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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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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

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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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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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What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

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Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts