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?
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.
13 Palindromes That’ll Make You Laugh
People have been enjoying palindromes for centuries - here are 13 funny examples that are sure to make crack you up.
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?
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.
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!
Keep a Conversation Flowing With These Historical Facts
If a conversation you're having starts to stall, just throw out some of these amazing historical facts and you’ll be talking long into the night!
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
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.
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Where Did 'Murphy's Law' Come From?
Learn the origin of this common phrase - Murphy's Law
17 Ancient Artifacts That Still Astound the World
These ancient artifacts tell fascinating stories.
7 Facts About Ancient Humans That May Surprise You
Our ancient forefathers displayed many moments of courage and even ingenuity. Here are 7 fascinating and surprising facts about prehistoric humans.
I Just Wanted to Let You Know: I'm Thinking of You
Are you thinking of someone right now? If so, send them a greeting card to let them know.
Instead of Plastic, These People Used Smart Alternatives
Check out 14 excellent examples of people and companies fighting the global plastic problem.
16 Absolutely Unforgettable Historical Photographs
Take a peek at these unforgettable 16 photos, and see history from a brand new perspective.
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A Fistful of Dollars: Live and Unforgettable Performance
Watch The Danish National Symphony Orchestra perform Ennio Morricone’s classic song "A Fistful of Dollars."
6 World Famous Figures Who Kept Their Identity a Secret
Being famous doesn't have to mean everyone knows everything about you - these 6 enigmatic figures are world-famous yet no one truly knows who they are.
The World Is Full of Interesting Curiosities, Take a Look
This collection of photos illustrates some surprises you've likely never seen before.
You’re Wrong About These 10 Historical “Facts”
We list 10 common beliefs about famous historical figures and places that were all wildly misconstrued - from Julius Caesar’s birth to the black ninja uniform.
You’ll Love Learning Of These Surprising Facts!
We assure you - these 14 facts are as entertaining and as they are unbelievable!
These Vintage Photos are Both Funny & Bizarre!
Check out these 15 weird sights from the past, which you certainly won't see nowadays!
You Know These 10 Foreign Words Without Even Realizing It
We’re willing to bet that you know more foreign words than you think, even if English is the only language you speak. Here’s why...
Louis Armstrong Said it Best, Didn't He...?
This amazing song can really open your eyes to nature's beauty, and the beauty we make for ourselves.
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Let a Violin Rockstar Brighten Your Day
Professional violin player Ji-Hae's mission to bring beautiful music to everyone.
9 Times the Future Was Predicted With Surprising Accuracy!
These 9 historical events were predicted with extreme accuracy, and here is who managed to forecast them...
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10 Magicians Whose Performances Were Mind-Bending
Marvel at these incredibly amazing magical performances that literally stunned the judges and the audience.
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.
History of the Ninjas: The Truth of the Famous Assassins
Let’s take a journey through time, exploring the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy of the Ninja.
6 Ways to Be Liked According to Top FBI Secret Agent
No one knows more about how to gain friends and trust than a top FBI secret agent. Here he provides 6 amazing rules to help you be loved by all.
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.
10 Surprising Facts About the Food in Your Kitchen
Did you know that ordinary foods like carrots, jelly beans, sandwiches, and broccoli have a fascinating story to tell?
Forgotten Gems: 10 Classic Films You Missed
These underrated classics need your attention.
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John Williams Conducts the Theme Song from “Jurassic Park”
Watch legendary composer enthrall the audience as he conducts the famous theme music from “Jurassic Park”.
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
Video Collection: Learn Something New Today!
It's never too late to learn something new, so give these 16 educational videos a watch and see what you can learn today!
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Which of These Old Bathroom Features Do You Want Back?
These old bathroom trends have disappeared over time.
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A Christmas Classic Sung Beautifully by Andrea Bocelli
Celebrate the season with Andrea Bocelli’s soulful rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’.
11 Non-Toxic Plants Perfect For Homes With Pets and Kids
You can confidently and safely grow these 11 beautiful and easy plants in a home with small children and pets.
These Beauty Practices of the Past Look Strange Today…
17 fascinating photos of beauty procedures, treatments, and practices from the first half of the 20th century that look strange and curious today
8 Bizarre Customs From Not-So-Long Ago
Here are 8 practices that used to be viewed as normal in the past, but today they seem bizarre, dangerous... or both!
8 Ordinary English Words With Surprisingly Spicy Origins
The origins of all these 8 seemingly innocent words - e.g. gymnasium, avocado, and nice - are not for the faint of heart, as they're quite naughty!
You’ve Probably Been Mistaking These Foods for Each Other
In this article, we will look at a few food pairs that have commonly confused all of us.and help you tell the difference between them.
10 Common Phrases You’re Probably Saying Wrong
You’ve misused these sayings for years!
These 10 Documentaries Are a Must for Curious Minds
You can’t miss these thought-provoking documentaries.
Was This the WORST Year in Human History?
We thought 2020 was probably the worst year in human history. But wait till you read about the chaos that ensued in 536 AD.
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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.
13 Honest Charts & Graphs That Describe Our Lives Too Well
Artist Irina Blok's illustrated charts and graphs about everyday life are so relatable.
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