WORDS

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.

19 Old-Fashioned Words for Writers

At the risk of being a puffer, here are some obscure things to call a quill-driver.

8 Slang Terms That Can Mean Basically Anything

From ‘dingus’ to ‘da kine,’ these all-purpose terms have got you covered no matter what you’re trying to say.

Who First Said “The Customer Is Always Right”?

The proverb that empowers rude shoppers has been going strong for over a century. Who’s to blame?

Even if you grew up eating pound cake, you may be less familiar with its origin story.

How Did Pound Cake Get Its Name?

The original formula for pound cake was impossible to forget.

18 Old-Timey Words and Terms to Use On New Year’s Eve

Get bugged up and enjoy some laughing soup until you’re in your airs!

Drop this fact at your New Year’s Eve party.

Why Do We ‘Ring In’ the New Year?

The meaning of ‘ring in the New Year’ is now mostly metaphorical, but it used to involve literal ringing.

You’re probably not pronouncing that word correctly.

15 Words You Think You’re Pronouncing Correctly (But You’re Probably Not)

Sorry to break it to you, but ‘mischievous’ isn’t “miss-CHEE-vee-uss,” and ‘boatswain’ isn’t “BOAT-swain.” We’re breaking it all down in the latest episode of The List Show on YouTube.

Why Do We Say “Jinx”?

If you’ve ever been jinxed into owing someone a soda, you should know why.

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