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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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Video: Why Is There a 'C' in 'Indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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Its vs. It's

 

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

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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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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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On Contractions of Multiple Words

 

You all would not have guessed some of these

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "People Tipping"

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'