Why Is an Informant Called a ‘Stool Pigeon‘?
Pigeons aren’t known to be particularly talkative birds.
2023-11-01 05:48
Sequoyah: The Man Who Saved the Cherokee Language
His innovative alphabet brought literacy to a nation.
2023-10-30 23:57
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 03:25
'Grandude': America's Most Common Grandparent Nicknames
Calling a grandparent 'Grandmother' or 'Grandfather' is so played out.
2023-10-26 03:16
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 00:21
Brazil drought reveals ancient rock carvings of human faces
The carvings of human faces on the shore of the Amazon are thought to be at least 1,000 years old.
2023-10-24 18:58
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 23:57
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 00:27
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 21:52
US hate crimes are rising - this is how to stop them
Experts say tensions in the Middle East and a forthcoming election season could worsen the trend if more is not done.
2023-10-19 09:27
13 Old and Obscure Terms for the Butt
When talking about the fundament, some terms have slipped through the crack of lexical history—so please enjoy these old and enjoyable terms for the hindquarters.
2023-10-18 20:26
Why Are Some Liquors Called “Spirits”?
One theory suggests that we call liquor 'spirits' because of alcohol’s association with one spirit in particular: the Holy Spirit. But there are other theories.
2023-10-17 00:19