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
Test Yourself: Which English Word Should You Use?
Sheep or sheeps? Definitely or definately? Do YOU know which English word to use?
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.
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.
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
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?
8 Unique Facts You Didn't Know About The Thesaurus
How much do you know about the thesaurus? Here we list some fascinating and lesser-known facts about the word-finding tool.
Watching These Tigers Released Is a Powerful Experience
Watching these powerful, royal tigers given their freedom again is a magnificent experience, one that reminds us of the power and majesty of these animals.
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
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.
Shocking! These Are the Rules That Pirates Had to Obey!
Pirates are often imagined as living a life of adventure, free from the shackles of society. However, they did have rules of their own, and here are 10 of them.
Why You Might Want to Consider Switching to a Futon Bed
In this article, we will learn what a real futon bed is and if it is better for spine health than a western bed.
5 Assassinations of World Leaders that Shook the World
Read through these five infamous assassinations of world leader shook the world.
Ever Wonder What People Were Like Thousands of Years Ago?
Some of these ancient faces frown and others smile, but together they tell the fascinating history of humanity.
A History of Betrayal and Intrigue for the Crown of England
The War of the Roses tore England apart between 1455 and 1487, but its seeds were planted long before that. This is the story of the terrible boy king who plunged England into dynastic chaos.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
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.
18 Films That Remind Us How Brutal Winter Can Be
Winter isn’t as cozy as you might think. These cold-weather survival movies will make you long for summer days.
When It Comes to Bad Luck, These Poor Souls Take the Cake!
These people have been plagued by bad luck all their lives... Unbelievable!
15 Latin Phrases We Use to This Day Without Even Realizing
As an English, speaker you likely know more Latin than you ever thought you did. Just look at these 15 Latin phrases and see if you know what they mean...
How Companies Deceive Us All - 20 Pictures
As these 20 pictures prove, companies are constantly lying about the size and the quality of their products through deceptive packaging!
Rare Interesting Historical Photos That are Must-See
You won’t find these rare photos in your history books.
14 Creepy Facts That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
These 14 surprising facts about the world may definitely send shivers down your spine, but they are still important to know and recognize!
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
The Rise and Fall of the Mongol Empire
The story of an empire so vast and so powerful, it still leaves signs of its passing thousands of years later.
This Has to be the Most Graceful Dance Performance Ever!
A breathtaking and beautiful performance by Cheetah Platt and Erica Linz on the gound and in the air.
8 Little-Known Wars Rarely Found in History Books
Today, let’s talk about some of the weirdest and little-known wars from history.
Wow! Look at the Size of These Massive Fruits & Veggies!
These massive fruits and vegetables could feed you for an entire year!
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.
Amazing! 7 Facts That Have Changed Since Your School Days!
Over time, facts we consider to be completely true can change. Here are 7 facts that have changed since your school days.
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
I Just Wanted to Say: Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Choose from our lovely selection of greeting cards and share your deepest wishes with your friends and family, to celebrate this blessed time of the year!
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.
Fact or Fiction? Debunking History's Most Common Myths
Update your knowledge of the Middle Ages by learning the truth behind these 12 common myths.
25 Incredibly Rare Vintage Pictures You’ll Love to See
It’s time to travel back in time and enjoy some fascinating historical pictures.
Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures
The Meiji Era was a time of great change for Japan, transforming from a feudal state into a capitalist, imperialist one. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
Enjoy These Brilliant Documentaries for Free on YouTube
Done with your Netflix’s docuseries supply? Check out these wonderful free documentaries on YouTube next.
Experience the Battle of Waterloo in Virtual Reality
Experience the Battle of Waterloo in first-person in this crisp 4K video. We've never experienced anything quite like it!
The Story of Skidboot: An Amazing Dog!
The story of Skidboot is a happy and sad one...
From Ages 7 to 93 these People Share Tips on Ageing Gracefully
Watch people of all ages offer words of wisdom to their younger counterparts.
Don’t Play With Your Food… Unless You’re a Magician!
Watch famous YouTube magician Zach King perform some incredibly cool tricks with food.
What People Need When the End Is Nigh: A Profound Talk
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician with some amazing insights. Discussing what happens to our thoughts as we pass away, he shares some profound thoughts.
The True Story of Oppenheimer and the Atomic Bomb
Before you head to the theaters to watch Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, find out the real story of the “father of the atomic bomb”.
How to Detect a Liar, Explained by a Former FBI agent
Former FBI agent explains about deception detection methods, and debunks common myths.
20 Unforgettable Last Words Spoken By Famous People
There’s something poignaant about reading famous last words.
These Are the Most Famous Swords Ever Forged!
Check out 8 of the most legendary swords to have ever graced the field of battle!
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.
10 of the Fiercest Ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Here we look at the most influential ancient gods and goddesses from the ancient Celtic pantheon.