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 It Soda or Pop? 12 Fun and Interesting Regional Words
How are these objects called? It depends on who you ask! Every part of the US has its own fun and fascinating set of regional words
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.
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
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.
10 of the Weirdest Things Discovered at Airport Security
Here is a collection of ten of the weirdest things that airport security officers have found when on the job.
12:52
Common Misconceptions About the Roman Empire
Not everything we hear and read about the Ancient Roman Empire is true, you know... These facts, for example, turned out to be pure fiction!
10 Times You’ve Quoted Shakespeare Without Realizing It...
William Shakespeare had a huge impact on modern English, so much so that most of us are quoting the great bard every day without even realizing it!
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?
10 Popular Foods That Were Discovered in Unusual Ways
This article takes a look at the unexpected origins of some famous food products.
Learn the History Behind These Commonly Used Phrases
Do you know the origins of these 10 phrases?
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.
The Origins of these 10 Olympic Words is Fascinating
You use these popular sports words all the time. But do you know where they come from?
15 Quotes by Meryl Streep That Inspire Everyone
Meryl Streep, the queen of acting, has shared many wonderful words on life and success that everyone will find inspiring.
9:01
The Problem with Concrete and What Can Be Done About It
Concrete literally makes up the cities we live in, yet it also puts us in danger. What can be done about it? Find out in this video
Learn Something New Today with These 10 Intriguing Tidbits...
These random facts will make you think twice about a couple of things - and some will certainly be hard to believe.
View Before and After Pictures of People - 30 Years Apart!
A photographer tracked down his subjects from way back when for a reunion shot involving people he hadn't seen in 30 years. Take a look at the amazing results.
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
Astonishing! These WWII Soldiers Survived Against the Odds
These World War II soldiers all suffered terrible ordeals, but they managed to survive against all odds. Here are 6 incredible survival stories from World War II.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Old Photos to Bring Them Alive
Although we imagine the world prior the 1950s in terms of black and white, new colorization techniques have changed everything. Enjoy this interactive post.
On Operation Mincemeat and How It Fooled the Nazis
one of the strangest and most brilliant deceptions in the history of warfare, and at its center was a dead man who had never existed.
Growing Up Online: The Effect of Social Media on the Young
Increasingly, the research is pointing to a clear answer, and the evidence is becoming difficult to dismiss.
18 Amazing Facts About Very Well-Known Brands
There are some really interesting and amazing facts about some of the world's most well-known brands, and you're about to learn 18 of them right now!
The Most EGGstravagant Chicken Coops We’ve Seen!
The owners built their chicken coops so extravagant, we got jealous of their lavish lifestyle!
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.
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
4:11
Nostalgia: 50 Beautiful Faces We'll Never Forget...
Nostalgic faces from the golden ages to the modern ages.
What a Mesmerizingly Beautiful Blooming Flowers Timelapse!
It took one photographer 9 months to record the images for this mesmerizing timelapse film. Watch flowers bloom like never before.
4:29
Meet Lydian Nadhaswaram – The Piano Prodigy of India
Watch child prodigy Lydian Nadhaswaram switch between several famous movie score montages on the piano.
Did You Know These Vintage Items Might Be Worth Something?
Did you know that there are certain items in your home that might just be worth something? Take a look at these 12 vintage items that may be valuable.
6 Famous Places And Objects Which Never Existed
If you hear a story enough times, eventually you will start believing it's true. Here are 6 examples of famous historical places and objects which never existed...
3:37
This Famous Speech is Still Amazing Today!
One of the greatest speeches ever made, for the love of freedom, the love of human beings.
5:17
A Romantic Heart Beats in This Singing Priest's Chest
Marriage is a holy sacrament the beauty of which can scarcely be expressed in mere words. No wonder it compelled this overcome priest to burst into song...
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
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.
7 Interventions of Mother Nature That Altered History
We tend to forget how much power nature has over us. These are 7 times extreme weather conditions completely changed the course of history.
Six Incredible Stories of People Who Survived the Titanic
On the tragic night of the Titanic, there were some who managed to survive. Here are six 'lived to tell' inspiring stories.
These Incredible Facts Will Put a Smile on Your Face
Need a boost to your day? These facts will put a smile on your face.
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
10 of the Most Spectacular Royal Crowns in the World
Crowns have long been seen as a strong symbol of power and wealth. Here are some of the world's most recognized crowns and tiaras.
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.
4:13
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.
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.
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!
11 Surprising Facts About Dictionaries You Never Knew!
Learn some little-known yet fascinating facts about dictionaries that will help you appreciate them a little more.
Boost Your Knowledge & Confidence with These Facts
These 20 facts will help boost your knowledge.
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.
