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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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Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

play there theyre their video
There, They're, Their

 

There, there. We'll sort it out.

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

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Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

play merriam-webster eggcorns title page
What Is an Eggcorn?

 

And how did it get that name?

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Some Odd Words with ISMO: "The One-derful Won"

 

Comedian ISMO tries to figure out 'one' and 'two'