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Where in the World? A Quiz

Do you know what languages these words come from?

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Trump: He Was a Real 'Nut Job'

'a mentally unbalanced person'

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Is it wrong to use 'decimate' to mean 'destroy'?

Language changes

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Stormy Weather

8 Words for Storms the Weather Report Didn't Mention

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How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Videos

Is it wrong to use 'decimate' to mean 'destroy'?

Language changes

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2016 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'surreal'

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Alright vs. All Right

Is 'alright' all right?

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Is None Singular or Plural?

Or both? Or neither?

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

Latest Videos

Is it wrong to use 'decimate' to mean 'destroy'?

Language changes

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The Serial Comma

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

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Is it 'I Could Care Less' or 'I Couldn't Care Less'?

Because we care

161,985 views

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2016 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'surreal'

94,402 views

Hot Mess

"The public is a hot mess"

109,958 views

How to Use the Subjunctive in English

If I were you, I'd watch this

103,799 views

Grammar and Usage

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

68,254 views

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There, They're, Their

There, there. We'll sort it out.

66,406 views

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

157,157 views

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

How the irregular _snuck_ sneaked into the dictionary

39,769 views

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Further vs. Farther

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

28,632 views

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Bring vs. Take

Both words imply motion, but the difference may be all in your head

19,539 views

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Lay vs. Lie

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

294,769 views

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Is It 'Attorney Generals' Or 'Attorneys General'?

'Poets laureate'? 'Court-martials'? The curious history of postpositive adjectives in English.

267,265 views

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Fun, Funner, Funnest

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

237,018 views

Word History

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

674,045 views

Okay?

Bizarre origins of the world's most recognized word.

198,744 views

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Soop vs. Soup

Noah Webster: the man who changed the way we spell... up to a point.

59,191 views

Gridiron

From torture to tailgating—the origins of an American football term.

14,737 views

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Christmas vs. Xmas

The surprising history behind this controversial abbreviation.

64,442 views

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The Truth About the Plural of Octopus

What's the correct plural of 'octopus': 'octopuses' or 'octopi'? Yes – and then some.

244,985 views

Most Viewed

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

674,045 views

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

321,174 views

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Lay vs. Lie

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

294,769 views

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Is It 'Attorney Generals' Or 'Attorneys General'?

'Poets laureate'? 'Court-martials'? The curious history of postpositive adjectives in English.

267,265 views

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That vs. Which

When to use each (and when not to get annoyed about their use).

247,440 views

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The Truth About the Plural of Octopus

What's the correct plural of 'octopus': 'octopuses' or 'octopi'? Yes – and then some.

244,985 views

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Fun, Funner, Funnest

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

237,018 views

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Old-School Grammar

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

231,265 views

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'Try and' vs. 'Try to'

When you're not sure which is right, try to remember to use 'try to.'

221,848 views

See all Videos

WORD GAMES

Take a 3-minute break and test your skills!

What language does pajama come from?

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Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

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Words at Play

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How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

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Notes on 'Campy'

Plus: how to use n'importe in a sentence

What is 'Sin'?

It's striking how little this word has changed

Ah, 'Romance': A Word Borne to English on the Breastplates of Chivalry

The true and lovesome history of 'romance'

Word Games

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Where in the World? A Quiz

Do you know what languages these words come from?

Take the quiz

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What's that Smell?! Quiz

Words for odors and such...

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How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Take the quiz

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game