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?
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?
12 Oddly Specific and Often Funny Terms You Didn’t Know
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10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
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?
10 Incredible People You Never Heard Of!
Here are 10 people who have, in their own ways, saved countless lives and at times, the entire planet. They deserve to be known.
This Amazing Maze Has Taken the Internet By Storm!
Watch this intriguing video which features a maze of marbles and magnets.
The Apollo Program: A History of Manned Space Missions
Only 12 men have ever stepped foot on the moon. Find out more about their successful moon landings here!
A Look Back at How 15 Famous Inventions Started Out
Today, let’s look back at the fascinating vintage versions of modern tech that we still use.
5 Unexplained UFO Encounters That Puzzled Experts
We may not believe in UFOs, but throughout history there have been some rather strange UFO-like encounters that defy logic.
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
6 Short Stories to Help You Stay Motivated in Life
If you’re feeling down, rather than surf the internet for cat pictures or drowning your sorrows by reading junk, check out these inspirational and powerful Short Stories
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
8 Honest-to-God Facts that Are Just too Weird to Believe
A list of bizarre yet true facts
Dance Styles in the 1920 Were So Much FUN!
Enjoy this delightful clip from the movie ‘Don't Knock the Rock’, which shows some groove dance moves from the 1920s.
Hilarious: The Best Comebacks in History!
We often think that the art of insulting is mostly born of modern times. But we'd be mistaken...
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
Incredible Maps: The World of Second Languages!
We all know the main languages, but these maps of second languages really surprised me!
10 World War I Inventions We Still Use Every Day
From trench coats, to pilates and blood banks, all of these 10 things we think of as very modern were actually conceived during WWI.
8 Weird and Wacky Failed Inventions from the Past
Here is a look at some weird and wacky inventions from the past that never quite took off despite their innovativeness.
12 of the Most Inexplicably Weird Things Ever Discovered
In the world, a lot of discoveries often raise more questions than they answer. Here are 12 of the most inexplicably weird things and places ever found.
These Collections Are Certainly On the More Unusual Side..
These collections are larger and a little more unusual than a run-of-the-mill stamp collection. Take a look.
This Man Has Taken Refuge in an Airport for 19 Years
Meet Denis Luiz de Souza, a man who, because of unfortunate circumstances, has been living in an airport for about two decades.
8 Little-Known Wars Rarely Found in History Books
Today, let’s talk about some of the weirdest and little-known wars from history.
8 Historical Coincidences That are Too Bizarre to Be Fake
Throughout history, there were many events that could only occur due to incredible coincidences. Here are 8 of history weirdest coincidences, these stories sound stranger than fiction.
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.
Dogs Can Teach Us a Lot About Friendship...
While dogs may be man's best friend, dogs’ best friends are undoubtedly other dogs, as these adorable pictures go to show.
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
17 Extremely Dangerous Foods That Could Kill You!
From toxic fish, to monkey brains, you'll be surprised at what some people would risk just for a taste of these dangerous "delicacies".
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
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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.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
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Was The First Famous War Photo in History Staged?
“The Valley of the Shadow of Death” is the first famous war photo in history, but journalists started questioning its genuineness. Was this famous photo staged?
20 Surprising Geographical Maps to Ignite Your Curiosity
Discover some amazing and surprising geographical facts with these colorful and fun maps.
2024 is Here! And This is Why You Should Be Excited for It
2024 is here! And this is why you should be excited for it.
The Fascinating Ways Our Fruits and Veggies Are Grown...
Here are some of the amazing the ways that fruits and veggies grow that may be new to you!
12 Rules for Basic Etiquette that Should Still be Practiced
It feels like people forgot the meaning of politeness, well these 12 rules of manners should be read, remembered and acted upon.
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.
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
These 14 Photos Are All Remarkable For Different Reasons
There are some photos we come across that just compel us to take a second look, and these 14 are no exception. Take a look!
This Hilarious Song Perfectly Sums Up My "Efficient" Memory
This hilarious song perfectly sums up or senior moments.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
How We Came to Play: The Origins of Playground Games
The fun games we played in our childhood had some interesting origins.
7 Downsides to Being Highly Intelligent
Everyone thinks that being blessed with a very high IQ can only be positive, but there are also downsides. Here are 7 downsides to being highly intelligent.
An Unforgettable a Cappella Rendition of 'Stand By Me'
Enjoy this unforgettable rendition of the timeless song "Stand By Me" by the Buzztones, a UK-based a cappella group.