Language is indeed one of the most fascinating things about what makes us human. However, there's much more to it than just an agreed upon system of letters, grammar, and vocabulary. It's also about the great history that molded it into what it is now - the discovery of which makes us appreciate it more than ever. Let's have a look at 10 interesting curiosities about the English language that you might not have known!
Video by Simone Scicluna
9 ‘Current’ Words That Are Much Older Than You’d Guess
Hipster, Influencer and Dude - all these words sound so quintessentially modern, but you'd be surprised to learn how old they actually are.
QUIZ: Can You Find All the Antonyms?
This English challenge is all about the antonyms - those words that mean the OPPOSITE of the word in question. Can you find all 15 antonyms in this quiz?
10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
Can You Believe These Words Didn’t Exist Before the 1970s?
When a new words spreads it seems it's been around forever. But in reality, many of the words we use everyday are quite new. These didn't exist before the 1970s.
These 13 Ridiculous Palindromes Are Surprisingly Clever!
People have been enjoying palindromes for centuries - here are 13 funny examples that are sure to make crack you up.
QUIZ: Can You Guess What These Fancy English Words Mean?
It's time to find out just how fancy your range of vocabulary really is! Good luck...
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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
These Words Wouldn’t Exist Without These 10 Famous Authors
Learn of 10 commonly-used English words that were coined by famous authors and philosophers.
Why Do the Days of the Week Have Such Strange Names?
Why do the days of the week have names? Who are they named after?
10 Most Well Known American Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories may not all be true, but they can be very popular. Here are some of the most well known ones across the United States
15 Profound Words of Wisdom by the Great Leonardo da Vinci
Legendary painter Leonardo da Vinci had a way with words too and his thoughts on life serve as an inspiration to many.
10 of the OLDEST Perfumes in the World
Here's a list of 10 perfumes on the scale from vintage to antique you can still buy today WITHOUT breaking the bank!
I Wish They Taught Me These Math Tips at School
Bad at math? Learn how to use these quick and easy methods.
These Bygone Terms for ‘Happy’ Need to Be Brought Back
There were some really cool ways to describe happiness back in the day.
14 Dizzying Optical Illusions That Move and Confuse You
All of these optical illusions are completely static, but your brain will try to convince you otherwise!
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Welcome to Professional Santa Claus School!
Peek into the classrooms of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan. This is where they make Santas!
Coffee: There’s SO Much We Don’t Know About This Drink!
Here you'll find 11 fascinating coffee facts, many of which even the most knowledgeable coffee aficionados aren't aware of...
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WATCH: A 1960s Classic Reimagined By Iconic Performers
Must Watch! Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood and Prince perform a George Harrison classic!
Can You Say These Incredibly Tough Tongue Twisters?
These tongue twisters are quite hard to pronounce. How many of these can you say without stumbling?
27:15
Where Did 'Murphy's Law' Come From?
Learn the origin of this common phrase - Murphy's Law
15 Super-Interesting Facts that Will Surprise You
These surprising historical facts will supply a meaty meal for anecdote and history lovers alike. It's so much fun to learn those small details about days gone by.
These Ancient Stories Were Lost to the Sands of Time
Even some of the world's greatest stories can be forgotten due to the passage of time. After much digging, we rounded up 10 of the best. Read on!
It's Amazing to Think How Much the Ancient Egyptians Knew
Ancient Egypt was a truly amazing civilization that reached an incredible level of knowledge. Enjoy these 10 examples of how advanced it was.
This Manuscript Has Stumped Scientists for Centuries!
This ancient manuscript holds a mystery that has not been solved for centuries. What do YOU think it is?
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Did You Know That Loofah Sponges Are Made of Cucumbers?
Many people are convinced that loofah sponges are made of sea animals, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Loofahs are actually grown on a farm!
The Mandela Effect: How Collective False Memories Occur
When masses of people share false memory that didn't actually occur, it's called the Mandela Effect. Learn more about this heavily debated topic.
These Great Cities Were Once the World's Largest
History has seen the rise and fall of many great cities, but the greatest of all endure through the millennia. Take a look at this top 10.
22 Words Uttered By Writers In Their Final Moments
The world's most famous writers had a way with words right up until the point of their deaths, as these 22 images are about to show you.
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The Incredible Bionic Hands of Aimee Copeland
Brave flesheating bacteria victim Aimee Copeland shows off her new $200,000 bionic hands!
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.
14 Movie Recommendations You Won’t Want to Miss
Which films deserve to be added to your watch list? Here are 14 suggestions (with trailers) that are sure to inspire and emote you.
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Dancing With Dogs is So Much Better Than Regular Dancing...
These top contestants will wiggle, jump and roll their way into your hearts!
Discover What These Famous People Had to Say
Famous people, in addition to leaving us with their contributions to the world, also left us with many great quotes. Here are 20 quotes from famous people.
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.
10 Words that Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
These meaning of words we know today used to have an opposite meaning when they were first used.
15:00
Nostalgia: The Unforgettable Commercials of the 60s & 70s!
These classic television commercials from the 60s and 70s are a must watch!
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
9 Facts About Ancient Egypt You Probably Didn’t Know
Venture beyond the usual facts about the pyramids and Tutankhamen and learn 9 equally fascinating facts and misconceptions about Ancient Egypt
These Regulations Should be Adopted by Every Country!
There are weird laws in different parts of the world, but some of them are so amazingly beneficial, they should be put into use everywhere.
The Incredible Story of a Boy Surviving 49 Days at Sea!
This Indonesian teenager managed to survive almost 50 days at sea while adrift in a floating wooden hut. Learn all about his amazing story here.
Frazil, Haboob & Other Weather Words Your Didn't Know
You might have heard a few of these meteorological terms before, but you probably don’t know what they mean.
4:09
Goodbye, Diane: Remembering Diane Keaton
A look back at the extraordinary life of a singular artist who has left an indelible mark on Hollywood and our hearts.
The US Is Home to 6 Extremely Valuable Hidden Treasures
Yes, hidden treasures truly exist. And they might be closer than you though - these 6 lost treasures are believed to be somewhere in the US...
Do You Remember the Things that Defined the 1950s?
The 1950s marked the beginning of the postwar era, increased prosperity and drastic changes to everyday life. Here are 10 things that defined the 1950s.
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!
14:13
Rare Restoration: Restoring a DiResta Winchester 1873
Watch an incredible restoration of a 1873 Winchester rifle.
58:01
Full Documentary: Genghis Khan's Legendary Mongol Empire
Learn all about his incredible conquests of the legendary Genghis Khan this cinematic full-length documentary.
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