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"
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.
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...
5:02
Where Did The R in Mrs. Come From?
Learn a little language history and also, where did the R in Mrs. Come from?
8:01
Why Did We Start Going to the Beach For Fun?
Did you know that going to the beach for recreation is a relatively new invention? For most of human history, the concept simply did not exist...
28:20
How Did European Countries Get Their Names?
Did you know that the word Spain, the name of the country, is translated from Phoenician as "the land of rabbits?"
What is the Troxler Effect and How Does it Affect You?
Learn about Troxler's effect and the optical illusions it creates in life.
6:49
The Most Enchanting Ukulele Song in the World
Listen to this beautiful ukulele version of the famous number "Ode to Joy" by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
9 Surprising Sleeping Habits From Around the World
Sleep looks different in different parts of the world. Here are 9 surprising sleeping habits from different countries, some of which you might want to adopt.
Ruby Chocolate is More Than Just Its Pretty Pink Color
Ruby chocolate, the "fourth type of chocolate", has been gaining a lot of attention of late. Is it really a different type of chocolate?
3:18
These Magical Pets Will Make Your Gloomy Day Disappear
When it comes down to magic, David Blaine has nothing on these enchanted pets! Take a look! You won't regret it!
2:42
A Soulful Harp Cover of the Song 'The Sound of Silence'
Don't miss this soulful and dreamy harp cover of the classic song 'The Sound of Silence' by Simon & Garfunkel performed in a forest!
Peek Inside This Historical Photo Album of Famous Faces
Here are some famous people, photographed in their younger days
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
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.
All Coffee Drinkers Should Know These 17 Facts
A lot of adults drink at least one cup of coffee each day, but very few actually know these facts about coffee.
12 Unusual Ancient Currencies You Probably Never Hear Of!
With no credit cards and cash around, what did the people of the past use to buy things? It turns out that the list of objects used as ancient currencies is quite surprising!
6:21
Do You Know What Goes Into the Average Marshmallow?
Marshmallows are one of the most beloved treats in the US. But do you know what they're actually made of and hoe they are produced?
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.
5:17
The Art Dealer Who Had to Prove His Paintings Are...Fake?
Learn about one of the strangest trials in history, that of the Dutch art forger Han van Meegeren and his dubious relations with the Nazis
4:51
Glue vs Tape: Which One is Stronger?
what gives glue and tape their stickiness, and how do they differ from each other? And most importantly, which one is stronger? Find out here
These Are the Most Famous Swords Ever Forged!
Check out 8 of the most legendary swords to have ever graced the field of battle!
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
6:24
Wow! It's Amazing What This Man Can Do On a Bike!
In this video, Danny MacAskill explores the rural landscape around Edinburgh on his trusty mountain bike. Check out some of the amazing tricks in this video.
These Everyday Optical Illusions Are Truly Mesmerizing!
Optical illusions can be found all around us, as these 15 photos well and truly prove.
Remember Mr. Rogers? He Left Us With Many Great Quotes
Fred Rogers was a beloved children's television star during his life, but he was also an incredibly insightful & smart man. Here are 20 of his greatest quotes.
These Quotes Are Often Misused or Misunderstood By People
There are many famous quotes that get used continuously by people around the world, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're being used properly.
17:55
Was This The Earliest Urban Civilization in Human History?
Find out the secrets of one of the earliest urban civilizations in human history.
Hilarious: When Words Sound Alike But Mean Different...
Homophones are words that sound exactly the same, but aren't spelled the same and mean something different. Here are 15 that are the wordiest of words.
How About Learning Some Fun SLANG From Colonial Times?
Here are 14 fascinating words from Colonial times that sadly didn’t survive until the present days, but we certainly think they’re worth bringing back!
This Could’ve Been the Worst Nuclear Catastrophe in the US
In 1961, the US avoided a major nuclear disaster thanks to sheer luck...
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.
7 Guns that Changed History
This article explores famous firearms’ backstories, the events they were part of, and the legacies they left behind.
These Inventors Changed the World Forever
These inventors changed the world with their inventions, but can you name any of them? Here are 8 little-known inventors that changed the world.
25 Photos That Capture Profound Historic Moments
We can see a whole century of monumental events go by in these photos...
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.
These Unlikely Objects Can Be Serious Fire Hazards!
Mirrors and reflective surfaces, in general, are way more dangerous and creepy than we think! These 11 photos are proof of just that!
12 Roman Quotes and Proverbs Well-Worth Remembering
Each of these 12 Roman phrase offers a glimpse into the mindset of a civilization that shaped the Western world.
There’s a Visual Guide For Everything You Can Think Of!
Browsing through visual guides and maps like these is one of the easiest, funnest, and quickest ways to fill those knowledge gaps and learn something new!
20 Compliments to Show Your Friends You Appreciate Them
Our friends deserve to be appreciated from time to time. These compliments will surely make them smile.
6:38
These Flying Shaolin Monks Are Incredible
An amazingly beautiful sight in super slow mo...
These 11 Quotes Don’t Belong to Those You Think They Do
Surprising quotations that were completely miscredited. Some have commonalities with the supposed authors, while others are completely off...
7 Creepy Historical Facts You Won’t Soon Forget
These true historical facts prove reality can be more creepy and disturbing than any ghost story.
11 Non-Toxic Plants Perfect For Homes With Pets and Kids
You can confidently and safely grow these 11 beautiful and easy plants in a home with small children and pets.
Facts from History You’ve Likely Never Heard Before
If you’re someone who loves uncovering the lesser-known corners of the past, you’ll find something special here.
11 English Words You Didn't Know Were Actually Spanish!
Learn about the Spanish etymology of 11 words in American English (and a bonus at the end!)
12 Secret Historical Facts You Never Heard
12 historical facts you may have never heard of before are presented here.
7 Facts About Ancient Humans That May Surprise You
Our ancient forefathers displayed many moments of courage and even ingenuity. Here are 7 fascinating and surprising facts about prehistoric humans.
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