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
Is Your English Is Perfect? You'll Find Out Soon Enough!
Do you think that you know the plurals of some of the trickiest words that the English language has to offer? Give this quiz a shot and find out!
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
10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
Choose a Word, and I’ll Tell You Where You’re From
Let’s do a quick test: in your mind, count the number of syllables in the word ‘caramel’, and let us reveal where you’re from. Click here to find the answer.
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?
Test Yourself: Which English Word Should You Use?
Sheep or sheeps? Definitely or definately? Do YOU know which English word to use?
0:44
Baby Ducks Make for Poor Students!
Poor Little Duckling Trying to Stay Awake...
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.
12 Secret Historical Facts You Never Heard
12 historical facts you may have never heard of before are presented here.
20 Compliments to Show Your Friends You Appreciate Them
Our friends deserve to be appreciated from time to time. These compliments will surely make them smile.
Memoirs That’ll Change Your Life: Must-Reads for Everyone
These powerful memoirs are must-reads for everyone.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
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.
10 Historical Facts That Are Really Hard to Believe
Here, we share 10 fascinating and unbelievable history facts and stories like the time when forks were sacrilegious and pineapples had a higher price than gold
16:26
You Won't Believe What This Man Builds Single Handedly
Watch as this man single handed builds a beautiful underground house, complete with pool.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
The Astonishing Life and Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein
It is the true story of Ludwig Wittgenstein, the man who sat in the same classroom as Adolf Hitler, became the protégé of the philosopher Bertrand Russell, and changed the face of 20th-century philosophy
6:24
Wow! It's Amazing What This Man Can Do On a Bike!
In this video, Danny MacAskill explores the rural landscape around Edinburgh on his trusty mountain bike. Check out some of the amazing tricks in this video.
4:57
Watch This Hilarious Skit on the Treaty of Westphalia
Watch this hilarious sketch with actors Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry on the negotiation of the Treaty of Westphalia.
These 10 Facts Prove Amelia Earhart Was Extraordinary
To cleberate the legacy of the pioneer aviator, we gathered 10 fats on the life of Amelia Earhart you must know.
Add Extra Sunshine to Your Life With These Feel-Good Books
Need a little pick-me-up? These feel-good books are guaranteed to leave you smiling.
12:39
WATCH: 110-Year-Old Supercentenarian Talks of Life
Born in 1906, and having served in the South Pacific during WWII, Richard Overton is the US' oldest living veteran. Watch this video about his remarkable life.
These 11 Quotes Don’t Belong to Those You Think They Do
Surprising quotations that were completely miscredited. Some have commonalities with the supposed authors, while others are completely off...
7 Creepy Historical Facts You Won’t Soon Forget
These true historical facts prove reality can be more creepy and disturbing than any ghost story.
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.
8 Historical Misunderstandings of the First Christmas
Some of the details that you have heard about the first Christmas are completely wrong. Here are 8 things that we bet you didn't know about the first Christmas.
Was There Ever a Real Uncle Sam?
Did you know the same man drew both Unce Sam and Santa Claus as we know them today?
The Secrets behind Houdini's Greatest Tricks!
Have you ever wondered how Harry Houdini carried out his stunning feats? Well, if you have, wonder no more! All is revealed here!
3:59
Watch: Some Dogs Take to Fishing Like Ducks to Water
Some dogs take to fishing like ducks to water.
7:19
Palm Oil Is the Cheapest Plant Oil on the Planet, But Why?
A major reason why palm oil is so ubiquitous is that it's so cheap. Why is there so much controversy around this oil, then, and how is it related to its cost?
Gene Hackman: A Look Into the Life of a Consummate Actor
The following biography chronicles Hackman’s journey from a modest upbringing and military service to Hollywood stardom, his personal life behind the scenes, and the enduring legacy he left after retirement.
9:37
What Did the Future Mean to 1958 High Schoolers?
Peep into a high school debate from 1958 about the teenager's future. Are their arguments still relevant today?
5:50
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
21 Fascinating Things You Never Gave Much Thought To
Take a look at 21 strange things that will change the way you see the world.
10:27
The Story of the Green Beret Who Went On a Saving Rampage
The unbelievable story of one man who went on a movie-like rampage to save his comrades in arms.
10 Words We Use Every Day That Shakespeare Made Popular
Shakespeare is believed to have invented 1,700 words, but these 10 should be taken off the list, as he didn't invent, but popularized them.
From Beans to Bar: How Chocolate is Made from Scratch...
Ever wondered how chocolate was made from beans to bar? Well, this collection of photographs will reveal all.
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.
12 Unusual Ancient Currencies You Probably Never Hear Of!
With no credit cards and cash around, what did the people of the past use to buy things? It turns out that the list of objects used as ancient currencies is quite surprising!
9:32
Learn All About the History of the English Language
Ever wondered where the English language came from and how it evolved over time? If so, then this is the perfect video for you!
Ukrainian-Russian War: A review of 2024's impact in the War
The year 2024 saw the Russia-Ukraine war grind on into a second full year, marked by intense fighting on multiple fronts, high-stakes diplomatic initiatives, and a worsening humanitarian toll.
Rare Footage: Historical Photos Renewed with Color
Old historical photos have been through expert recoloring and retouching in order to bring the past back to the present!
Where Did Famous Tongue-Twisters Come From?
Many traditional tongue twisters have long histories full of unexpected twists and turns - not unlike the acrobatics our tongue goes through as we pronounce them.
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.
5:07
A Christmas Classic Sung Beautifully by Andrea Bocelli
Celebrate the season with Andrea Bocelli’s soulful rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’.
The Story of the Muslim Country that Saved Jews In WWII
In the following article, we will help you get to know better the amazing story of the rescue of Jews that took place in Albania, the important cultural principles that led to it, and the stories of 3 heroes who made sacrifices and took enormous pers
14 Old Photos That Show Just How Hard Life Once Was
Remember when doing even the basic tasks took hours? These photos do.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.
