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Word History

Words of the Year: 1066

Why is pig meat called 'pork' and cow meat called 'beef?' Because English took on a big serving of French words following the Norman Conquest.


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play video title words of the year 1066
Words of the Year: 1066

 

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

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The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

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Old-School Grammar

 

Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.

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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

play ismo merriam webster trunk boot
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

 

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk

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Hopefully

 

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)