Wordplay

Word History

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different

Including the secret history of 'secretary'

'Handsome,' 'Geek,' and 8 More Words That Changed Their Meanings

Language evolves

13 New Words for Old Things

When did 'mail' become 'snail mail'?

7 Run-Down Words That Have Seen Better Days

They've taken a hit but are still standing.

Compound Words That Used to Make a Lot More Sense

How 'jack' met 'pot.' How 'wed' met 'lock.'

Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather 'Macaroni'?

What's with his feathered cap?

10 Words You Don’t Seem to Hear as Much These Days

As chosen by you, the social media scroller!

10 Common Words with Military Origins

'Skedaddle', 'ginormous', and more

7 Good Stories That Just Aren't True

No, that's not where that word comes from

14 Words Inspired by Dogs

A lexicographer's best friend

'Ganef,' 'Galoot,' and More Historical Slang Terms We Love

'Hella' is in hella good company

Etymologies for Every Day of the Week

The sun, the moon, four gods, and a goddess.

Funner, Stupider, and Other Words That Are in Fact Real

Don't argue with the dictionary

Eavesdrop, Fiasco, and 8 More Words with Surprising Origins

Including some trivia on ‘trivia’

15 Words that Come from Names and Nicknames

What if your nickname became a dictionary entry?

Does 'handsome' only describe men?

Turns Out You Can Unboil An Egg

The history of the word 'unboil'

The Tired History of 'Fatigue'

If you're not too weary

The 'Infortunate' Dictionary Scam

The story of a little-known swindle

The History of 'Blackmail'

The ‘mail’ means “payment” or “rent”

‘Stay in Your Lane’: A History

Focusing in on what we do best

What's the 'Desert' in 'Desert Island'?

It's not a desert—it's deserted
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