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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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I vs. Me

 

'Between you and __'? Simple guidance for a tricky pronoun.

play video lay vs lie
Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

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Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

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How to Use a Dictionary

 

The best way to find information in the dictionary

play video websters video of 1864
Webster's Dictionary of 1864

 

The landmark edition that transformed the way dictionaries are made.

play video ghost words
How a Ghost Word Appeared in the Dictionary

 

An imaginary word that snuck into the dictionary