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"
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.
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.
3:53
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
8:01
Why Did We Start Going to the Beach For Fun?
Did you know that going to the beach for recreation is a relatively new invention? For most of human history, the concept simply did not exist...
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?
The Greatest Unsolved Puzzles in History
Will these great puzzles of history ever get solved?
Historical Window: Looking at Women Workers in WWI
Women made a significant contribution to the Allied effort during both World Wars. Take a look as these fascinating photos of women at work during WWI.
10 of the OLDEST Perfumes in the World
Here's a list of 10 perfumes on the scale from vintage to antique you can still buy today WITHOUT breaking the bank!
21 Incredible Items Unearthed by Metal Detectors
Metal detecting is a surprisingly popular hobby. Here are some of the coolest and most valuable items found by amateur metal detector hobbyists.
I Had No Idea These Brand Names Are Actually Acronyms
There are loads of brand names out there that are actually acronyms, and here are some of the most surprising ones!
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
15 Super-Interesting Facts that Will Surprise You
These surprising historical facts will supply a meaty meal for anecdote and history lovers alike. It's so much fun to learn those small details about days gone by.
2:57
An Electrifying Piano Performance… at an Airport!
Watch pianist Evgeny Khmara wow passengers at at airport in Malta with an electrifying performance.
To Fight the Heat, An Australian Town Has Gone Underground
Here is the remarkable story of how Coober Pedy came to be, and what it is like.
We Bet You've Never Heard of These 5 Coffee Facts Before!
5 surprising facts about our favorite morning drink. This video will amaze you.
7:24
This Animated Short Movie Brought a Tear to My Eye!
Watch 'Farewell,' a short animated movie that is bound to touch your heart.
Get Lost in These 15 Surreal Optical Illusions!
After looking at these weird optical illusions you might never trust your eyes again.
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.
16:26
You Won't Believe What This Man Builds Single Handedly
Watch as this man single handed builds a beautiful underground house, complete with pool.
15 Last Day of the Year Quotes to Inspire a Fresh Start
2020 is almost over. Here are some inspiring end of the year quotes that will inspire you to make a fresh start in 2021.
Each Of These 35 Places Represents a Worldly High or Low
When it comes to records, these countries and cities stand at the top (and bottom) of the tree.
25 Incredibly Rare Vintage Pictures You’ll Love to See
It’s time to travel back in time and enjoy some fascinating historical pictures.
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
The 15 MOST Expensive Possessions Sold in Auction
This is a list of the most expensive items sold in the past decade that features some of the most prized possessions of history and art!
The Most Famous Acts of Revenge in History
Each of these 5 stories reveals how far people have gone to right perceived wrongs – changing the world around them, for better or worse, in their relentless pursuit of retribution.
Did You Know These Interesting Facts About Colors?
A short article explaining why and how specific colors were chosen for everyday objects like cabs and police uniforms.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
The Mandela Effect: How Collective False Memories Occur
When masses of people share false memory that didn't actually occur, it's called the Mandela Effect. Learn more about this heavily debated topic.
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!
The World Never Ceases to Amaze Us with Its Unusual Sights
This photo collection will take you on a tour through some of the most unbelievable sights around the world - something we all could enjoy these days!
13 Ways the English Language Changed Completely
English has changed so dramatically over the years, that texts from the medieval era are barely legible for modern English speakers. Why?
Exercise Tiger: The Tragedy that Saved D-Day During WWII
The story of Exercise Tiger, a tragic rehearsal for D-Day that cost hundreds of lives and taught lessons in blood.
10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
15 Profound Words of Wisdom by the Great Leonardo da Vinci
Legendary painter Leonardo da Vinci had a way with words too and his thoughts on life serve as an inspiration to many.
The English Language Desperately Needs These German Words!
Take a look at these 21 incredibly powerful words that the English language desperately needs to adopt.
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?
15:14
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
4:51
Glue vs Tape: Which One is Stronger?
what gives glue and tape their stickiness, and how do they differ from each other? And most importantly, which one is stronger? Find out here
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.
Ukrainian-Russian War: A review of 2024's impact in the War
The year 2024 saw the Russia-Ukraine war grind on into a second full year, marked by intense fighting on multiple fronts, high-stakes diplomatic initiatives, and a worsening humanitarian toll.
These Latin Phrases Will Make You Think About Life
Take note of these beautiful and wise Latin phrases and understand their deep meanings.
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.
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
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.
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.
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
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