Wordplay

Word History

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different

Including the secret history of 'secretary'

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

'Hella' is in hella good company

Where does 'hello' come from?

Don't answer the phone with 'ahoy'

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Heads up: one is 'vulgar'

Quick: Read This!

'Quick' once had a very different meaning

'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

Much Ado about ‘Folie à deux’

From French psychiatry to the silver screen

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

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

What does it mean to 'endorse' a presidential candidate?

It's kind of like "endorsing" a check

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'
1 of 5