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Word History

Words of the Year: 1066

Why is pig meat called 'pork' and cow meat called 'beef?' Because English took on a big serving of French words following the Norman Conquest.


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play video title words of the year 1066
Words of the Year: 1066

 

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

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

play ismo merriam webster trunk boot
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

 

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk

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How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?

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The Schwa

 

The most common vowel sound in English causes many spelling problems.

play ismo merriam webster tip
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'