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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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An Abbreviated History of American English Spelling

 

Soop, wimmen, and headake did not make the cut

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How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.

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Its vs. It's

 

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

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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.