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

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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Old-School Grammar

 

Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

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

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Soop, wimmen, and headake did not make the cut

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'Poets laureate'? 'Court-martials'? The curious history of postpositive adjectives in English.

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Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

 

An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with.

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