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"
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?"
8 Ordinary English Words With Surprisingly Spicy Origins
The origins of all these 8 seemingly innocent words - e.g. gymnasium, avocado, and nice - are not for the faint of heart, as they're quite naughty!
Where Did The R in Mrs. Come From?
Learn a little language history and also, where did the R in Mrs. Come from?
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.
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?
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...
These Rare Photos Tell the Story of the Great Depression
A photographic summary depiction of The Great Depression.
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
Looking at a 100 Years of High School Fashions...
Here's what high schoolers wore each decade of the 20th century.
10 Underrated Movies That Should be Seen by More People
Imploring all cinema buffs to check out these criminally underrated movies!
Untamed Spirits: Tales of Legendary Mountain Men!
Not many know about these iconic men of the mountains.
This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
23 Extraordinary Vision Facts That'll Open Your Eyes Wide
The eye is an amazing body part, but did you know how amazing? These 23 facts will open your eyes to the extraordinary truth.
Listen to the Enchanting Notes of the World's Oldest Songs
In this article, we will be talking about the oldest known pieces of music ever found.
7 Notable Han Dynasty Inventions That Changed the World
Here, we look at some of the great inventions from the Han dynasty of China that had a great impact on the world.
God Thought Long & Hard Before Creating the Dog...
They do say dogs are our best friend, and there is a reason for that.
Let's Remember Matthew Perry by His Lovely Quotes
"Friends” star Matthew Perry has passed away. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable quotes.
20 Things Most People Think Are the Same, But Aren't!
These words are often mistaken for synonyms, but in reality they are nothing of the sort, because they refer to different things. Learn about 20 of them.,
11 New English Words That Are Actually USEFUL To Know
The majority of new English words are very short-lived, but these were added to various dictionaries and seem to be quite useful to know
Decency Test: Would People Cheat a Blind Man Out of Money?
If a blind man came up to you and asked for your help with his winning lottery ticket, how would you react?
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
This Famous Speech is Still Amazing Today!
One of the greatest speeches ever made, for the love of freedom, the love of human beings.
The USA 110 Years Ago... What Was It LIKE?
We take so much for granted in the modern world. Read through these astonishing facts and realize just how different life was in the US back in 1910.
These Optical Illusions Made Me Question Everything I See!
These optical illusions really give credence to the notion that the human eye is far from infallible. Here are 20 mind-bending optical illusions for you to try.
INTERACTIVE: 12 Fascinating Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious learner, these insights offer a unique glimpse into the man behind the legend of Napoleon.
I Just Wanted to Let You Know: I'm Thinking of You
Is there anyone in your life whom you're thinking of deeply right now? Send them a little greeting to let them know.
These American History “Facts” Are Actually False
We’ve all believed these American history “facts” at some point.
These Feel-Good Facts Warmed My Heart...
These feel-good facts would warm anyone's heart.
7 Ancient Buildings That Have Survived the Test of Time
Here is a look at some wonderful ancient structures that have survived the test of time.
GUIDE: 9 YouTube Channels for History Buffs!
Discover the past and enrich your knowledge with these captivating history channels on YouTube.
A Day in the Life of an Ancient Egyptian Doctor...
This video will show you what it was like to be a doctor in ancient Egypt.
10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
Icy Photos Prove That Winter Is Not for the Faint-Hearted
Here are 14 things that only occur in the winter. Check them out!
History: The Full Story of Napoleon's Epic Defeat
The full story of the battles Napoleon fought that eventually lead to his ultimate defeat.
The Most Notorious Man-Eating Lions in History
Do you know the strange history of the man-eating lions of Tsavo?
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.
22 Of the Weirdest & Wackiest Facts Most People Don't Know
Did you know that Australia was once known as ‘New Holland’? Discover many such weird but true facts here.
The 10 Most Powerful Regrets People Have at the End
What are the 10 biggest regrets people have at the end of their days? Find out the truth...
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
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...
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
The Stories of These Women from History are Inspiring
Read the inspiring stories of these amazingly strong women.
Impress Your Friends With These Quirky Latin Phrases
Make yourself look wiser and more romantic by using these ten Latin phrases on a daily basis.
1967 Classic: Tommy James and The Shondells Live
Groove to the tunes of Tommy James & The Shondells from this classic 1967 musical video.
This Brilliant Talk Taught Me to Let Go of My Delusions
Isaac Lidksy has had quite an amazing life of success, which he puts down to a stunning realization that blindness gave him. Watch. You won't be disappointed.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
This Is One of The Most Beautiful Duets I've Ever Seen
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’