Words at Play

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Words of the Week - May 20

Lookups from outer space, Ukraine, and the world of food delivery apps

man giving side-eye

You're (Probably) Saying It Wrong

18 words even you might be mispronouncing

brown bear in woods

'Bare' vs. 'Bear'

The difference bears repeating

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Words of the Week - May 13

Lookups from the economy, the Supreme Court, and golf

13 Bizarre Things That Somehow Have Words

For frog-tossing, sword dancing, and more

fish crow calling

What a Hoot!

15 bird sounds, and the birds who make them

the-merriam-webster-word-o-meter-april-2022

The Merriam-Webster Word-O-Meter

Some interesting stats from April 2022

swamp with trees

Words of the Week - April 29

Lookups from Twitter, the Supreme Court, and Ukraine

english words from yiddish bagel

14 English Words from Yiddish

Our little list is not the whole 'megillah'

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Is It 'Could' or 'Couldn't Care Less'?

Can you care fewer?

8 Words We Stole from French

Spoiler: We stole way more than 8

'Supposably' vs. 'Supposedly'

Yes, they are both real words

matzoh on plate with flowers

Words of the Week - April 22

From social media, the federal judiciary, and Passover

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Should You 'Quit' or 'Resign'?

How to say you're outta there

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Some borrowed words don't get returned

helen mirren dont be a pillock

Rare and Amusing Insults: Cockalorum, Snollygoster, and More

How dare you called me a ninnyhammer you pillock!

spitting-roman-fountain

Do You 'Hock' or 'Hawk' a Loogie?

A question for the ages

'Dunderhead' and Other ‘Nicer’ Ways to Say Stupid

As illustrated by some very smart pups

small ship with flag

Words of the Week - April 15

Dictionary lookups from Ukraine, New York City, and Easter

mosque with crescent moon in background

Words of the Week - April 8

Looking at 'historic,' 'uncompensated,' 'archetype,' and more

dog with rose in mouth

‘Metaphor’ vs. ‘Simile’

Shall we compare thee to a summer’s day?

orange wine in wine glass

Words We're Watching: 'Orange Wine'

It's not citrus.

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April Fools' Day: We Don't Know Its Origin

But be wary on April 1 anyway.

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The Merriam-Webster Word-O-Meter

Some interesting stats from March 2022

What's the Political Meaning of 'Dog Whistle'?

Can you hear me now?

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