What is the Story Behind the Scilian Mafia?
Explore the origins of the Sicilian Mafia, known as Cosa Nostra.
The Origins of Labor Day With Vintage Parade Photos
A brief history of Labor Day accompanied by original vintage photos from past Labor Day parades around the US and Canada.
When GH Says F: Why Does This Occur?
We're meeting up on the corner of history and linguistics to learn why GH is pronounced as F.
Where Do Common Dog Breeds Come From?
Explore the genealogical tree of the man's best friend, and learn of the origins of common dog breeds like the spaniel and the golden retriever.
The History Behind Commonly Used Phrases You Never Knew
Do you know the origins of these 10 phrases?
English Vocab History: Few Can Pass This Vocabulary Quiz?
These 14 words have really strayed away from their original meaning, can you guess what words like 'girl' and 'clue' used to mean?
Where Did Middle Names Come From?
Learn about the legacy, tradition, and historical use of middle names in this 5-minute video.
There Are Surprising Stories Behind Every US State’s Name
Learn the fascinating history behind the origin of each US state's name.
The Origins of these 10 Olympic Words is Fascinating
You use these popular sports words all the time. But do you know where they come from?
Why Did We Start Going to the Beach For Fun?
Did you know that going to the beach for recreation is a relatively new invention? For most of human history, the concept simply did not exist...
10 Fascinating History Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
In this article, we collected 10 absolutely fascinating historical facts, many of which touch upon the unexpected origins of concepts like New Year's resolutions.
How Did European Countries Get Their Names?
Did you know that the word Spain, the name of the country, is translated from Phoenician as "the land of rabbits?"
What Is Chewing Gum Made Of?
We often have no idea how the items that we use every day are manufactured… For example, do you know what chewing gum is made of?
What's Portmanteau? Surprising Etymologies of Common Words
If If you have ever said the words brunch, sitcom or spam, you have used portmanteaus. This is the fascinating origins story of many common words...
Language History: The Origins of 7 Common Phrases
Let's delve deep into history and travel all the way back to Ancient Rome to reveal the origins of 7 common food-related expressions in the English language.
You Know These 10 Foreign Words Without Even Realizing It
We’re willing to bet that you know more foreign words than you think, even if English is the only language you speak. Here’s why...
Explained: The Fascinating Origins of Human Language
Have you ever wondered how did human language come into existence? Find out the origins of language in this video.
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
How Did Humans Determine That One Week Should Have 7 Days?
While certain calendar categorizations can be traced back to scientific origins, what are the origins of the number of days in a week?
The Fascinating Histories of 8 Everyday Hand Gestures
We hardly give gestures like thumbs up or crossed fingers a second thought, but these signs have backstories and origins, and they are quite fascinating!
The Wild Origins Story of Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants are the creepiest and most fascinating inventions of mother nature. Get a glimpse at the origins story of the villains of the flower world.
8 Ordinary English Words With Surprisingly Spicy Origins
The origins of all these 8 seemingly innocent words - e.g. gymnasium, avocado, and nice - are not for the faint of heart, as they're quite naughty!
Discover the Secrets of Ferrari’s Incredible Success Story
Explore the incredible history of Ferrari - Formula 1's most successful team ever.
Fun Colors You’ve Surely Seen But Never Knew the Names of!
You've probably come across these unusual colors in all kinds of places, and these are their extraordinary names and origins.
Learn How These 10 Body Parts Got Their Names
Learn about the curious and interesting origin stories of the names of several common body parts.
Do You Know the Origin and Meanings of Well-Known Symbols?
There are different symbols that can be found everywhere that hold great meaning, like the peace symbol. These are their origins.
These 11 Alcoholic Drinks Have a Fascinating History!
In this article, we’ll tell you about the truly fascinating origins of 11 time-honored cocktails!
Humans Enjoy Gold Now But Its Origins Are Extraterrestrial
This video traces the origins of the precious metal gold, which was formed in space before making its way to our planet.
You Won’t Believe These 11 Phrases Are Over a Century Old
These 11 words and phrases seem like they're a recent invention in English, but they're actually at least a century old...
Did You Know The Bizarre Origins Of Your Beloved Foods?
Here is a detailed look at the origins of some of our favorite food items that you are unlikely to be aware of.
12 Genius Ancient Chinese Inventions We Use to This Today
In this article, we'll focus on 12 surprising everyday items we all use that got their start many centuries ago in Ancient China...
How Our Superstitions May Reveal Our Origins and Beliefs
Superstitions are irrational, but they can tell you something about your cultural background, your religion or your profession, here’s how
The Great Scientific Mystery: How Did Life on Earth Begin?
How did life on Earth truly originate? This scientific mystery remains unsolved, but we may be close to solving it every day
The Long History of the World’s Oldest Hot Beverage
While tea was invented in China, it has spread to all corners of the world, becoming a staple everywhere it was introduced.
Why Your Genetic Code Has Traces of Ancient Viruses
Scientists find traces of ancient viruses in our DNA all the time. This can uncover the mysterious origins of viruses and help find a cure....
The Surprising Link Between English and Sanskrit
Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language, but most people don't know that this archaic language and English have a common ancestor
1950’s Slang Is a Blast! Learn 10 Essential Terms
These 10 words and phrases are the essentials of 1950’s slang, some of which we still use today...
How The Titans of the Fast Food Industry Got Started
Ever wondered how the biggest names in fast food, like McDonald's and KFC came to be the champions of the food industry they are today?
Ever Wondered How the Iconic Beer Guinness Got Its Name?
Take an inside look at some of the wild adventures and interesting anecdotes that created 7 of the best liquor brands in the world.
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
10 Words We Use Every Day That Shakespeare Made Popular
Shakespeare is believed to have invented 1,700 words, but these 10 should be taken off the list, as he didn't invent, but popularized them.
QUIZ: Can You Guess What These Words Used to Mean?
Why Do the Days of the Week Have Such Strange Names?
Why do the days of the week have names? Who are they named after?
I Can’t Believe These Ordinary Words Used to Mean That...
Let’s take a short journey back in time and trace the origins of 11 seemingly-ordinary words that have exceptionally-interesting histories.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
Learn the History Behind These Commonly Used Phrases
Do You Know The Origins of These Common Phrases?
There are many phrases that we use in English that we never give a second thought to. Here are 9 common phrases with rather sinister origins.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
We Bet You Never Knew the Origins of These Common Idioms!
We bet you use the following 8 common idioms all the time, but have you ever stopped to take the time to think about where they came from?
This Fascinating Video Explores the Origins of Mankind
This video will explain exactly what our prehistoric ancestors used to get up to. Fascinating!
8 Surprising Origins of Extremely Popular Phrases
Ever wondered where some of the most common phrases come from? If so, wonder no more.
Take Our Quiz: What’s the REAL Meaning of Easter?
Do you know the real story of Easter and Passover? Only one way to find out...
I Never Knew the Origin of These Common Words!
These regular words have very exotic origins.