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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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How a Ghost Word Appeared in the Dictionary

 

An imaginary word that snuck into the dictionary

play video affect vs effect
Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

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What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

play emily-brewster-with-the-words-effect-affect-on-screen
How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

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

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.