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Word History

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.


How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.

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Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

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

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Its vs. It's

 

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

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An Abbreviated History of American English Spelling

 

Soop, wimmen, and headake did not make the cut

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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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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes