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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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Is 'none' singular or plural?

 

Or both? Or neither?

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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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Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

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Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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How to Read a French Menu

 

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

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'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine

 

'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.