Language is indeed one of the most fascinating things about what makes us human. However, there's much more to it than just an agreed upon system of letters, grammar, and vocabulary. It's also about the great history that molded it into what it is now - the discovery of which makes us appreciate it more than ever. Let's have a look at 10 interesting curiosities about the English language that you might not have known!
Video by Simone Scicluna
QUIZ: Can You Find All the Antonyms?
This English challenge is all about the antonyms - those words that mean the OPPOSITE of the word in question. Can you find all 15 antonyms in this quiz?
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?
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
Choose a Word, and I’ll Tell You Where You’re From
Let’s do a quick test: in your mind, count the number of syllables in the word ‘caramel’, and let us reveal where you’re from. Click here to find the answer.
8 Unique Facts You Didn't Know About The Thesaurus
How much do you know about the thesaurus? Here we list some fascinating and lesser-known facts about the word-finding tool.
10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
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48 Names For Things You Never Knew Had Any
Watch this fascinating video that will reveal to you some words you'll never hear spoken and yet describe things you see every day!
These Facts Are Some of the Most Interesting You'll Read
Have a read through these intriguing worldly facts.
Can You Spot the Camouflaged Creatures in These Photos?
These wonderful animals have gone into hiding. Can you find them? If not, just click on the photo to reveal all!
16 Wonderful Japanese Ideas We Should All Start Copying
The Japanese are unique. Their ways seem perfectly designed to help the population live happy fruitful lives. Here are 16 cool Japanese things we should copy.
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Baby Ducks Make for Poor Students!
Poor Little Duckling Trying to Stay Awake...
Do You Remember the Moments That Defined the 1960s?
The 1960s were a hugely important decade, setting the tone for the next 50 years that succeeded then. Here are 10 of the things that defined the decade.
These Crazy Pawn Shop Stories Will Have You in Stitches
Check out these weird and hilarious stories that pawn shop workers have encountered over the years.
15 Perceptive One-Liners by the Great Charles Darwin
Here are some profound pieces of wisdom from Charles Darwin, the father of evolution.
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The Red Baron, the Famous and Deadly WWI German Pilot
The story of the Red Baron, a celebrated pilot of WWI and a legendary fighter.
The Medieval Disease That’s Perplexing Science to This Day
Past epidemics have turned into a hot topic recently, but there is one disease that seems to be forgotten. What is the sweating sickness and how did it originate?
With Epitaphs Like These, How Can They Ever Be Forgotten?
Check out this collection of 15 different epitaphs, ranging from emotional ones to highly humorous ones.
8 Mysterious Objects Found By Deep Sea Divers
The oceans are vast and mysterious, and they hide many strange and curious lost objects. Here are 8 such items, unearthed by deep-sea divers.
7 Interventions of Mother Nature That Altered History
We tend to forget how much power nature has over us. These are 7 times extreme weather conditions completely changed the course of history.
How Many of These Extraordinary History Facts Do You Know?
We bet that you didn't learn these history facts at school.
Instead of Plastic, These People Used Smart Alternatives
Check out 14 excellent examples of people and companies fighting the global plastic problem.
The Weird and Wonderful History of Perfume!
Perfume has been around for centuries and this article takes a look at its strange history.
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.
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Was This The Earliest Urban Civilization in Human History?
Find out the secrets of one of the earliest urban civilizations in human history.
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The Art of War by Sun Tzu: A Beautiful Summary
Sun Tzu's the Art of War is still perhaps the greatest treatise on military strategy ever. This animated short explains the book in under 10 minutes.
Hilarious: When Words Sound Alike But Mean Different...
Homophones are words that sound exactly the same, but aren't spelled the same and mean something different. Here are 15 that are the wordiest of words.
The Unlikely Chance Encounters That Shaped the World
One chance meeting could change history. Check out the stories of the most world altering encounters that happened completely at random.
Boost Your Knowledge & Confidence with These Facts
These 20 facts will help boost your knowledge.
These 15 Interesting Facts Really Surprised Me!
Our world is full of surprises, amazing stories, funny coincidences and events you've never heard of - so we've collected 16 of them to share with you ...
12 Love Stories of Couples that Grew Better with Age
12 couples share their stories of growing old together, alongside a dose of worldly wisdom.
A Few Beautiful Thoughts About True Friendship...
We should never forget the gift that is true friendship...
There’s a Visual Guide For Everything You Can Think Of!
Browsing through visual guides and maps like these is one of the easiest, funnest, and quickest ways to fill those knowledge gaps and learn something new!
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!
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Don’t Throw Away Your Used Teabags Just Yet...
Teabags aren’t only for making delicious cups of teas. Find out what other uses they hold in this helpful video.
22 Words Uttered By Writers In Their Final Moments
The world's most famous writers had a way with words right up until the point of their deaths, as these 22 images are about to show you.
Here Are Some Great Greetings to Send This CHRISTMAS!
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Let your loved ones know that you're thinking of them this holiday season by sending one of these greetings.
14 Photos That Prove Just How Tough Winter Can Be!
Winter, as these photos undoubtedly show, is one of the toughest times of the year!
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A Fistful of Dollars: Live and Unforgettable Performance
Watch The Danish National Symphony Orchestra perform Ennio Morricone’s classic song "A Fistful of Dollars."
East India: The Story of the Richest Company in History
How did the East Indian Company gain and consolidate its power and profit? All is revealed here.
Can You Believe These Words Didn’t Exist Before the 1970s?
When a new words spreads it seems it's been around forever. But in reality, many of the words we use everyday are quite new. These didn't exist before the 1970s.
Ruby Chocolate is More Than Just Its Pretty Pink Color
Ruby chocolate, the "fourth type of chocolate", has been gaining a lot of attention of late. Is it really a different type of chocolate?
The World Is Full of Interesting Curiosities, Take a Look
This collection of photos illustrates some surprises you've likely never seen before.
11 Clever Contronyms - Same Word, Opposite Meanings
Have you ever heard of contronyms? Here’s a hint - these are words that contradict themselves.
These Max Shows Will Keep You Glued to Your Screen
Looking for something new to watch? Check out our latest recommendations...
Service Dogs Are the Most Loyal & Courageous of Creatures
These 20 photos stand as a testament to the courage and devotion of service dogs, which have fought with and served humans throughout our history.
Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures
The Meiji Era was a time of great change for Japan, transforming from a feudal state into a capitalist, imperialist one. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
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.
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