WORDS

Old English had a rich array of inventive and intriguing words, many of which have either long since dropped out of use or were replaced.

If you wanted to market a comedy in Norway in the 1970s and 1980s, you needed the Hjelp formula.

‘Coger’ and the other terms on this list mean something very different in Spain than they do in other hispanophone countries.

‘Hippopotamus’ is Latin for “river-horse,” which makes sense for these semiaquatic mammals. The origins of some other animal names aren’t quite as literal.

It’s hardly the most complimentary turn of phrase, but rug rat has been a slang term for children for more than half a century.

From mullet to bucket list, these terms from pop culture are newer than you may have assumed.

Shakespeare is often given credit with coining more than a thousand words. How many of them do you know?

If you’ve ever needed a word for a piece of bread eaten just after a bath, or a term for an unpleasant choice between three options, you’re in luck.

Despite his many contributions to English literature, surprisingly little is known about William Shakespeare's life. Here’s what we do know about the celebrated actor, poet, and playwright.

When we promise to honor a commitment, it's a "rain check." And yes, it originally had something to do with the weather.

To be certified as organic, farmers can’t use prohibited synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or hormones for three full years before applying. Further, any animals they have must be raised on organic foods.

Shakespeare is the first known citation for over a thousand words and even more meanings—but new research occasionally shows that Shakespeare actually didn't originate some phrases, a trend that will likely continue over time.