Have you pondered questions such as where did the expression "OK" came from, or what the longest word in the English language is? Ponder no more, because one of the world authorities on the English language, the Oxford Dictionary, has released a series of videos that give some fascinating insight. Take a look:
1. Where did the expression "OK" come from?
2. What is the longest word in the English language?
3. Exactly how many is a billion?
4. Is the letter Y a vowel, a consonant, or both?
5. The Origins of "Nicotine", "Silhouette" and "Leotard"
English Vocab History: Few Can Pass This Vocabulary Quiz?
These 14 words have really strayed away from their original meaning, can you guess what words like 'girl' and 'clue' used to mean?
What Made the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Last So Long
How do new words get added do the dictionary? Watch the surprising history of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to find out...
There's Simply No Equivalent For These Words In English...
There are some words that simply don't translate from one language into another, and plenty of these words don't actually translate into English. Take a look.
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
What's Portmanteau? Surprising Etymologies of Common Words
If If you have ever said the words brunch, sitcom or spam, you have used portmanteaus. This is the fascinating origins story of many common words...
Enrich Every Conversation With Some Fancy But Useful Words
These 15 words give us a fancy way to say normal things and a good chance to impress people with a supremely versatile vocabulary.
21 Tips to Make Your Golden Years the Time of Your Life
Many seniors will offer a different piece of advice on life. This collection of tips will allow you to live the most wondrous golden years imaginable.
Son of a Terrorist Speaks: Why I Choose Peace
The son of a famous terrorist, Zak Ebrahim's story is shocking and surprising.
Can You Spot the Camouflaged Creatures in These Photos?
These wonderful animals have gone into hiding. Can you find them? If not, just click on the photo to reveal all!
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
The 10 Most Successful Battle Tactics of the Ancient World
In this video, you'll learn about the 10 most powerful tactics used in ancient battle, a battle with no artillery or guns.
Did You Know How Incredible You Were in Your Youngest Days?
Your baby self was incredible! Here are some facts to back this statement up...
Rare Photos Showing What Flying on the Zeppelin Was Like
Rare photos showing why flights on the Zeppelin and Hindenburg were expensive.
Was The First Famous War Photo in History Staged?
“The Valley of the Shadow of Death” is the first famous war photo in history, but journalists started questioning its genuineness. Was this famous photo staged?
13 People Who Proved that Age is Nothing But a Number
If you think that celebrating your golden jubilee means you're past your prime, then these 13 people have something to teach you...
The Incredible Story of a Boy Surviving 49 Days at Sea!
This Indonesian teenager managed to survive almost 50 days at sea while adrift in a floating wooden hut. Learn all about his amazing story here.
Find Humor & Inspiration in These Douglas Adams Quotes
May you find inspiration and humor in these quotes by Douglas Adams.
These 3 Breakthroughs Are Making Historians Jump for Joy!
Learn about some of the most fascinating findings that archaeologists and historians have recently uncovered. Get ready to be amazed!
A Nostalgic Look Back at Prices in the Past (14 Pics)
Travel back to the time when things cost just a few cents.
Don’t Throw Away Your Used Teabags Just Yet
Teabags aren’t only for making delicious cups of teas. Find out what other uses they hold in this helpful video.
Want to Fool Your Own Brain? Have a Look at These Illusions
Optical Illusions That'll Make You Doubt Your Eyesight!
The Mysterious City of Caesars and 4 Other Mythical Places
These fascinating, but lesser-known mythical cities have captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, learn about them yourself
Historical Window: Looking at Women Workers in WWI
Women made a significant contribution to the Allied effort during both World Wars. Take a look as these fascinating photos of women at work during WWI.
This Triple Spiral Domino Is Driving the Internet WILD!
Hevesh5 is a professional domino artist that is tearing the internet apart with this amazing display! I have never seen anything like this!
These Supposed Aphrodisiacs Are Just a Waste of Money
Many things that are supposed to be aphrodisiacs are actually no such things. Here are 10 "aphrodisiacs" that are nothing more than a waste of money.
Unveiling the Great Achievements of the Han Dynasty
In this article, we’ll explore the great achievements of the Han Dynasty, examine how they shaped the future of China
Good News Alert! 11 Positive Things You Need to Know About
If you look for good news, you’ll always find it. Here are some wonderful things happening around us right now.
22 Words Uttered By Writers In Their Final Moments
The world's most famous writers had a way with words right up until the point of their deaths, as these 22 images are about to show you.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
Wish Everyone You Love a Very Happy Easter
Choose from our 10 special Easter celebration greetings cards to send to those you are thinking of at this special time of the year.
When Animals Go Rogue: True Tales of Man-Eating Animals
Throughout history, many animals have turned into deadly man-eaters. Here’s a list of the most intense books on the subject.
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
The Truth Behind These Animal Myths Will Shock You
Here are a list of facts about animals we thought to be true.
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
Travel Back in Time With These Rare Moments From History...
Some photos date as far back as to the early 20th Century, with a few prototype designs that would eventually pave the way for the technology we use today. Take a stroll down memory lane with these Rare moments.
The Rise and Fall of the Tudors: A Royal History
Looking at key events in the history of the Tudor Royal family, where they came from, how they rose to power, and what caused their decline.
These Female Celebs Have Aged Like Fine Wine (28 Pics)
These female celebrities are aging just like fine wine.
The Precious World of Jewelry: Art, Care and Tips
Admire a world of jewelry, from the most creative, to the most valuable and the most expensive, learning a few handy tips in the meantime...
These Maps Are Guaranteed to Teach You About the USA
The USA becomes all the more fascinating when you collate a ton of different maps containing insightful demographic data. Take a look at this map compilation.
12 Vintage Christmas Songs That Still Warm Hearts
These classic Christmas songs capture the spirit of the season.
The Best of Andrea Bocelli – 5 Memorable Live Performances
It’s time to fall in love with Andrea Bocelli all over again.
15 People Who Have the STRANGEST Hobbies
Some people's hobbies, as it turns out, are stranger than others. Here are 15 bizarre yet cool hobbies keeping people busy
5 Famous Shipwrecks and Their Unbelievable Stories
Some unreal stories about what lies deep below the seas.
Fascinating Facts About The Middle Ages You Never Knew
If you thought you had read everything about the Middle Ages in school, you are mistaken. Read these interesting facts from that era.
These Native American Achievements Are Truly Outstanding!
Read all about ten of the greatest achievements that the Native Americans made before the arrival of Europeans
Genghis Khan: Brutal Mass Murderer, or Enlightened Ruler?
Genghis Khan is one of the most famed and feared names in history, but how did he become so great?
Who Said You Can't Train Cats?
Suki the cat is getting some agility training. If you thought cats cannot be trained, this is documented proof that notion is false. You just need to give them the right motivation, or in other words - use food...