Weird Traditions From Around The World

by Dictionary Scoop    Traditions come in all shapes and sizes, from a small family tradition involving a special breakfast treat to an annual activity shared by an entire community.    In that sense, some traditions around the world may seem downright strange to a keen observer. That’s why we’ve decided to highlight some of …

Here Comes The Bride…With 95 Bridesmaids?

by The Times (UK)    In a traditional wedding, when bridesmaids start to walk down the aisle, the bride is typically a few steps behind.    Guests at one wedding in Northern Ireland last week, however, had to watch nearly 100 bridesmaids pass in pairs before getting a glimpse of the bride.    Kathryn McGowan, …

Facts About Languages Around The World

by Dictionary Scoop    Language is like a passport to the world; it connects us, teaches us, and sometimes leaves us scratching our heads.    With more than  7,000 languages spoken globally, the world of words is full of surprises and stories. If you are a language lover, these 13 facts about languages will keep your curiosity …

Words Whose Standard Spelling Has Changed

by Dictionary Scoop    Just as a river constantly flows yet maintains its continuity, languages change and evolve over time. Words can shift in spelling, alter their meanings, or branch into entirely new concepts while retaining the essence that once defined them.    Even in modern times, with dictionaries and education standardizing pronunciations and definitions, notable differences …

Blind Couple Gets Assistance In Saving House

by Anders Anglesey and Amy Fenton Daily Record  (Scotland)    A blind couple on the brink of eviction has been left astounded by a stranger’s generous offer to purchase their home for them.     “Cath and John Roche, both blind since birth, were shocked when they received a Section 21 notice after their landlords’  properties in …

The Hidden Psychology Of Know-It-Alls

by Dean Burnett BBC    We all know someone like it. You probably work with or are even related to one. At office parties and family gatherings, you’re likely to have to interact with one and rediscover just how annoying they are.    We’re talking about the ‘know-it-all.’ Individuals who will enthusiastically lecture you about …

How Greek Mythology Slips Into Everyday Life

by Dictionary Scoop    Have you ever noticed how many everyday words go back to Greek mythology? Sure, we have the more obvious ones—like “narcissist” or “nemesis”—but you might find in this list terms that you didn’t know were so old. 1-Tantalizing    Remember the story of Tantalus? He was a king who tried to fool the gods and …

Foreign Words With No English Equivalent

by Interesting Facts    With the right combination of words and expressions, we can communicate anything our hearts desire. That’s the power of language.    But what about those times when you’re looking for a single word rather than an entire sentence to sum up a thought or feeling? For that, we can look to …

“Life Changing” Gene Therapy Restores Vision

by Kevin Burton    Been reading with joy, a small flood of stories about people having sight restored through gene therapy.    Voretigene neparvovec, sold under the brand name Luxturna, is a gene therapy medication for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, according to Wikipedia.  The US Food and Drug Administration approved Luxturna,  in December of …

Long-Lasting Innovations From Ancient Rome

by Kevin Burton    The Wednesday before Valentine’s Day I posted a story about a cruel and unusual dating ritual that came from ancient Rome.    The cruel part was men beating women with animal skins as part of a Valentine’s Day tradition. The unusual part was the women were eager for this! It was …