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Word History

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.


How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

play peter-sokolowski-indict-graphic
Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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Its vs. It's

 

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

play video hopefully
Hopefully

 

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

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I vs. Me

 

'Between you and __'? Simple guidance for a tricky pronoun.

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Is It 'Hanger' or 'Hangar'?

 

How to remember which is which

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

 

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