WORDS

What Is Code-Switching—And Why Do We Do It?

Code-switching goes beyond language—here's what it means and why it happens.

A lot of people misinterpret these famous quotes.

10 of History’s Most Misinterpreted Quotes

Quotes like “one bad apple,” “money is the root of all evil,” and “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” have been entirely misinterpreted.

13 Breakdancing Terms You Should Know

Study up on this breaking terminology so you know what you’re talking about you’re watching the sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Painting showing Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin presenting the first draft of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress.

The Pursuit of Happiness: The True Meaning of the Misunderstood Phrase

When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, both 'pursuit' and 'happiness' had secondary definitions that change the meaning of the iconic quote.

Where Does the Word ‘Hoser’ Come From?

As brothers Bob and Doug McKenzie on ‘SCTV,’ actors Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas made ‘hoser’ popular—and there are plenty of theories about the word’s origin.

Chris Evert at the 1978 Wimbledon quarterfinals.

Why Is It Called a “Tennis Bracelet”?

Chris Evert’s tennis bracelets made tennis bracelets a thing. But the origin story gets mistold quite often.

‘Eat My Shorts’: How Bart Simpson’s Controversial Catchphrase Sparked a Pop Culture Sensation

This cheeky euphemism was kicking around years before Bart ever used it on “The Simpsons,” but it prompted some significant backlash in the early ‘90s.

Why Do We Say “PU” When Something Stinks?

Sadly, ‘PU’ isn’t an initialism for “Pretty unsavory!”, “Putrid, ugh!”, or even “Please use (deodorant)!”

1978 Life Cereal Mikey Likes It Commercial

‘Mikey Likes It’: The Origins of Life Cereal’s Most Famous Slogan

The classic 1970s TV commercial is one of the most famous of all time, but no one ever actually utters its most quoted line.

Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Frank Morgan promoting 'The Wizard of Oz'

How ‘Friend of Dorothy’ Became Code in the Gay Community

In the 1980s, the U.S. Navy carried out a futile search for the “real” Dorothy.

Why Is Depression Sometimes Called “The Black Dog”?

Everyone from lexicographer Samuel Johnson to Prime Minister Winston Churchill has used the phrase—but where does it come from? Why a black dog?

Illustration Vikings arriving at Normandy in the 9th century, circa 1911.

21 Incredible Viking Insults

The Vikings had a lot of ways to call out people for being lazy.

Why are the backs of the lower legs called ‘calves’?

The Origins of 8 Oddly Named Body Parts

Humans share some of their body parts’ name origins with fish, cows, and dolls.

Why Does ‘Joshing’ Mean “Kidding Around”?

The word dates back to the mid-19th century, and has taken many forms.

Having second thoughts about not wearing socks.

Why Do We Say People Get ‘Cold Feet’ Before a Wedding?

Brides or grooms with second thoughts are said to have chilly extremities. The origin of the phrase has a little something to do with poker.

Albert Einstein is credited with more famous quotations than he actually came up with.

‘Definition of Insanity’: Did Albert Einstein Really Coin This Famous Phrase?

Is Einstein's definition of insanity world-famous or just a myth?

Queen Elizabeth II sometimes went by Sharon.

11 Royal Code Names

When she was trying to fly under the radar, Queen Elizabeth II went by the name ‘Sharon.’

Quiz: Can You Guess What These Popular Brands Were Originally Called?

These iconic brands were almost called something else entirely. Can you figure out what it was?

Break out the dictionary and start counting.

How Many Words Are There in the English Language?

It’s complicated—and there are more questions than answers.

In his House Divided speech, Lincoln feared the outcome of the Missouri Compromise would be civil war.

“A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand”: Deciphering Lincoln’s Warning About Civil War

In his famous 1858 speech, Abraham Lincoln warned that only civil war would resolve the issue of slavery in the U.S. He wasn’t wrong.

Why Is It Called a “Hamburger” If It Doesn’t Contain Ham?

Here's how the hamburger came by its misleading name.

This illustration features elements of both circuses and carnivals.

Carnival vs. Circus: What’s the Difference?

Although the line between the two is sometimes a little blurred, their origins are actually very distinct.

Why Is It Called an “Elevator Pitch”?

A quick sales attempt is said to be an “elevator pitch.” But does it actually have anything to do with elevators?

Spies use slang to keep a lid on things.

Spy Slang: 24 Top Secret Terms You Should Know

Going undercover? Don’t forget your pocket litter, otherwise you might be targeted for some wet work.

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