Words

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.

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

Sometimes regular English words—words that have commonsense but slightly fuzzy meanings—must be defined more precisely for food labeling.

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.

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.

‘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?

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.

“Circle back,” “dodgy,” and “bandwidth” are popular slang terms.

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

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

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.

The original formula for pound cake was impossible to forget.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Where does the word 'poinsettia' come from, anyway?

From worthless trinkets to misnamed chickens, here are the histories and etymologies of 13 Christmassy words.

George Orwell brought a vocabulary fit for a dystopia into the world. Corporate jargon sounds eerily similar.

Pink slips have had a lot of different meanings over the years.

Getting laid off has long been associated with getting a fancy pink invitation to the unemployment line. Why?

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

Know what you’re talking about when you sing “troll the ancient Yuletide carol.”

A stack of gifts ... or are they presents?

Those brightly wrapped packages we exchange around the holidays and other special occasions: Sometimes we call them “gifts,” sometimes “presents.” Is there a difference?

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

The six-sided tool helped make IKEA a household name. But did anyone named Allen have anything to do with it?

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?

Definition Detective Quiz #21

11 Common Words With Very Specific Meanings on Food Labels in the U.S.

Definition Detective Quiz #20

Is the Term a Euphemism for Dying or for Getting Fired?

Why Do We Say “Up the Wazoo”?

The Top 5 Office Slang Terms From the UK and U.S.

19 Old-Fashioned Words for Writers

8 Slang Terms That Can Mean Basically Anything

Who First Said “The Customer Is Always Right”?

How Did Pound Cake Get Its Name?

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

Why Do We ‘Ring In’ the New Year?

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

Why Do We Say “Jinx”?

The Origins of 13 Christmas Words

Can You Tell the Difference Between Orwellian Words and Real Corporate Jargon?

Why Is Being Fired Called ‘Getting the Pink Slip’?

Definition Detective Quiz #19

14 Archaic Christmas Carol Words, Explained

What’s the Difference Between a Gift and a Present?

Definition Detective Quiz #18

Why Do We Call It an “Allen Wrench”?