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'

Eavesdrop, Fiasco, and 8 More Words with Surprising Origins

Including some trivia on ‘trivia’

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

It's kind of like "endorsing" a check

Quick: Read This!

'Quick' once had a very different meaning

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

Don't argue with the dictionary

Etymologies for Every Day of the Week

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

14 Words Inspired by Dogs

A lexicographer's best friend

7 Good Stories That Just Aren't True

No, that's not where that word comes from

What does 'at large' mean?

A holdover of an ancient meaning

Much Ado about ‘Folie à deux’

From French psychiatry to the silver screen

10 Common Words with Military Origins

'Skedaddle', 'ginormous', and more

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

As chosen by you, the social media scroller!

Why Did Yankee Doodle Call a Feather 'Macaroni'?

What's with his feathered cap?

Compound Words That Used to Make a Lot More Sense

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

7 Run-Down Words That Have Seen Better Days

They've taken a hit but are still standing.

13 New Words for Old Things

When did 'mail' become 'snail mail'?

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

Language evolves

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Heads up: one is 'vulgar'

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first

'Chef': the Word We Borrowed Twice

This article is our chef d'oeuvre

April Fools' Day: We Don't Know Its Origin

But be wary on April 1 anyway.
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