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 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.
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?
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?"
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 is the Troxler Effect and How Does it Affect You?
Learn about Troxler's effect and the optical illusions it creates in life.
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
These 18 Bold Predictions Were Actually Proven to Be False
Some of the great and good of science, industry and entertainment made bold predictions in the past that proved to be completely false. Take a look.
20th Century: The MOST Popular Breakfast of Every Decade
Breakfast shape-shifted quite a bit during the 20th century. Discover the most popular breakfast delicacy of every decade in this article
Bottoms Up! 12 Surprising Facts About Beer!
Twelve fascinating facts about the ancient alcoholic drink known simply as - beer.
What a Mesmerizingly Beautiful Blooming Flowers Timelapse!
It took one photographer 9 months to record the images for this mesmerizing timelapse film. Watch flowers bloom like never before.
Through the Lens of Time: 20 Rare Historical Photos
These amazing historical photos shed light on some rarely-seen events of the past.
8 Weird and Wacky Failed Inventions from the Past
Here is a look at some weird and wacky inventions from the past that never quite took off despite their innovativeness.
Dare You Enter 7 of the USA's Most Haunted Houses?
Dare you read all about 7 of the United States most terrifying properties?
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.
8 Infamous Crimes That Left a Mark on History
These true crime stories became so sensational that they changed the culture and went to be remembered in history.
Want to Fool Your Own Brain? Have a Look at These Illusions
Optical Illusions That'll Make You Doubt Your Eyesight!
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
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.
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.
7 Historical Facts That Aren't Actually True
Here are seven well-known history facts we should have never believed.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
51 of the Tastiest Cheeses From All Over the World!
In this article you’ll find 51 of the tastiest cheeses from around the world. Some you have probably heard of, while others will be totally new to you!
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.
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
An Unforgettable a Cappella Rendition of 'Stand By Me'
Enjoy this unforgettable rendition of the timeless song "Stand By Me" by the Buzztones, a UK-based a cappella group.
Dogs Can Teach Us a Lot About Friendship...
While dogs may be man's best friend, dogs’ best friends are undoubtedly other dogs, as these adorable pictures go to show.
How to Detect a Liar, Explained by a Former FBI agent
Former FBI agent explains about deception detection methods, and debunks common myths.
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.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
7 Fairy Tales That Are Popular to This Very Day!
The best fairy tales are those that are timeless and yet forever modern, tapping into our wildly shared emotions and moral attitudes. Here are 7 of the best!
20 Unforgettable Last Words Spoken By Famous People
There’s something poignaant about reading famous last words.
These Victorian Era Facts Are Instantly Fascinating
An era of 74 Years in English history, the Victorian era is one of the most interesting periods in history.
Fascinating Photos: Actors vs. the Real People They Played
Take a look yourself and make your own mind as to how faithful the actors were to the people they played in movies.
This is How You Can Tame Your Wandering Brain
External and internal distractions diminish our attention’s power, but some simple techniques can boost it. Find out more with this informative TED-Ed video.
7 Mythical Characters Who Actually Existed
Did you know that there are some characters from mythology that might have existed in real life? Let's find out about some of them.
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...
5 Assassinations of World Leaders that Shook the World
Read through these five infamous assassinations of world leader shook the world.
The Slightly Bizarre Club of Hair for Men!
Meet the largest community of men dedicated to growing and celebrating their beards and mustaches, all gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, to attend the 2012 National Beard and Mustache Championships! You have never seen so much epic, amazing and downrigh
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
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.
Looking for a New Hobby? Learn How to Crochet
This playlist will teach you the basic skills you will need to successfully navigate the world of crocheting.
WOW! These Men Must Have Nerves of Steel!
Vince Reffet and Noah Bahnson are thrill-seekers who love jumping off mountains. In this breathtaking video, they fly through the Alps.
Nostalgia - '70s Teenagers Recalling the Good Times
These groovy 70's teenagers, now proud parents and grandparents, sit for a chat with their younger relatives to compare adolescence now and then.
A Look into Ancient Greece Like You've Never Seen Before
What can interior design and fashion trends tell us about a culture? A lot more than you think.
30 Essential Medical Terms For Bodily Functions
The next time you hear a doctor utter something in Latin, pay close attention, as after reading this article, you may understand what it means.
The Story of the Roman Atlantis: The Ancient City of Baiae
In this article, we will explore what life was like in Baiae, why the city sank, and its rediscovery by explorers.