play video cynic
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 video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

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

play video his or her
Is singular 'they' a better choice?

 

The awkward case of 'his or her'

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

 

And who put it there, anyway?

play woman and dog illustration
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

play merriam-webster eggcorns title page
What Is an Eggcorn?

 

And how did it get that name?

play image1815466723
How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?