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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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A Look at Uncommon Onomatopoeia

 

Some imitative words are more surprising than others

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Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

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Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

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'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

 

A simple trick to keep them separate

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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

 

We're gonna stop you right there