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"
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.
13 Funny Palindromes That Will Make You Giggle
People have been enjoying palindromes for centuries - here are 13 funny examples that are sure to make crack you up.
When GH Says F: Why Does This Occur?
We're meeting up on the corner of history and linguistics to learn why GH is pronounced as F.
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.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
This is the Cheekiest Dictionary
If you think dictionaries were dry and pedantic, you'd be right. That is, they were, until these cheeky definitions came along.
Fact or Fiction? Debunking History's Most Common Myths
Update your knowledge of the Middle Ages by learning the truth behind these 12 common myths.
The Retirement Home Where Young & Old Live Together
This is a great idea! Young musicians are given free board at a retirement home in exchange for recitals. And this makes for great friendships too!
45 Mythical Creatures That Are the Stuff of Nightmares!
In this post, you will come across scary and disturbing creatures that are bound to plague your dreams!
20th Century Slang People Rarely Use Nowadays
Did you know that these 20th-century slang words and phrases are considered outdated?
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
15 Unique and Powerful Armors Worn by Heroes and Warriors
Here’s a treat for history buffs! Check out the most amazing types of armor throughout history.
You'd Best Think Twice Before Consuming These Delicacies!
Here are 10 dishes that can give you an adrenaline rush stronger than that from any roller-coaster, while testing your luck better than the lottery.
WATCH: The Incredible Kindness of Strangers Is Wonderful
Strangers can be incredibly compassionate, and this is just as true when helping out an animal in distress. Watch this heart-warming video.
These Fascinating Cat Facts Are Well Worth Sharing
You're definitely not a cat lover unless you know these 10 awesome facts about them!
Celebrities of the Past In the Most Fascinating Photos
These rare images capture celebrities, royalty and scientists as you've never seen them before. Be sure to check out this extended picture gallery.
20 Surprising Geographical Maps to Ignite Your Curiosity
Discover some amazing and surprising geographical facts with these colorful and fun maps.
These 10 Great Podcasts Are a Great Way to Pass the Time
Podcasts have started to increase in popularity, and there are now some brilliant ones around. Here are 10 of the best.
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
These Incredible Facts Will Put a Smile on Your Face
Need a boost to your day? These facts will put a smile on your face.
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
10 Emmy-Winning Netflix Shows You Don't Wanna Miss...
if you're in need of a binge-worthy series and haven't explored these recommendations yet, prepare to be captivated.
Meet the Sweet Girl With a ‘Benjamin Button’ Condition
Meet Isla Kilpatrick-Screaton, the only girl in the world with 'Benjamin Button' disease.
Send An Affectionate Kiss to Someone You Love Today
To someone you love, a kiss can say a whole lot, and that's why we've put this adorable collection together for you. Share your affection with them today.
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
These Unique Maps Tell a Great Deal...
These 19 maps of the world are anything but boring. Each map is compelling and teaches you something new about the world.
How Did We Invent the Dollar? Learn Its Meandering History
In this video, we will learn a short history of the U.S. Dollar.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
I Had No Idea These Brand Names Are Actually Acronyms
There are loads of brand names out there that are actually acronyms, and here are some of the most surprising ones!
10 World War I Inventions We Still Use Every Day
From trench coats, to pilates and blood banks, all of these 10 things we think of as very modern were actually conceived during WWI.
Have You Been Believing These Christmas Myths Too?
Read on for several myths about Christmas stories and traditions.
911 Operators Have to Deal With the Craziest Cases...
911 operators in the United States are usually the ones to deal with unusual situations and emergencies. Here are 9 unbelievably crazy stories from them.
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.
Meet the 10 Most Influential Figures of the Renaissance
Learn about the 10 most influential characters from the rebirth of Western civilization, including sculptors, painters, architects, writers, humanists, scientists, and philosophers.
News That Inspires: Positive Stories From Around the World
There are so many good things happening in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring news updates to brighten your day.
8 Facts You Learned at School that Are No Longer True!
The passage of time leads things that were once accepted as facts to actually be proven as incorrect. Here are 8 supposed facts that aren’t really true.
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
Dance Styles in the 1920 Were So Much FUN!
Enjoy this delightful clip from the movie ‘Don't Knock the Rock’, which shows some groove dance moves from the 1920s.
This Project Gets Thousands of Disabled Children Mobile Again
This project may give thousands of physically impaired children the ability to move around again.
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
This Cat Has Broken the Record for the Loudest Purr!
This Cat Has Purred Her Way Into the Record Books!
You'll Need a Second Look For THESE Photos...
These fascinating photo illusions will make you believe like you're seeing one thing, but they actually depict something very different
A Massive Gorrila, But Watch Her With Kittens...
This video is amazing, I never knew gorillas could be like this.
17 Inventive Wedding Invitations No One Would Say No To
Some wedding invitations are pretty bland, but not these genius creations. Here are 17 invitations that no one would ever turn down.
These 14 Photos Are All Remarkable For Different Reasons
There are some photos we come across that just compel us to take a second look, and these 14 are no exception. Take a look!
Discussing 10 of the Most Expensive Divorces in History
Presented are ten of history's most exorbitant divorce settlements, serving as testament to just how expensive these events can truly be.