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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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!
Four Great Tips for Hosting Guests With Food Allergies
The holiday season is a time for friends, family, and loved ones to come together under one roof and share meals. With so many gatherings during this festive period, there's a good chance you'll be hosting someone with food allergies at your table.
The Best Movies That Lost Best Picture at the Oscars
Here’s a look at some of the most memorable films that missed out on Best Picture at the Oscars.
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
These Fun Infographics Will Pique Your Interest!
Become more knowledgeable and more powerful today without boredom. Check out these fascinating maps and infographics!
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.
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!
7 Odd Moments in History That Sound Too Surreal Today
Learn about some truly unusual and bizarre events from history that would have probably broken the Internet if they happened today.
6:16
WATCH: A 1960s Classic Reimagined By Iconic Performers
Must Watch! Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood and Prince perform a George Harrison classic!
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.
Why is South Korea Experiencing a Population Crisis?
What are the reasons behind South Korea's population problem, the worst in the world.
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.
These Photos Will Give You Some Eye Opening Perspective
It’s hard to wrap your mind around something until you take a step back and take a look at the bigger picture. These fascinating comparison images might help.
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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.
Time Changes Everything... As Seen in These Photos
These incredible photos show just how powerful time is.
These Photos Reveal the Clothes of 100 Years Past...
Millions of people in the US can trace their ancestry back to Ellis Island immigrants. Here are some portraits of some early 20th century arrivals.
18 Redundant Phrases That We All Keep Using Unknowingly
Here are 18 redundant phrases you might be using without realizing it.
Ancient Legends: 13 Terrifying Folklore Creatures
These fearsome folkloric beings have been keeping people awake for generations.
Early 1900s America Captured in Charming Vintage Photos
These vintage photos capture early 20th-century life in America.
The Secrets behind Houdini's Greatest Tricks!
Have you ever wondered how Harry Houdini carried out his stunning feats? Well, if you have, wonder no more! All is revealed here!
58:01
Full Documentary: Genghis Khan's Legendary Mongol Empire
Learn all about his incredible conquests of the legendary Genghis Khan this cinematic full-length documentary.
8 Incredible Historical Predictions that Actually Came True
Here, we present some truly remarkable fictional predictions made in history that actually turned out to be true.
Wow! These People Had Someone Looking Over Them!
These lucky people had some guardian angel looking over them that day!
4 Of the Strangest Unsolved Mysteries of All Time
Despite investigators' best efforts, these strange mysteries have remained unsolved...
12:45
Kings on Wheels: 15 Incredible Drivers Show Their Stuff!
You will be amazed at the maneuvering skills of these talented drivers.
20 Mind-Blowing Facts That Sound Completely Made Up
You won't believe how crazy these crazy facts are.
14 Famous Disappearances That Still Baffle Investigators
These fanous disappearances haunt our collective imagination.
These Famous Characters are Based On Real People...
Did you know that certain characters draw heavily on real-life people? Here are 10 iconic characters that were based on people that really existed.
These Mysterious Cases of Exorcism Are Infamous...
History is full of demon possession and ecorcism stories, which will make your spine crawl. Here are three such mysterious cases.
The Weird and Wonderful History of Perfume!
Perfume has been around for centuries and this article takes a look at its strange history.
Inspire Friends and Loved Ones With These Great Greetings
Show your friends that you're thinking of them today with an inspiring greeting!
11 Clever Contronyms - Same Word, Opposite Meanings
Have you ever heard of contronyms? Here’s a hint - these are words that contradict themselves.
These Photos Prove How Weird Our World Has Always Been
These strange yet intriguing photos depict what our world has gone through in its history.
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This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
These Huge Hairdos Will Make You Glad It's Not the 1960s!
People have always been extremely dedicated to their appearance, and nothing exemplifies this better than 1960s hairstyles. Take a look at this huge hairdos!
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!
10 Words that Mean the Opposite of What They Used to Mean
These meaning of words we know today used to have an opposite meaning when they were first used.
16 Absolutely Unforgettable Historical Photographs
Take a peek at these unforgettable 16 photos, and see history from a brand new perspective.
24 Amazing Antarctica Facts to Thrill Your Friends With
Antarctica is the place that people know least about. But after you read this, you'll be able to amaze them with some stunning facts.
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.
Keep a Conversation Flowing With These Historical Facts
If a conversation you're having starts to stall, just throw out some of these amazing historical facts and you’ll be talking long into the night!
14 Charming Photos of Schools from Back in the 1950s
Peek inside 1950s classrooms with these charming photos.
This Fascinating Tree Shows How Languages Are Connected
Most of the languages that we speak today can be placed into a couple of groups by their origin. Find out more here.
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