Hail English, That Wonderful Weirdo Language

by Dictionary Scoop    English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to explain. In fact, some of its strangest features might surprise even native speakers.    Here are 10 fascinating things that make English unique. 1-The “-ough”    If you’ve ever talked with someone …

Ten Fun British Words To Kick Around

by Merriam-Webster Dictionary Although Merriam-Webster is a dictionary of American English, it contains a range of words rarely heard outside Britain. Here are some of our favorites: Prat – a stupid or foolish person    Prat has been British slang for the sort of person with whom you’d rather not share a long train journey since …

All In A Day’s Work: Well-Crafted Slang

by Dictionary Scoop    The repetitive actions of each craft have spawned terms, idioms, and phrases that make up their particular tech lingo.    Many of these expressions have transcended their natural realm to become a part of the universal language. These once-practical expressions now live on as reminders of how deeply language is tied …

Three Things That All Great Listeners Do

by Allie Volpe Vox    Most of us would like to believe we’re good listeners — but the truth is, we all struggle to really pay attention when someone else is talking.    “Most of the time when you ask people, ‘How well do you think you’re doing at listening to people?,’ they’re going to …

No Translation Needed For Ten Universal Terms

by Dictionary Scoop    Learning languages can be hard. But fortunately some terms rooted in daily universal experiences don’t change much when crossing borders.    Let’s explore the stories behind some of the most spoken words on the planet. The question being: Why did these words barely change over time and across different languages?  1-OK    …

Characters So Real, We Wanted Them To Exist

by Dictionary Scoop    Literature has given us characters that transcend the page, capturing imaginations and defining genres.    From heroic adventurers to beloved childhood icons and cunning antiheroes, these ten figures have left an indelible mark on readers worldwide. Each has a unique story and a lasting legacy that continues to shape culture and …

A More Elevated Level Of Name Calling

by Dictionary Scoop    In a world increasingly dominated by four-letter words and monosyllabic grunts of disapproval, the art of the sophisticated insult has become something of a lost relic.    There is a profound difference between being rude and being cutting. A common insult is a blunt instrument, but it rarely leaves a lasting …

Is Ringo’s New Record Better Than Paul’s

by Kevin Burton    I’ve had a ton of fun writing about pop music on Page 7. But I have juuuuust about talked myself out of the notion that I am any kind of knowledgeable, creditable music critic.    And I’m getting close to swearing off all music critics. I mean, we like what we …

You Talk Funny, Sonny: 12 American Accents

by Dictionary Scoop    The U.S. is a collection of regional accents, derived from waves of immigration, geography, and history. Let’s take a look at how some of the most recognizable American accents came to be. 1-California    California accents may seem subtle, but they’re deeply rooted in the state’s layered history. Spanish was the dominant …

You Are What You Eat? Taste These Idioms

by Dictionary Scoop    Our language loves to borrow from the dinner table. Many everyday words that sound delicious once referred only to food but have since taken on entirely new meanings.    Take a look at 12 of these idioms and see for yourself! 1-Butterfingers    A term once used for describing the act …