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9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Class is in session.

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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'Bodega' Startup Draws Criticism, Mockery

"Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

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What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

Its recent usage is hard to shrug off.

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Videos

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The Serial Comma

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

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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

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play serial-comma
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Grammar and Usage

Word History

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  1. bodega "Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

  2. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

  3. allegory No spoilers!

  4. hurricane 'A tropical cyclone'

  5. rescind To take away; cancel; repeal

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Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized-drawing-of-woman-pole-vaulting-across-gap-to-get-trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Name That Thing

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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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What's Going On With 'Nonplussed'?

Its recent usage is hard to shrug off.

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Welcome to the New Words

From 'hive mind' to 'sriracha'

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9 Slang Words With Academic Origins

Class is in session.

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8 Foods Named After Real People

A delicious collection of eponymous foods

Word Games

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz
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Name that Color!

NEW! Additional colors! More obscure than before!

Take the quiz
Name That Thing
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game