Wordplay

Word History

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different

Including the secret history of 'secretary'

Where does 'hello' come from?

Don't answer the phone with 'ahoy'

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Words With Remarkable Origins, Vol. 2

Why do we say 'make a beeline'?

Yes, it does involve bees

10 Words from Place Names

Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first

Quick: Read This!

'Quick' once had a very different meaning

The Secret Histories of 'Catastrophe,' 'Debacle,' and More

'Tragedy' didn't always mean "disaster"

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?

And should we beware?

When do we paint the town red?

It may have begun with a literal paint job (but probably didn’t)

Surprising Words from the 1920s

Robots, "Atom Bombs," and "Rocket Ships" Were All Born in the Jazz Age

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

Heads up: one is 'vulgar'

'Handsome,' 'Geek,' and 8 More Words That Changed Their Meanings

Language evolves

Does 'incredible' mean 'not credible'?

It did, once.

Why do we quit 'cold turkey'?

Explaining A Common Phrase That Makes No Sense

13 New Words for Old Things

When did 'mail' become 'snail mail'?

What Does 'QR Code' Stand For?

Not all abbreviations are as complex as they seem.

The Origins of Daredevil

Hint: they've been around for a while

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You

They all use this one weird trick (etymology)

What's so 'civil' about 'civil war'?

A note on extended meanings

10 Unpleasant People Whose Names Became Words

Not all publicity is good

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Do they really sell fleas?

Where does the word 'trivia' come from?

You may be quizzed on this later

'Pathetic': A History

An in-depth chronicle of inadequacy
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