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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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Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

play calendar that says day today
Is It 'day today' or 'day-to-day'?

 

What about Day Tomorrow?

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

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

 

Comedian ISMO on the complexities of the word 'tip'

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

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