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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.

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Why did Yankee Doodle call a feather 'macaroni'?

 

What's with his feathered cap?

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

 

Thawing one of the mysteries of English

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How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

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Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

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