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"
The Extraordinary Origins of 10 Common English Words
In this article, we uncover the extraordinary etymology of 10 common English words, including ‘daisy’, ‘eavesdropper’, and ‘vaccine’.
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.
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.
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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...
When GH Says F: Why Does This Occur?
We're meeting up on the corner of history and linguistics to learn why GH is pronounced as F.
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...
Collective Effervescence: The Power of Shared Experiences
Collective effervescence helps explain why certain experiences stay with us long after they end. When we take part in a meaningful group activity, we often feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. That sense of connection is deeply nourishi
21:13
I Was Hitler's Jewish Neighbor: Incredible Testimony
Can you imagine living near Hitler? This man, a Jewish Historian, knows just what that was like. Hear his riveting story.
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.
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!
Do These Chores Once and Forget About Them for a Year
Are you wasting your time on these chores every day of the week? Don’t. Tackling them once a year is just fine.
10 Mysteries that have Shocked Human History
10 incredible mysteries we know very little about.
Wow! These People Had Someone Looking Over Them!
These lucky people had some guardian angel looking over them that day!
Inspire Friends and Loved Ones With These Great Greetings
Show your friends that you're thinking of them today with an inspiring greeting!
Rare Footage: Historical Photos Renewed with Color
Old historical photos have been through expert recoloring and retouching in order to bring the past back to the present!
12 Practical Infographics You’ll Want to Save For Later
You’ll surely enjoy this collection of charts. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge about our health, nature, and human society.
These Regulations Should be Adopted by Every Country!
There are weird laws in different parts of the world, but some of them are so amazingly beneficial, they should be put into use everywhere.
7 Conspiracy Stories that Turned Out to be True
These stories are shocking... and they turned out to be true!
These Are the Most Famous Swords Ever Forged!
Check out 8 of the most legendary swords to have ever graced the field of battle!
A Beautiful Story About True Love and Devotion
This beautiful story gives true credence to the words: "True Love"
26 Vintage Celebrity Photos Filled with Undeniable Charm
Let's take a look at 26 vintage photos filled with undeniable charm.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
These Pooches Are Proof That Dogs Have Been There For Us
On the occasion of International Dog Day, here's a look back at some of the most dedicated and brave dogs in history.
5:17
The Art Dealer Who Had to Prove His Paintings Are...Fake?
Learn about one of the strangest trials in history, that of the Dutch art forger Han van Meegeren and his dubious relations with the Nazis
25 Incredibly Rare Vintage Pictures You’ll Love to See
It’s time to travel back in time and enjoy some fascinating historical pictures.
Time Changes Everything... As Seen in These Photos
These incredible photos show just how powerful time is.
These 11 Alcoholic Drinks Have a Fascinating History!
In this article, we’ll tell you about the truly fascinating origins of 11 time-honored cocktails!
15 Essential Legal Terms That Sound Confusing to People
If you want to understand legal representatives better and simply enjoy your favorite legal TV show to the fullest, learn these 15 legal words and phrases.
I Love Seeing People Completely Change Their Body
I love seeing the physical manifestation of people's true will to better themselves.
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".
Knowing These Latin Shortenings Is Super Useful Even Today
Knowing a little bit of Latin can be quite useful to all the English speakers out there, and these 7 short phrases we see all the time are proof of exactly that!
4:57
Watch This Hilarious Skit on the Treaty of Westphalia
Watch this hilarious sketch with actors Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry on the negotiation of the Treaty of Westphalia.
6:28
Discover Similarities Between Ancient & Modern Math
Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used the same system of math as the supercomputers of today do? Find out more in this informative video.
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.
Wow! This Courageous Man Survived at Sea for 438 Days!
Salvador Alvarenga was lost at sea for 438 days. This is the story of his survival.
These Well-Known Places Have Their Hidden Secrets!
These well-known places have their hidden secrets. Read this article to reveal all!
Our Weather is Crazy: 20 Facts You Won't Believe!
These facts will put any curiosities that you may have about the weather to rest.
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.
These Unlikely Objects Can Be Serious Fire Hazards!
Mirrors and reflective surfaces, in general, are way more dangerous and creepy than we think! These 11 photos are proof of just that!
Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills with These Great Tips
If you want to improve your critical thinking skills then you should take a look at these fantastic tips.
2:42
A Soulful Harp Cover of the Song 'The Sound of Silence'
Don't miss this soulful and dreamy harp cover of the classic song 'The Sound of Silence' by Simon & Garfunkel performed in a forest!
14 Fascinating Facts That Will Astound You
Here are 14 fascinating facts that will expand your perspective.
This Dog Saved Her Owner From Certain Death!
This dog proved her love for her owner in an amazing way: she used her incredible sixth sense to help save the woman's life.
27:39
5 Terribly Disastrous First Contact Stories from History
Each story is a lesson in misread intentions, power struggles, and the high stakes of meeting the unknown. Watch how these pivotal moments shaped the world.
10 Facts Everyone Should Know About Nelson Mandela
Even the most public figures have some lesser known facts hidden in their biographies. Here are 10 facts you may not know about Nelson Mandela.
Honey vs. Maple Syrup – Which Sweetener Should I Use?
There are plenty of key differences between honey and maple syrup than you probably realized.
10:27
The Story of the Green Beret Who Went On a Saving Rampage
The unbelievable story of one man who went on a movie-like rampage to save his comrades in arms.
A Dying Father's Heart Moving Gesture...
A beautiful and touching gesture by a dying father.
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