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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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The History of 'Cynic'

 

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

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Pictures in the Dictionary

 

The story of those iconic illustrations.

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

 

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk

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Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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Why is there a 'd' in 'fridge' but not in 'refrigerator'?

 

Thawing one of the mysteries of English