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

 

We're gonna stop you right there

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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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Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

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Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

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The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "Junk in the Trunk"

 

Comedian ISMO on what separates a boot from a trunk