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"
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
Where Did The R in Mrs. Come From?
Learn a little language history and also, where did the R in Mrs. Come from?
What is the Troxler Effect and How Does it Affect You?
Learn about Troxler's effect and the optical illusions it creates in life.
Funny: When Words Sound Alike With Different Meanings
Homophones are words that sound exactly the same, but aren't spelled the same and mean something different. Here are 20 that are the wordiest of words.
12 Unique and Beautiful Words That Charm and Delight
Take a look at this list of some weird and wonderful words that you are unlikely to have read in your language course in school.
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...
You Won’t Find Maps Like These in Geography Textbooks!
Explore this collection of 20 new and updated maps on a variety of fascinating subjects!
A Few Beautiful and Flowery Thoughts on Positivity...
In life, you have to give yourself the space to allow your beautiful, positive thoughts to bloom like a beautiful flower. Watch this video to understand more.
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’
Got a Problem? Maybe These Funny Fixes Will Inspire You!
The fixes for these problems are going to bring a huge grin to your face!
These Borders Exist Longer Than the Countries They Divide
International borders are among the most rapidly changing geographical phenomena, but these borders 5 proved to be exceptionally persistent
'What a Wonderful World' Like You've Never Heard Before!
Listen to this hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song “What a Wonderful World”.
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?
5 Famous Shipwrecks and Their Unbelievable Stories
Some unreal stories about what lies deep below the seas.
Incredible: 100 Days Building an Underground Hut
Watch the incredible structure these men build in the video and how it was made in this fascinating video.
50 Unknown Facts About Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile
Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures from history. And there’s still so many things about her you don’t know yet.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
5 Unexplained UFO Encounters That Puzzled Experts
We may not believe in UFOs, but throughout history there have been some rather strange UFO-like encounters that defy logic.
13 Books That Will Make Your Time Fly
These times of social distancing are perfect for catching up on your reading. Check out this list of 13 must reads to get started.
Historic Photos From Days of Christmas' Past...
Christmas is said to be a time of love, cheer, and human compassion. These photos may be decades-old, but the stories they tell are not much different than the stories of today.
How Far Back in Time Could You Go and Still Understand English?
Languages are born, change, and die. English, we presume, is no exception. So how far back in time could you go and still understand anything...?
These Amazing Illusions Are Enough to Make Your Head Spin
Optical illusions have the potential to highlight how the human mind plays tricks when it comes to perceiving things. Take a look at these 20 optical illusions.
Meet the Genius Who Recorded Humanity's First Sound
Do you know who Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville is? You should!
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
Watch This Card Magician Make Penn and Teller’s Jaws Drop
Everybody knows colored light can make things appear different, but can it actually permanently paint them? This magician believes it can.
How Many Babies are Born a Day? Surprising statistics
Large numbers, small doses. Here's everything you wanted to know about statistics, in short, precise answers.
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?
This Soulful Cello Performance Will Give You Goosebumps
Sit back and enjoy this amazing cello performance
10 of the Most Spectacular Royal Crowns in the World
Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Here are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras.
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
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.
Beware of Ordering These (Potentially) Fake Foods
There are certain items on a restaurant's menu that should be considered with caution, and this is because they tend to be faked. Learn more here.
I Just Wanted to Remind You: You're the BEST!
Do you know someone who ought to be given some appreciation? Make their day today by congratulating them with a sweet compliment!
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
Video Box: The Most Amazing Guinness Records!
Don't miss these 16 world record-breaking feats, performed by both humans and animals alike!
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
6 Depression-Era Criminals You Wouldn't Want to Cross!
During America's Great Depression, the rate of crimes increased drastically. Here are 6 of the most notorious Depression-Era bank robbers.
Experience the Dramatic Moments of WWII in Moving Color
This 13-episode television documentary series recounts the major events of World War II in HD color.
Have You Ever Seen Ducks With Jobs? You're About To!
Watch the day-to-day life of these incredible ducks, who just so happen to spend their lives on a wine farm...
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
7 Life Lessons Taught by Winston Churchill
To inspire others, we have compiled 7 lessons he taught us through his life's work and life.
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.
Is There Anyone Luckier Than These Two Close Friends?
DJ Ginsberg and Marilyn Wagner paid just $2,000 for what would turn out to be a fascinating piece of motion picture history. Hear all about their story here.
12 Accurate Facts That Sounds TOO Weird to Believe
With authentic facts like these, who needs fiction?
This Video is a Must for All History Buffs!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
Mark Twain's Tips For a Better Kind of Life...
Mark Twain was not only a talented writer but a man of wise, witty words. Here are 12 of his best quotes.
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...