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.
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?
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.
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...
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.
5:02
Where Did The R in Mrs. Come From?
Learn a little language history and also, where did the R in Mrs. Come from?
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.
23 Unbelievable Facts That Show Our World’s Bizarre Side
These incredible facts will change how you see the world.
Ancient Legends: 13 Terrifying Folklore Creatures
These fearsome folkloric beings have been keeping people awake for generations.
8:36
Take a 4K, Vivid Walk Through the Streets of 1911 New York
Watching this 110 year old restored video if New York actually feels like a glimpse to a time long gone.
18 Historical Photos Brought to Life in Glorious Color!
These glorious photos show history in full color.
10 Popular “Contemporary” Words Coined by Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s impact on the language we speak is far greater than most of us realize. These surprising words are just a few of hundreds attributed to the Bard.
16 Delightful Hidden Details Found in Everyday Objects
Sometimes, when taking a closer look, seemingly-ordinary objects may reveal cool little hidden details, as these photos prove.
These Lesser-Known History Facts Are Rather Surprising
Whether you're an avid historian or a bit of a novice to the subject, I'm sure that you will find these 10 facts rather surprising.
10 Fascinating History Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
In this article, we collected 10 absolutely fascinating historical facts, many of which touch upon the unexpected origins of concepts like New Year's resolutions.
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.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Old Photos to Bring Them Alive
Although we imagine the world prior the 1950s in terms of black and white, new colorization techniques have changed everything. Enjoy this interactive post.
If You Have Old Toys Laying Around, You Might Be Rich
If you've got any of these toys from the 1980s laying around, then you might just be sitting on a goldmine!
10 Blood-Curdling Facts From Modern Life and History
These 10 creepy facts will send shivers down your spine!
Expand Your Knowledge with These Intriguing Facts
They say those who keep learning stay young. So if you're a keen learner, check out these fascinating facts about history, nature, and a variety of other topics!
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
4:13
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.
8 Delectably Creamy Fruits That Taste Like Dessert
Here is a list of some of the most exotic and incredibly delectable fruits that taste naturally like delicious desserts.
The Most Exciting Archaeological Discoveries of 2024
Let’s dig into the most fascinating archaeological moments of 2024.
These Fun Charts and Guides Teach You Tons of Cool Stuff
These charts and guides will come in handy. Save them!
9:40
The Different Origins of Fruit: A Fascinating Discovery...
Where does fruit come from? Find out here.
4:56
History’s First Author Is Largely Unknown, Who WAS She?
Meet the First Author in History - Enheduanna, an ancient Sumerian high priestess with a tragic and heroic life story...
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!
11 English Words You Didn't Know Were Actually Spanish!
Learn about the Spanish etymology of 11 words in American English (and a bonus at the end!)
5 Famous Mythical Places That Continue To Fascinate Us
Learn about some of the most famous ancient mythical places in history that continues to fascinate us even today.
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.
The 10 Greatest British Monarchs in History
Do you know about the greatest monarchs in British history? Don't fret if you don't, because you're about to learn all about them right now.
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.
These Kind Inventions Were Made to Make Animals Happy
Every year humans build thousands of new roads, rails, airports and buildings. Many hurt the environment. But some kind people only build to help animals!
7 Conspiracy Stories that Turned Out to be True
These stories are shocking... and they turned out to be true!
Bottoms Up! 12 Surprising Facts About Beer!
Twelve fascinating facts about the ancient alcoholic drink known simply as - beer.
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.
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!
10 Quirky FACTOIDS About Music Everyone Will Love
These weird and wonderful facts about music will astound you!
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
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?
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.
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.
WW2 Changed These Places Greatly. How Do They Look Now?
Incredible! This is how the war has changed these places.
Louis Armstrong Said it Best, Didn't He...?
This amazing song can really open your eyes to nature's beauty, and the beauty we make for ourselves.
The Mongol Empire: Rise, Expansion, and Legacy
What follows is a narrative overview of the Mongol Empire – from its tribal origins and unification under Genghis Khan, to its gradual decline and lasting impact on world history.
Older Characters Steal the Show in These Brilliant Films
Here are ten unforgettable films where older characters take the lead in extraordinary ways.
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