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
QUIZ: Can You Guess What These Words Used to Mean?
These 14 words have really strayed away from their original meaning, can you guess what words like 'girl' and 'clue' used to mean?
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!
QUIZ: Can You Complete the Sentences?
Complete all 15 sentences and questions correctly to ace this English quiz
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.
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?
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
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
14 Odd Inventions You Won’t Believe Were Once in Use
You might be surprised by what our ancestors considered essential gadgets.
45:39
These 5 Extraordinary People Really Are Superhumans!
This gripping documentary tells the stories of five exceptionally talented people with unique gifts.
Bizarre But True: 15 Fascinating Facts That Surprised Us
These utterly amazing tidbits will leave you utterly amazed.
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
13 Geniuses, Who On Some Level, May Have Been a Little Mad
These geniuses may have been smart, but they are incredibly weird too!
19:02
Hitler's Olympics: The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games
When the Olympics became a Nazi showcase.
8:36
Take a 4K, Vivid Walk Through the Streets of 1911 New York
Watching this 110 year old restored video if New York actually feels like a glimpse to a time long gone.
Turns Out There’s a Chart for Literally Every Little Thing
Learn something useful and fun with these helpful charts!
10 Popular Foods That Were Discovered in Unusual Ways
This article takes a look at the unexpected origins of some famous food products.
You Don't See a Lot of Vintage Portraits Like These...
In this post we will give you a swift glimpse of the portrait collection of one of the leading photographers of 19th-century Washington.
11:28
Weaponry in the Middle Ages Was Truly Fascinating!
Weapons in the Middle Ages were truly unusual and extraordinary. Some were so remarkable that they sound made up!
12 Roman Quotes and Proverbs Well-Worth Remembering
Each of these 12 Roman phrase offers a glimpse into the mindset of a civilization that shaped the Western world.
The World Is Full of Interesting Curiosities, Take a Look
This collection of photos illustrates some surprises you've likely never seen before.
7:10
Meet the One-Handed Climbing Champion, Brian Zarzuela
Brian Zarzuela has overcome disability in the most extraordinary ways.
20 Mind-Blowing Facts That Sound Completely Made Up
You won't believe how crazy these crazy facts are.
Discover How This Board Game Saved Thousands During WWII
Find out how a simple board game helped around 20,000 British prisoners escape from German camps during World War II.
Can You Guess the Meaning of These 20 Common Surnames?
We kind of take surnames for granted, as they are just passed down to us. But every name has an origin and meaning, and some might surprise you.
7 of the Most Famous Weddings of the 20th Century
Here’s a closer look at the most famous weddings of the century and the compelling stories behind them.
Panama Canal: Engineering Miracle with a Shocking History
You may not know it but the Panama Canal is one of the 20th century's greatest achievements. When you read its incredible history you will understand why.
4:27
Watch 23,000 Dominos Fall in Less Than a Minute
Enjoy watching dominoes fall? Then you'll LOVE watching this massive 23.000-domino construction shatter in less than a minute!
These Fun Charts and Guides Teach You Tons of Cool Stuff
These charts and guides will come in handy. Save them!
9 Unusual Facts You Probably Didn't Know About July 4
There’s still so much you don’t know about America’s Independence Day.
The Surprising Origin of 5 Everyday Practices and Items
We all know the Ancient Greeks gave us democracy but what about birthday cakes? These are 5 everyday things you didn't know originated in Ancient Greece.
What is the Trait Many Creative People Have in Common?
Turns out the 'mad genius' trope is rooted in truth. Studies show that the feeling of ‘not belonging’ is indeed linked to creativity levels.
18 Moments of History that Shed Light On Different Times
These 18 photos open a world of yesteryear for us to explore and enjoy.
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.
Creative Shopping Ideas You’ll Wish Were Everywhere
These stores are setting new standards for what shopping should feel like.
If You Have Old Toys Laying Around, You Might Be Rich
If you've got any of these toys from the 1980s laying around, then you might just be sitting on a goldmine!
3:25
Rescued from the Fighting Pits - Sam`s Story
The true soul of a dog is kind, no matter what they go through in life. Sam is a testament to that.
These Optical Illusions Will Leave Your Brain Befuddled
The optical illusions you're about to see are all completely static. In spite of that, they all appear to be moving. Can you figure out what's going on?
9:16
This Documentary Explains How the Earth Came Into Being
Ever wondered how the planet that we call home came into being? Well, this informative documentary will clear all that up for you! Take a look!
21 Incredible Items Unearthed by Metal Detectors
Metal detecting is a surprisingly popular hobby. Here are some of the coolest and most valuable items found by amateur metal detector hobbyists.
20 Nostalgic Images of Circulating Libraries
Way before Amazon, the visit of the bookmobile was one of the most exciting moments. These 20 nostalgic images capture the circulating libraries of the past.
3:47
This Truly is One of the Best Elvis Performances
Enjoy this blast from the past: the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley sings his famous song ‘My Way’ in a 1973 concert.
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
These Foods Are Considered Bad Luck on New Year’s!
It's considered extremely unlucky to eat these foods before the New Year.
The Mongol Empire: Rise, Expansion, and Legacy
What follows is a narrative overview of the Mongol Empire – from its tribal origins and unification under Genghis Khan, to its gradual decline and lasting impact on world history.
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!
26:07
These Kids Proved They’re the Smartest in the World!
Get ready to meet some of the most impressive young minds to hit the Got Talent stage.
The Real Bonnie and Clyde: 7 Facts About the Outlaw Couple
Media depicts them as glamourous, fearless outlaws. But what was behind the myth of Bonnie and Clyde? These 7 lesser-known facts tell their story.
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