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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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play video cynic
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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Affect vs. Effect

 

Here's the lowdown on what may be the most confusing pair of words in the English language.

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Sneaked vs. Snuck

 

How the irregular 'snuck' sneaked into the dictionary

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The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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

 

We're gonna stop you right there

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.