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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

play video who vs whom
Who vs. Whom

 

Good news for those who feel stuffy saying 'whom.'

play woman and dog illustration
'Nip it in the butt' or 'Nip it in the bud'?

 

We're gonna stop you right there

play how to read a french menu video
How to Read a French Menu

 

How to 'amuse-bouche' without begging pardon for your French

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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

play mrs malaprop
What is a malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings