Have you pondered questions such as where did the expression "OK" came from, or what the longest word in the English language is? Ponder no more, because one of the world authorities on the English language, the Oxford Dictionary, has released a series of videos that give some fascinating insight. Take a look:
1. Where did the expression "OK" come from?
2. What is the longest word in the English language?
3. Exactly how many is a billion?
4. Is the letter Y a vowel, a consonant, or both?
5. The Origins of "Nicotine", "Silhouette" and "Leotard"
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...
Funny: When Words Sound Alike With Different Meanings
Homophones are words that sound exactly the same, but aren't spelled the same and mean something different. Here are 20 that are the wordiest of words.
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 R in Mrs. Come From?
Learn a little language history and also, where did the R in Mrs. Come from?
13 Funny Palindromes That Will Make You Giggle
People have been enjoying palindromes for centuries - here are 13 funny examples that are sure to make crack you up.
Enrich Every Conversation With Some Fancy But Useful Words
These 15 words give us a fancy way to say normal things and a good chance to impress people with a supremely versatile vocabulary.
10 Surprising Facts About the Food in Your Kitchen
Did you know that ordinary foods like carrots, jelly beans, sandwiches, and broccoli have a fascinating story to tell?
7 Must-Read Books That Will Get You Interested in History
These interesting history books will make you look at our world and our past from a different perspective.
9 Extraordinary Women Who Beat Men at Their Own Games
These 9 women are among the most important names in history, but do you know their names and inspiring stories.
These Unique Maps Will Change Your Worldview
These maps show much more than just where a country is...
These Unique Maps Tell a Great Deal...
These 19 maps of the world are anything but boring. Each map is compelling and teaches you something new about the world.
You Will Not Look At These 6 Historical Figures The Same
The rumors and myths of these historical figures are already considered facts. The truth, however, is completely different.
15 Jaw-Dropping Facts You'll Find Hard to Believe!
Want to find out who really built the pyramids, or how many teeth a snail has? Here are 15 of the most unbelievable yet true facts.
These 3 Breakthroughs Are Making Historians Jump for Joy!
Learn about some of the most fascinating findings that archaeologists and historians have recently uncovered. Get ready to be amazed!
The 10 Cult Movies Every Film Enthusiast Should Watch
These cult classics will change how you view cinema.
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
Your Cat Isn't Weird, It's Just Trying to Say Something
Many cat behaviors have human equivalents, however we often have problems interpreting them. Thanks to this handy guide, you will not anymore!
The Stories of These Women from History are Inspiring
Read the inspiring stories of these amazingly strong women.
WATCH: The Incredible Kindness of Strangers Is Wonderful
Strangers can be incredibly compassionate, and this is just as true when helping out an animal in distress. Watch this heart-warming video.
19 Funny Old English Phrases We Should Really Bring Back!
It's high time that these words make a comeback.
If You Have Old Toys Laying Around, You Might Be Rich
If you've got any of these toys from the 1980s laying around, then you might just be sitting on a goldmine!
15 Lovely Christmas Quotes That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy
These beautiful Christmas are sayings everyone can be thankful for!
In the West, We Have Much to Learn From the East...
Eastern philosophy is vastly different to Western philosophy, and we all have much to learn from the schools of thought from that part of the world.
These Enormous Collections are Too Weird For Words!
These people take their life-long hobby of collecting to a completely new level! Have you ever seen anything quite like them?
Inspiring: 80-Year-Old Holds Guinness Record for Planking!
Meet Annie Judis, the 80-year-old who became the oldest person to hold an abdominal plank earlier this year.
Get Lost in These 15 Surreal Optical Illusions!
After looking at these weird optical illusions you might never trust your eyes again.
10 Unmissable Historical Fiction Novels You Must Read
If you’re a fan of history, then these books have to be on your to-read list.
How Islam Separated Into Sunni and Shia: The Full Story
What happened, and why did it cause Islam to split into two factions?
10 Underrated Movies That Should be Seen by More People
Imploring all cinema buffs to check out these criminally underrated movies!
15 People Who Have the STRANGEST Hobbies
Some people's hobbies, as it turns out, are stranger than others. Here are 15 bizarre yet cool hobbies keeping people busy
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
History's 8 Overlooked Men You Should Know About
The stories of these unsung men from history deserve to be told.
8 Hilarious Malapropisms by Famous Figures
Everyone, from politicians to celebrities, had a language slip-up at least once...
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
If you find it hard to make a decision, these cognitive stumbling blocks could be what's affecting your behavior.
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
You Won’t Believe How Good This 5-Year-Old Drummer Is!
Meet Chrisyius Whitehead, the most talented kid drummer ever!
These Things Will All Happen in the Next 24 Hours
The world is incredibly busy, and doesn't stop moving for anyone. Millions of things happen every second but these 19 things will happen over the next 24 hours.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
The English Language Desperately Needs These German Words!
Take a look at these 21 incredibly powerful words that the English language desperately needs to adopt.
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
2024 is Here! And This is Why You Should Be Excited for It
2024 is here! And this is why you should be excited for it.
Wow! These People Had Someone Looking Over Them!
These lucky people had some guardian angel looking over them that day!
The Great Mothers of History: 12 Famous Mothers!
History is laden with truly heroic moms, but we've gone to the trouble of picking 12 of the most heroic of all for you. Here are 12 of the best moms in history.
Nostalgia: The Unforgettable Commercials of the 60s & 70s!
These classic television commercials from the 60s and 70s are a must watch!
A Moment in History: The Ghost Army that Scared the Nazis!
One of the most fascinating army units during World War II was constantly at the front lines, but never did any fighting...