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"
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.
The Origins of Labor Day With Vintage Parade Photos
A brief history of Labor Day accompanied by original vintage photos from past Labor Day parades around the US and Canada.
13 Palindromes That’ll Make You Laugh
People have been enjoying palindromes for centuries - here are 13 funny examples that are sure to make crack you up.
This 10-Minute Read Will Make You a Bourbon Expert
Are you unsure of the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch? We are here to clarify.
5:23
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...
What is the Troxler Effect and How Does it Affect You?
Learn about Troxler's effect and the optical illusions it creates in life.
4:29
Meet Lydian Nadhaswaram – The Piano Prodigy of India
Watch child prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram switch between several famous movie score montages on the piano.
The True Scale of These Things Will Really Surprise You!
Did you know that there are actually a lot of things in our world that are far bigger in reality than most people would expect. Here of 20 of them.
The Streets of Rome: 15 Illustrations of Daily Life
Here are 15 artistic depictions that offer a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Rome.
The 12 Words of Christmas: Funny Long Lost Phrases
If you think eggnog and wassail are funny-sounding, wait till you hear the Christmas words that didn't stand the test of time
These Useful Charts Are Handy In Various Life Situations!
With infographics and charts, you can learn and remember new information in such an easy and fun way!
These Foods Are Considered Bad Luck on New Year’s!
It's considered extremely unlucky to eat these foods before the New Year.
8 Well-Known Mysteries We Never Knew Had Been Solved
Uncovering the the secrets behind popular ‘unsolved mysteries’.
6:20
What's Hidden UNDER the Colosseum?
The exterior of the Colosseum is certainly epic, but the most remarkable part of this ancient structure is actually hidden underneath the surface...
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
14 Dizzying Optical Illusions That Move and Confuse You
All of these optical illusions are completely static, but your brain will try to convince you otherwise!
11:28
Weaponry in the Middle Ages Was Truly Fascinating!
Weapons in the Middle Ages were truly unusual and extraordinary. Some were so remarkable that they sound made up!
Find Inspiration in These Amazing Japanese Sayings
These beautiful Japanese proverbs offer invaluable lessons on love, life, and wisdom.
The US Is Home to 6 Extremely Valuable Hidden Treasures
Yes, hidden treasures truly exist. And they might be closer than you though - these 6 lost treasures are believed to be somewhere in the US...
4:35
Full Documentary: The Real Story of Thanksgiving
Discover the real history behind the most popular holiday in the USA, through this fascinating documentary, courtesy of the History Channel.
59:00
The History Behind Halloween Isn't Quite What You Think...
If you've ever wondered what the origin of Halloween is and what all the fuss about pumpkins, fancy dress, and trick-or-treating is all about, then you should definitely give this documentary a watch.
12 Mind-Blowing History Facts You Never Knew Were True!
These historical facts may not sound particularly likely, but trust us, they're really true!
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
4:11
Nostalgia: 50 Beautiful Faces We'll Never Forget...
Nostalgic faces from the golden ages to the modern ages.
2:57
This Is One of The Most Beautiful Duets I've Ever Heard
Watch this mesmerizing duet from 1981 featuring Donovan and Crystal Gayle. This live performance is their rendition of the classic 60s song ‘Catch the Wind’
These Are the Most Overused Words in the English Language
Are you guilty of using these overused words in English? Find out!
12 Genius Ancient Chinese Inventions We Use to This Today
In this article, we'll focus on 12 surprising everyday items we all use that got their start many centuries ago in Ancient China...
From Beans to Bar: How Chocolate is Made from Scratch...
Ever wondered how chocolate was made from beans to bar? Well, this collection of photographs will reveal all.
18 Amazing Facts About Very Well-Known Brands
There are some really interesting and amazing facts about some of the world's most well-known brands, and you're about to learn 18 of them right now!
23:18
Will the Alcatraz Mystery Ever Be Solved?
What happened to the three prisoners who managed to escape from Alcatraz prison? All is revealed in this intriguing documentary.
6:15
John Williams Conducts the Theme Song from “Jurassic Park”
Watch legendary composer enthrall the audience as he conducts the famous theme music from “Jurassic Park”.
15 Illuminating Quotes to Remember When You Overthink
The next time you feel like you are slipping into an overthinking spree, remember these illuminating quotes.
10 Popular “Contemporary” Words Coined by Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s impact on the language we speak is far greater than most of us realize. These surprising words are just a few of hundreds attributed to the Bard.
The Dark and Fascinating History of the Romanov Family
For more than three hundred years, the Romanov family had absolute power over Russia, this is their fascinating story.
1925: World Events That Made the News a Century Ago
Let's jump back in time and revisit the major events that captured the world's attention exactly a hundred years ago.
3:00
This Nonagenarian Gymnast Will Leave You Speechless
Johanna Quaas, at the grand old age of ninety-one, is the world's oldest gymnast. In this video, she showcases her skills - be prepared to be amazed!
18 Fun Facts You Likely Never Heard of Cutely Illustrated
Don't the cute exterior of these illustrations deceive you. This is a real treasure trove of fascinating facts about the world we live in
1:25
This Beautifully Restored Video Makes the 1930s Come Alive
This brilliantly restored video from 1939 features a lively scene of women swing-dancing the Lindy Hop.
15 Vintage Toys All '60s and '50s Kids Know and Love
Ready to revisit 15 of the most loved and remembered vintage toys from the '60s and '50s?
8 Honest-to-God Facts that Are Just too Weird to Believe
A list of bizarre yet true facts
With Epitaphs Like These, How Can They Ever Be Forgotten?
Check out this collection of 15 different epitaphs, ranging from emotional ones to highly humorous ones.
This Dog Saved Her Owner From Certain Death!
This dog proved her love for her owner in an amazing way: she used her incredible sixth sense to help save the woman's life.
Louis Armstrong Said it Best, Didn't He...?
This amazing song can really open your eyes to nature's beauty, and the beauty we make for ourselves.
Mysteries From Ancient History Science Still Can’t Explain
From buried treasures to undeciphered languages, this list contains 8 perplexing ancient mysteries.
These 10 Habits Will Make You Look Younger & More Radiant
These 10 simple daily habits can help you feel and look more radiant and youthful
These Lesser-Known History Facts Are Rather Surprising
Whether you're an avid historian or a bit of a novice to the subject, I'm sure that you will find these 10 facts rather surprising.
0:44
Baby Ducks Make for Poor Students!
Poor Little Duckling Trying to Stay Awake...
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