Have you pondered questions such as where did the expression "OK" came from, or what the longest word in the English language is? Ponder no more, because one of the world authorities on the English language, the Oxford Dictionary, has released a series of videos that give some fascinating insight. Take a look:
1. Where did the expression "OK" come from?
2. What is the longest word in the English language?
3. Exactly how many is a billion?
4. Is the letter Y a vowel, a consonant, or both?
5. The Origins of "Nicotine", "Silhouette" and "Leotard"
12 Unique and Beautiful Words That Charm and Delight
Take a look at this list of some weird and wonderful words that you are unlikely to have read in your language course in school.
5:23
What Made the Merriam-Webster Dictionary Last So Long
How do new words get added do the dictionary? Watch the surprising history of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to find out...
3:53
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
There's Simply No Equivalent For These Words In English...
There are some words that simply don't translate from one language into another, and plenty of these words don't actually translate into English. Take a look.
Enrich Every Conversation With Some Fancy But Useful Words
These 15 words give us a fancy way to say normal things and a good chance to impress people with a supremely versatile vocabulary.
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.
10:30
Time Travel Back to the 19th Century in This Vintage Video
This amazingly rare footage gives us a peek of different parts of the world from the 19th century.
The 12 Words of Christmas: Funny Long Lost Phrases
If you think eggnog and wassail are funny-sounding, wait till you hear the Christmas words that didn't stand the test of time
This Manuscript Has Stumped Scientists for Centuries!
This ancient manuscript holds a mystery that has not been solved for centuries. What do YOU think it is?
11 English Words You Didn't Know Were Actually Spanish!
Learn about the Spanish etymology of 11 words in American English (and a bonus at the end!)
These Useful Charts Are Handy In Various Life Situations!
With infographics and charts, you can learn and remember new information in such an easy and fun way!
5:36
The Most Beautiful Guitar Rendition of 'Moonlight' Sonata
Polish guitarist Marcin Patrzalek performs Beethoven's famous 'Moonlight' Sonata.
1:25
This Beautifully Restored Video Makes the 1930s Come Alive
This brilliantly restored video from 1939 features a lively scene of women swing-dancing the Lindy Hop.
These Photos Prove: Time & Angle Make All the Difference!
These fascinating comparison photos highlight what a huge difference time angle can make!
16:36
15 Unusual Musical Instruments From Around the World
These are perhaps the most peculiar musical instruments you could possibly imagine.
Collection: The Most Influential People In History
The collection before you is one that celebrates the most incredible people in history that inspire, motivate, amaze us and show us the way.
5:07
A Christmas Classic Sung Beautifully by Andrea Bocelli
Celebrate the season with Andrea Bocelli’s soulful rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’.
6:56
The Fascinating Tricks Behind 1920 Movie Stunts
Prepare to be amazed by the masters of 1920s movie magic.
The 10 Greatest British Monarchs in History
Do you know about the greatest monarchs in British history? Don't fret if you don't, because you're about to learn all about them right now.
10:20
These Acrobatic Performances Will Make Your Jaw Drop
A breathtaking compilation of the 100 best female acrobatic performances by Cirque du Soleil
Ancient Love Stories: The Most Iconic Historical Romances
The pages of history are crammed with some remarkable stories about love. Let's explore some of the greatest ones ever told.
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.
Ruby Chocolate is More Than Just Its Pretty Pink Color
Ruby chocolate, the "fourth type of chocolate", has been gaining a lot of attention of late. Is it really a different type of chocolate?
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.
With Epitaphs Like These, How Can They Ever Be Forgotten?
Check out this collection of 15 different epitaphs, ranging from emotional ones to highly humorous ones.
When an Ancient Egyptian Tomb Was Opened, This Was Inside
Finding Tutankhamun's tomb was one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history. These recolored photos capture those incredible days.
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.
These Things Will All Happen in the Next 24 Hours
The world is incredibly busy, and doesn't stop moving for anyone. Millions of things happen every second but these 19 things will happen over the next 24 hours.
The 12 Moonwalkers: The Men Who Touched The Lunar Surface
Here's a look at the only 12 men in history to have walked on the surface of the moon.
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.
8 Books That Predicted the Future With Strange Accuracy
It always feels eerie when the future is predicted correctly and it turns out literature is full of such accurate forecasts. These 8 novels were particularly spot on.
This Struggling Single Mom's Story Will Warm Your Heart
A good story is all you need to restore your faith in humanity, and the story of single mom Billie, from Florida, is definitely one to do just that.
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.
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.
How Many of These Extraordinary History Facts Do You Know?
We bet that you didn't learn these history facts at school.
8:07
Which of These Old Bathroom Features Do You Want Back?
These old bathroom trends have disappeared over time.
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.
There’s a Visual Guide For Everything You Can Think Of!
Browsing through visual guides and maps like these is one of the easiest, funnest, and quickest ways to fill those knowledge gaps and learn something new!
Let’s Learn About 7 of the Longest Words!
Did you know that the longest word to appear in literature clocks at a staggering 183 letters? Find out about more such longest words.
Inspire Friends and Loved Ones With These Great Greetings
Show your friends that you're thinking of them today with an inspiring greeting!
2:57
This Is One of The Most Beautiful Duets I've Ever Heard
Watch this mesmerizing duet from 1981 featuring Donovan and Crystal Gayle. This live performance is their rendition of the classic 60s song ‘Catch the Wind’
15 Common Words You Are Pronouncing WRONG
Here is a list of some of the most common English words that are generally mispronounced by a majority of us.
53:06
Full Documentary: Exploring The Lost City of Petra
Petra is famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture, as well as for its fascinating water conduit system. Learn about this historical city in this video.
Facts from History You’ve Likely Never Heard Before
If you’re someone who loves uncovering the lesser-known corners of the past, you’ll find something special here.
12:45
Kings on Wheels: 15 Incredible Drivers Show Their Stuff!
You will be amazed at the maneuvering skills of these talented drivers.
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?
11:02
The Incredible History of China's Terracotta Army
China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, had built a platoon of clay soldiers to accompany him in the afterlife. Find out more about this unusual piece of history.
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