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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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'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

 

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk

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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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Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

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Pictures in the Dictionary

 

The story of those iconic illustrations.

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'