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"
This is the Cheekiest Dictionary
If you think dictionaries were dry and pedantic, you'd be right. That is, they were, until these cheeky definitions came along.
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!
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!
This 10-Minute Read Will Make You a Bourbon Expert
Are you unsure of the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and scotch? We are here to clarify.
What is the Troxler Effect and How Does it Affect You?
Learn about Troxler's effect and the optical illusions it creates in life.
28:20
How Did European Countries Get Their Names?
Did you know that the word Spain, the name of the country, is translated from Phoenician as "the land of rabbits?"
14 Charming Photos of Schools from Back in the 1950s
Peek inside 1950s classrooms with these charming photos.
6:24
Wow! It's Amazing What This Man Can Do On a Bike!
In this video, Danny MacAskill explores the rural landscape around Edinburgh on his trusty mountain bike. Check out some of the amazing tricks in this video.
14 Odd Inventions You Won’t Believe Were Once in Use
You might be surprised by what our ancestors considered essential gadgets.
27:15
Where Did 'Murphy's Law' Come From?
Learn the origin of this common phrase - Murphy's Law
11:54
The Fascinating Story of How Brazil Became a Country
In this video, we’ll explore the key events, influential figures, and socio-political dynamics that shaped Brazil into the vibrant nation we know today.
20:00
Megiddo: The Story of the Oldest Battle in History
Join us as we explore the dramatic events and enduring legacy of this pivotal conflict that shaped the course of human civilization.
Creative Shopping Ideas You’ll Wish Were Everywhere
These stores are setting new standards for what shopping should feel like.
These Fun Charts and Guides Teach You Tons of Cool Stuff
These charts and guides will come in handy. Save them!
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.
Savor These Delightful Short Films This Christmas Season
Here are some of the most wonderful Christmas-themed short films that you can watch this holiday season.
9:45
These Bizarre Historical Heists Almost Sound Made Up
Did you know that an entire church was once stolen brick by brick? Learn about some unbelievable historical heists here.
These Inventions Changed the World Beyond All Recognition
Some inventions meant that the world changed beyond all recognition. In this interactive video post, you'll see nine of the greatest.
7:30
Fascinating - Real CIA Experiments of Psychic Powers
There is a US army unit investigating the potential of psychic phenomena. Yes, this is a true story. Learn about their most fundamental experiment here.
LET IT ROT: Why Young Chinese are Simply Giving Up
What is the bai lan movement, why are Chinese youth drawn to it and what does it mean for China.
15:33
Does Regrowing Vegetables From Scraps Actually Work?
You're likely aware that you can regrow certain vegetables using scraps. But the real question is, does this method work for every type of vegetable?
The Invisible War: Deception and Espionage in WWII
Not many know about these incredibly dangerous secret operations that defined the Second World War.
These Everyday Optical Illusions Are Truly Mesmerizing!
Optical illusions can be found all around us, as these 15 photos well and truly prove.
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!
51 of the Tastiest Cheeses From All Over the World!
In this article you’ll find 51 of the tastiest cheeses from around the world. Some you have probably heard of, while others will be totally new to you!
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.
8 Well-Known Mysteries We Never Knew Had Been Solved
Uncovering the the secrets behind popular ‘unsolved mysteries’.
Was There Ever a Real Uncle Sam?
Did you know the same man drew both Unce Sam and Santa Claus as we know them today?
If You Knew These English Facts You Must Be a Genius
Yeah, you are fluent in the English language, but do you really know that much about it? We bet we can surprise you with these language facts.
These Women Were the First EVER Supermodels in History
Modeling looks like an obvious career path to us now, but it wasn't always so. Who were the first-ever supermodels who paved the way for stars like Cindy Crawford?
12 Mind-Blowing History Facts You Never Knew Were True!
These historical facts may not sound particularly likely, but trust us, they're really true!
8 Facts You Learned at School that Are No Longer True!
The passage of time leads things that were once accepted as facts to actually be proven as incorrect. Here are 8 supposed facts that aren’t really true.
These Facts Are Some of the Most Interesting You'll Read
Have a read through these intriguing worldly facts.
9 Surprising Sleeping Habits From Around the World
Sleep looks different in different parts of the world. Here are 9 surprising sleeping habits from different countries, some of which you might want to adopt.
What's Portmanteau? Surprising Etymologies of Common Words
If If you have ever said the words brunch, sitcom or spam, you have used portmanteaus. This is the fascinating origins story of many common words...
11 Legendary Military Rulers of the Ancient Past
The annals of history are rich with leaders who earned great renown for their courage and skill in battle. These illustrious kings and generals have won eternal renown due to their courage and brilliance.
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.
14:44
Former FBI Agent Explains Basics Of Body Language Reading
Former FBI agent teaches you how distance, gestures and other nonverbal elements can reveal information about a person you're talking to
3:30
Andre Rieu's Haunting Performance: The Godfather Theme
Andre Rieu's haunting rendition of the Godfather theme will leave you speechless.
Incredible Story: The Woman Who Can SMELL Parkinson's
In this piece, we'd like to introduce you to Joy's story, the series of events that led her to "encounter" Parkinson's disease, and its significance for the future of the medical world.
7 Guns that Changed History
This article explores famous firearms’ backstories, the events they were part of, and the legacies they left behind.
12:45
Kings on Wheels: 15 Incredible Drivers Show Their Stuff!
You will be amazed at the maneuvering skills of these talented drivers.
Find Inspiration in These Amazing Japanese Sayings
These beautiful Japanese proverbs offer invaluable lessons on love, life, and wisdom.
5 Ways Learning a New Language Benefits Your Brain
It turns out that knowing more than one language has a variety of positive effects on our brain
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
2:29
CDs Become Magic Tools in This Mind-Bending Act
Watch this mind-bending magic act by Florian Sainvet in America's Got Talent.
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.
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