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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

play merriam-webster eggcorns title page
What Is an Eggcorn?

 

And how did it get that name?

play video websters video of 1864
Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

play how to read a french menu video
How to Read a French Menu

 

How to 'amuse-bouche' without begging pardon for your French

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Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

play video schwa
The Schwa

 

The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.