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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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How Do You Pronounce 'Groceries'?

 

Is there one standard way?

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Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

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Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

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What Is 'Semantic Bleaching'?

 

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively"

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Hopefully

 

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

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Why is there a 'd' in 'fridge' but not in 'refrigerator'?

 

Thawing one of the mysteries of English