The Strangest Gifts Countries Have Given Each Other
Remember that strange time Egypt gave France a life giraffe as a present? No? Then you've got to hear all about it and 9 other unexpected gifts between countries.
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’.
15 Surprising Facts that Are Super Interesting
These surprising historical facts will supply a meaty meal for anecdote and history lovers alike. It's so much fun to learn those small details about days gone by.
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?"
10 English Words That Come From Native American Languages
Some seemingly ordinary English words, such as barbecue, raccoon, and even squash, actually come from Native American languages and it's fascinating!
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...
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.
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.
Language vs Dialect - How Are They Different?
You've surely heard about the term "dialect" before. But have you ever considered how a language and a dialect differ?
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?
These Words Wouldn’t Exist Without These 10 Famous Authors
Learn of 10 commonly-used English words that were coined by famous authors and philosophers.
10 Popular “Contemporary” Words Coined by Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s impact on the language we speak is far greater than most of us realize. These surprising words are just a few of hundreds attributed to the Bard.
14 Uniquely Canadian Words and Phrases You Should Know
There are some Canadian words no American would understand. If you’re planning on visiting Canada, it’s quite useful to learn these 14 words and phrases.
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...
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...
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!
10 Difficult Words in English Everyone Should Know
English has many difficult words with meanings that are nearly impossible to guess, which makes them super tough to remember. Here are 10 such words
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
From Salt to Salary: Surprising Origins of Ordinary Words
Did you know that the word 'muscle' stems from the Latin word for little mouse? Here is a collection of words with peculiar etymologies
Same Country, Different Name - The Story of Exonyms
Ever wonder why we call Germany, well, 'Germany,' but they refer to themselves as 'Deutschland?
11 Clever Contronyms - Same Word, Opposite Meanings
Have you ever heard of contronyms? Here’s a hint - these are words that contradict themselves.
Fun Geography - These Countries Moved Their Capitals
Changing the capital city is a surprisingly common practice in history, and the historical reasons for the change of capitals are often fascinating!
14 Obsolete English Terms We Wish Were Brought Back!
Over the centuries, so many eloquent and useful English words fell out of use. We wish these 14 clever (but sadly obsolete) terms were used more often.
What Made the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Last So Long
How do new words get added do the dictionary? Watch the surprising history of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to find out...
Using These French Phrases in English Elevates Your Speech
Even if English is the only language you speak, we’re more than convinced that you’re quite familiar with a bunch of French words...
Knowing These Latin Shortenings Is Super Useful Even Today
Knowing a little bit of Latin can be quite useful to all the English speakers out there, and these 7 short phrases we see all the time are proof of exactly that!
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.
Find Out What It Was Like to Fly In the Days of Yore
Have you ever heard of the Boomerang Plane? Find out about this and some of the other wackiest airplanes of the past in this video.
The Life of an Average Viking Was Quite Fascinating!
Vikings have fascinated all of us. But do you what was the typical Viking lifestyle like? Find out.
Can You Believe These Words Didn’t Exist Before the 1970s?
When a new words spreads it seems it's been around forever. But in reality, many of the words we use everyday are quite new. These didn't exist before the 1970s.
11 Surprising Facts About Dictionaries You Never Knew!
Learn some little-known yet fascinating facts about dictionaries that will help you appreciate them a little more.
Let’s Thank Cinema For These 10 English Words and Phrases
Films and TV shows have invented and popularized countless words we use in everyday speech today. Here are just 10 surprising examples you’ll want to know
These Slang Words Are Sure to Tickle Your Funny Bone
We’ve collected 11 silly-sounding slang words starting from Victorian times all the way to the present day so that all of us could have a good laugh!
10 Quirky British Slang Phrases to Add to Your Vocabulary
British English often seems like a whole different language. Learn all about 10 common and certainly fun and quirky British slang words in this article!
Phrases We Use Without Realizing It’s a Shakespeare Quote
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
Here’s How Corruption Triggered the French Revolution
Find out how widespread corruption among the the French monarchy and aristocracy led to the French Revolution.
What the Japanese Thought of the First European Explorers
This video shows how Japanese historians described the first contact with Europeans, and it’s curious to say the least!
Here Is a Look At The Reality of Life in Medieval Castles
We have always believed that living in a medieval castle must have been magical. The truth, however, might have been different.
Smart Synonyms for 16 Words That Will Elevate Your Speech
Sound smarter and enrich your lexicon with these 16 clever alternatives to ordinary English words
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 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
11 New English Words That Are Actually USEFUL To Know
The majority of new English words are very short-lived, but these were added to various dictionaries and seem to be quite useful to know
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.
Life Was Easier 60 Years Ago. Here Are 11 Reasons Why
In many ways, life was much easier half a century ago, and here are 11 ways how...
21 Fascinating Facts About Word Origins You Never Knew
Linguist Gareth Roberts provides some fascinating insights into the origins of different words.
What is the Story Behind the Scilian Mafia?
Explore the origins of the Sicilian Mafia, known as Cosa Nostra.
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
8 Little-Known Wars Rarely Found in History Books
Today, let’s talk about some of the weirdest and little-known wars from history.
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
30 Essential Medical Terms For Bodily Functions
The next time you hear a doctor utter something in Latin, pay close attention, as after reading this article, you may understand what it means.
19 Everyday Items That Started as Military Inventions
Look around your home, and you’ll surely find a handful of these items that were originally developed for the armed forces.
The MOST Shocking False Etymologies in English
If a word's history sounds too good, it probably is.
Exploring the Fascinating History of the Flying Ship
The USS Plainview was an American ship that could fly. Literally. But what happened to it?
From Food to Science - The WORST Misnomers You’ll Find!
Whoever named these objects must have seriously run out of imagination!
Check Out These Rare and Fascinating Antonyms!
Here are a few rare but fascinating antonyms we wish people used more often.
Math Can be Fun! Here are 13 Cool Facts to Prove it
Here are 13 facts and tricks that reveal the power and beauty of mathematics. Mastering it is easier than we think!
16 Confusing Words That Even Intellectuals Get Wrong
Find out the difference between these difficult word pairs, and don’t let them confuse you ever again.
These Age-Old Idioms Date Back to the Renaissance!
The expressions listed here all sound contemporary, but they're almost half a millennium old.
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 Did the Language of Hebrew Come From?
This video will explain the surprising and fascinating origin of this ancient language.
Strange, Scary and Ancient "Medical" Treatments
Ancient times were truly wild when it came to medicine. Here are some you wouldn't believe people actually took to treat illnesses!
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.
How Come the Word Football Describes Two Different Games?
Learn about the origins of the word soccer and find out how it's related to rugby.
Visitors Always Misspell These London Place Names
Most tourists mispronounce these place names in London. Let a Londoner teach you how to say them right!
How Did the World's Continents Get Their Names?
Have you ever wondered how the world's continents got their names?
Portugal Wants to Double Its Territory As Early As 2022
This European country is planning to expand its territory twofold, and the way it is planning to do so will surprise you!
8 of the BIGGEST Supervolcanoes on Earth
Compared to these supervolcanoes, the Yellowstone Caldera is tiny! Any one of these supervolcanoes could civilization as we know it in a blink of an eye.
Where Did Famous Tongue-Twisters Come From?
Many traditional tongue twisters have long histories full of unexpected twists and turns - not unlike the acrobatics our tongue goes through as we pronounce them.
Where Did The R in Mrs. Come From?
Learn a little language history and also, where did the R in Mrs. Come from?
12 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Our Incredible World
The world feels like a really strange place at times...
How Columbus's Life Was Saved By the Moon
Celebrate Christopher Columbus day on October 11th with 5 facts you didn't know about him.
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?
Explaining 12 Fascinating Maps of the United States
Let's look at 12 fascinating maps of the United States and see what information they can teach us.
Everything About the Vatican Explained in Just 7 Minutes
The Vatican is the seat of the Catholic Church. But there is not much else we know about it. This video provides some interesting facts.
There Are Surprising Stories Behind Every US State’s Name
Learn the fascinating history behind the origin of each US state's name.
We Bet You Didn’t Know These Surprising Facts!
The more we learn about the world, the better can we understand how marvelous, fascinating, and unexpected it is. Here are 12 surprising facts to prove it.
Car Designs Have Changed SO Much Over the Last Century
A classic car expert provides an in-depth analysis of the last 100 years of car design.
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...
The Origins of Every Country Name in ASIA
Have you ever wondered how countries like Japan, Korea, and China get their names? This video explains the fascinating origins of 45 Asian country names.
Odd One Out - The Reason French Pronunciation Is So Unique
Italian, Spanish, and French all evolved from Latin. If all of these languages have the same root, why does French pronunciation sounds so different?
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.
These Bygone Terms for ‘Happy’ Need to Be Brought Back
There were some really cool ways to describe happiness back in the day.
Is Antarctica Truly Owned by No Nation?
Antarctica doesn't belong to any nation, but that doesn't mean that it's completely off-limits to everyone...
How Every Country in the Americas Got Its Name
Learn all about the fascinating etymologies of every country name in the Americas here.
The Fascinating World of British Accents
There's a multitude of fascinating accents on the British Isles! Here are 20 of the most interesting ones.
15 Essential Legal Terms That Sound Confusing to People
If you want to understand legal representatives better and simply enjoy your favorite legal TV show to the fullest, learn these 15 legal words and phrases.
The History of Hitchhiking Is Surprisingly Interesting
The reason why the custom of hitchhiking doesn't exist anymore will surprise you. No, it's not because it's too dangerous...
Fascinating - the Evolution of the Alphabet
Have you wondered how the letters we now identify with English came to be? Where did they come from?
Fascinating Maps We Never Saw in Our School Books
Here are some cool and interesting maps that show some unique facets of the world you never new before.
Ever Wonder Why the UK Has Left-Hand Driving?
Surely, you've wondered at least once in your life why British people chose to drive on the left side of the road?
History Lesson: The Armored War Elephants of Ancient India
Elephants in ancient Indian history played a crucial part in warfare. Find out more about their fascinating history...
Explained: The Reason Why February Only Has 28 Days
Ever wondered why February consists of only 28 days? Well, here are some answers...
These Bizarre Historical Heists Almost Sound Made Up
Did you know that an entire church was once stolen brick by brick? Learn about some unbelievable historical heists here.
Choose a Word, and I’ll Tell You Where You’re From
Let’s do a quick test: in your mind, count the number of syllables in the word ‘caramel’, and let us reveal where you’re from. Click here to find the answer.
5 of the Weirdest Languages On the Planet
Of the seven thousand languages that exist on our planet, these 5 are some of the most unique and outstanding!
Do You Remember These Foods from the Past?
When is the last time you had congealed salad? Or used Crisco? These 8 foods were once extremely popular, but have fallen out of favor today
Ancient Egyptian Cuisine Was So Fascinating!
Let's travel back in time and get to know what the diet of ancient Egyptians was really like.
12 Vintage Items of the Past Found by Chance
There is a certain kind of fascination in seeing ordinary items of the past, especially when you come by them by complete chance...
Amazing - Woman Switches Between 21 American Accents!
Amy Walker is an accent coach, and in this amazing video, she showcases the variety of American regional accents by performing 21 of them herself in 6 minutes!
The 12 Words of Christmas: Funny Long Lost Phrases
If you think eggnog and wassail are funny-sounding, wait till you hear the Christmas words that didn't stand the test of time