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 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.
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.
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...
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.
3:53
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Are they really getting "high," or is there scientific logic behind cats' love of catnip?
14 Famous Disappearances That Still Baffle Investigators
These fanous disappearances haunt our collective imagination.
Astonishing! These WWII Soldiers Survived Against the Odds
These World War II soldiers all suffered terrible ordeals, but they managed to survive against all odds. Here are 6 incredible survival stories from World War II.
15 Rare Photos of Iconic Authors You've Never Seen
Your favorite iconic authors, as you've never seen them before.
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!
9:32
Learn All About the History of the English Language
Ever wondered where the English language came from and how it evolved over time? If so, then this is the perfect video for you!
14 Dizzying Optical Illusions That Move and Confuse You
All of these optical illusions are completely static, but your brain will try to convince you otherwise!
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.
10 Words We Use Every Day That Shakespeare Made Popular
Shakespeare is believed to have invented 1,700 words, but these 10 should be taken off the list, as he didn't invent, but popularized them.
16 Jaw-Dropping Archeological Finds
Even if you weren’t a fan of the subject back in school, you’ll love the visual history lesson we prepared for you today.
You Won't Find These Unusual Facts in An Encyclopedia!
In this article we have collected some incredible facts about our world that you definitely won’t find in an encyclopedia! Take a look!
12 Beautiful Facts About the Charming Act of Kissing
Such interesting facts about the act of kissing...
19:01
How Islam Separated Into Sunni and Shia: The Full Story
What happened, and why did it cause Islam to split into two factions?
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.
These Optical Illusions Will Leave Your Brain Befuddled
The optical illusions you're about to see are all completely static. In spite of that, they all appear to be moving. Can you figure out what's going on?
9:25
According to the CIA, This Is How Disguises REALLY Work
Ever wondered how spies and intelligence agencies manage to make their disguises look so utterly convincing? Find out here.
Snuggle Up with These Feel-Good TV Shows This Winter
Cozy up this winter with these feel-good TV shows.
Men vs. Women: What Does the Science Say?
10 studies and articles that dive into the real differences between the sexes, asking the meaningful questions and looking at real data.
25 Incredible Facts About the Famous Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan struck fear into the hearts of his subjects during his reign, but there's a lot more to the man than meets the eye. Here are 25 intriguing facts.
The USA 115 Years Ago... What Was It LIKE?
We take so much for granted in the modern world. Read through these astonishing facts and realize just how different life was in the US back in 1910.
12 Beautiful Plants That Will Transform Your Windows
Brighten your home with these gorgeous window plants.
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!
The Surprising Origin of 5 Everyday Practices and Items
We all know the Ancient Greeks gave us democracy but what about birthday cakes? These are 5 everyday things you didn't know originated in Ancient Greece.
These 6 People Have an IQ Higher Than Einstein!
Einstein's name has long been used as a synonym for genius, but history is full of other tremendously intelligent people. Here are 6 noteworthy examples!
A Nostalgic Trip to the Major Events of the 30's and 40's
Take our hand and lets go on a Quick nostalgic trip to the main events the defined the 30's and the 40's.
These 10 Documentaries Are a Must for Curious Minds
You can’t miss these thought-provoking documentaries.
6:49
Secrets to Longevity from the Oldest People in the World
Meet the oldest people living in 2024.
Wishing You a GREAT 4th OF JULY! Celebrate America!
Be proud of being an American and share one of these meaningful 4th of July cards with everyone. HAVE A GREAT 4TH OF JULY!
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!
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
Panama Canal: Engineering Miracle with a Shocking History
You may not know it but the Panama Canal is one of the 20th century's greatest achievements. When you read its incredible history you will understand why.
14 Obsolete English Terms We Wish Were Brought Back!
Over the centuries, so many eloquent and useful English words fell out of use. We wish these 14 clever (but sadly obsolete) terms were used more often.
Here Are 18 Facts That Are Bound to Blow Your Mind!
Here are 18 amazing facts that you won't be forgetting anytime soon!
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.
21:24
True Crime Story: The Shotgun Booby-Trap
The case of Bertha Briney and the house that was booby trapped with a shotgun...
18 Redundant Phrases That We All Keep Using Unknowingly
Here are 18 redundant phrases you might be using without realizing it.
From Beans to Bar: How Chocolate is Made from Scratch...
Ever wondered how chocolate was made from beans to bar? Well, this collection of photographs will reveal all.
9 Facts About Ancient Egypt You Probably Didn’t Know
Venture beyond the usual facts about the pyramids and Tutankhamen and learn 9 equally fascinating facts and misconceptions about Ancient Egypt
19:20
You Won't Believe What This Man Built By Himself!
You won't believe what construction project got this man to work alone and complete the craziest underground cabin. Come and check it out...
9:37
What Did the Future Mean to 1958 High Schoolers?
Peep into a high school debate from 1958 about the teenager's future. Are their arguments still relevant today?
15 Intriguing Facts About the World Around Us
A whole lifetime wouldn't be enough to learn all there is to know about the world. Here are 15 fascinating facts you probably didn't know.
These Alternate Versions of History Will Blow Your Mind...
Our world is full of 'what if?' questions, since we just love to speculate about how things could have turned out differently. Here are 10 of the best!
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