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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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Old-School Grammar

 

Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.

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The Schwa

 

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

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Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

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Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

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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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'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

 

A simple trick to keep them separate