Where Does the Word ’Meme’ Come From?
The word predates social media.
2023-11-08 06:27
35 Old-Timey Slang Terms for Informants
We’ve used the term ‘rat’ to refer to an informer since approximately 1910. But criminals have had many more names for snitches over the years.
2023-11-08 03:16
13 Names for the Sleep Paralysis Demon from Around the World
Take a look at these 13 names from across the world that describe sleep paralysis and the demon once believed to cause it.
2023-11-01 06:25
Why Is an Informant Called a ‘Stool Pigeon‘?
Pigeons aren’t known to be particularly talkative birds.
2023-11-01 05:58
Sequoyah: The Man Who Saved the Cherokee Language
His innovative alphabet brought literacy to a nation.
2023-10-30 23:53
10 Regional Names for the Night Before Halloween
Whether you call it Mischief Night, Devil's Night, or something else, it all means one thing: wanton destruction of property.
2023-10-27 03:19
'Grandude': America's Most Common Grandparent Nicknames
Calling a grandparent 'Grandmother' or 'Grandfather' is so played out.
2023-10-26 03:22
Why Is the First Episode of a TV Show Called a ‘Pilot’?
Getting a concept onto the big screen is a difficult process, and the pilot episode is what can make—or, more often, break—a series. By why is it called that?
2023-10-25 21:18
21 Wonderful Words for Wind
Geographers and climatologists have a goody bag full of wonderful words that get super specific about wind.
2023-10-25 00:26
Why Is It Called the “Placebo Effect”?
What is a placebo? Technically, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I will please.’ It’s also a Catholic prayer and a clever insult.
2023-10-23 23:49
Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?
The difference between misinformation and disinformation boils down to the intent behind it (or lack thereof). Plus, a handy trick for knowing which term to use when the time comes.
2023-10-20 00:16
10 Common Words With Spooky Etymologies
Ghosts, ghouls, and monsters turn up everywhere at Halloween—including in our language, and sometimes where you least expect.
2023-10-19 21:51