tornado vs. Funnel Cloud: What's the Difference?

People often confuse funnel clouds with tornadoes, but they're not the same. Learn how to tell the two apart.

15 Impressive Italian Insults and Curses

Italian is the language of love—and delightfully creative insults.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf with Elijah Wood as Frodo in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.’

IKEA Product or Middle-earth Character?

Sure, ‘Frodo’ isn’t a type of coffee table—or is it?

Why Do We Say “Pony Up” When We Want Money?

The idiom for demanding payment doesn’t quite have the equine origins one would think.

Everyone here is someone's late someone.

Why Does ‘Late’ Mean “Dead”?

There’s a historical reason, but there may be a social one as well.

You won’t bee-lieve how honeybees give directions.

5 of the World’s Most Interesting Directional Systems

Not everyone gives directions the way you do—in fact, the way people tell others how to get where they want to go can vary by city, town, and culture. Some of these directional systems might just change how you navigate the world.

You ‘aught’ to know the answer of this question.

Why Do We Call the 2000s “the Aughts”?

Suggestions for what to call the period of time from 2000–2009 ranged from ‘the nillies’ and ‘the oh-ohs’ to ‘the double zeroes’ and ‘the noughties.’ So how’d we land on ‘the aughts’?

Boston Slang: 25 Wicked Good Terms You Should Know

Next time you’re in the Hub, you can let your Masshole flag fly with these Boston slang terms that will have you sounding like a townie in no time.

This is what Amelia Bedelia would picture.

Why Are They Called “Deviled Eggs” If There’s No Devil in Them?

Eggs aren’t the only things you can devil.

Even this cricket wants to know the answer.

Why Do We Say “Crickets” When It’s Silent?

Cricket chirps can reach 100 decibels. So why do we use them as a byword for ‘silence’?

18 Spanish Insults and Curses You Should Know

Let’s hope no one tells you, “Eres tan feo/a qué hiciste llorar a una cebolla” on your next trip abroad.

You’ve likely heard at least one tale that starts with the line.

Why So Many Stories Begin With ‘Once Upon a Time’

‘Once Upon a Time’ appears in many fairy tales and stories. The phrase has a long history and a practical narrative purpose.

Theodore Roosevelt was all about Big Stick Diplomacy.

When Theodore Roosevelt Urged Americans to “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick”

Roosevelt launched one of his most famous sayings at the Minnesota State Fair in September 1901—just two weeks before he became president.

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