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?"
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.
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...
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.
What is the Troxler Effect and How Does it Affect You?
Learn about Troxler's effect and the optical illusions it creates in life.
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?
These Supposed Aphrodisiacs Are Just a Waste of Money
Many things that are supposed to be aphrodisiacs are actually no such things. Here are 10 "aphrodisiacs" that are nothing more than a waste of money.
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?
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.
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
If you find it hard to make a decision, these cognitive stumbling blocks could be what's affecting your behavior.
15 Unique and Powerful Armors Worn by Heroes and Warriors
Here’s a treat for history buffs! Check out the most amazing types of armor throughout history.
These Native American Achievements Are Truly Outstanding!
Read all about ten of the greatest achievements that the Native Americans made before the arrival of Europeans
Enrich Your Knowledge with These 18 Fascinating Facts!
Whether you love trivia, history, or just want to keep feeding your brain, these 18 facts will do for you.
11 Surprising Things You Never Knew About the Titanic
We bet you didn’t know these surprising facts about the Titanic!
Dare You Enter 7 of the USA's Most Haunted Houses?
Dare you read all about 7 of the United States most terrifying properties?
15 Amazing Facts That Knocked Me Over with a Feather
The world always fascinates me and everyday I learn something new. Here are 15 facts and stories to give your brain a real workout. Which of these tidbits blows your mind most?
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
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
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’
10 Difficult Words in English Everyone Should Know
English has many difficult words with meanings that are nearly impossible to guess, which makes them super tough to remember. Here are 10 such words
Did You Know these 10 Facts about Alexander the Great?
His father conquered and unified Greece, but he wanted to conquer the world. Alexander the Great was a truly fascinating man.
20 Weird Facts You Didn't Know You Need to Know
20 Historical, modern, weird & funny facts for your enjoyment.
16 Intriguing Maps That Will Surprise You
These fascinating maps show the world in the most interesting ways.
Hello, January: Inspiring Quotes to Greet the New Month
Let’s start the new year with these amusing and inspiring January quotes.
See How the Egyptians Actually Built the Pyramids
While we marvel at the great pyramids, we know little about how they were actually constructed. This video sheds some light into that.
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.
8 Incredible Historical Predictions that Actually Came True
Here, we present some truly remarkable fictional predictions made in history that actually turned out to be true.
Phrases We Use Without Realizing It’s a Shakespeare Quote
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
20th Century Slang People Rarely Use Nowadays
Did you know that these 20th-century slang words and phrases are considered outdated?
15 Lovely Christmas Quotes That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy
These beautiful Christmas are sayings everyone can be thankful for!
Incredible Maps: The World of Second Languages!
We all know the main languages, but these maps of second languages really surprised me!
The Grisly Origins of Madame Tussaud's Wax Empire!
Ever wondered how Madame Tussaud's became the most famous waxmaker in history? Well, if you did, you need wonder no more!
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
'What a Wonderful World' Like You've Never Heard Before!
Listen to this hauntingly beautiful cover of the classic song “What a Wonderful World”.
6 Creepy Mysteries the World Never Solved
There are some mysteries that, despite scientists’ best attempts, still remain unsolved to this day. Here are 6 such mysteries.
7 Stories of Incredible Selflessness That Saved Lives
There are some people brave enough in this world to lay down their lives in order to save others. Here are 7 truly inspiring stories of self-sacrifice.
8 Historical Coincidences That are Too Bizarre to Be Fake
Throughout history, there were many events that could only occur due to incredible coincidences. Here are 8 of history weirdest coincidences, these stories sound stranger than fiction.
Wow! Look at the Size of These Massive Fruits & Veggies!
These massive fruits and vegetables could feed you for an entire year!
12 Rules for Basic Etiquette that Should Still be Practiced
It feels like people forgot the meaning of politeness, well these 12 rules of manners should be read, remembered and acted upon.
Learn How to Perform These Famous Magic Tricks at Home!
Magic tricks aren't always as tricky as they seem. In fact, you can learn how to perform some of the famous ones at home...
Museum of the Weird: 15 Fascinating Finds
Historical artifacts don't get weirder than this.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
From Food to Science - The WORST Misnomers You’ll Find!
Whoever named these objects must have seriously run out of imagination!
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.
Juggling Legend Kris Kremo Will Leave You in Awe
Get ready to be thrilled by juggling legend Kris Kremo’s captivating performance.
This Famous Speech is Still Amazing Today!
One of the greatest speeches ever made, for the love of freedom, the love of human beings.