Yearly Archives: 2022

1. 

   From “Generation A” To “Zeitgeisty”: Over 200 New Words And Definitions Added To Dictionary.com

   by Nick Norlen, Research Editor, and Heather Bonikowski, Lexicographer The latest update to Dictionary.com reflects our mission to help make sense of the world through words. Of the hundreds of newly added terms, some define our times, notably those related to the ongoing COVID pandemic and climate emergency. Other updates cover important changes in how we talk about a vast range of topics, including disability, …

2. 

   The Mysterious Origins of the Month of April’s Name

   Mark Twain once wrote: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.” Twain’s referring to the first day of April or, as it’s often known, April Fools’ Day. While the first day of the fourth month of the year is sure to bring plenty of shenanigans (will you be the perpetrator or the …

3. 

   What’s In A Name: The Laws That Apply When Naming Your Baby

   Can you really name your baby that?! Picking a baby name that everyone (from grandma to the grocery clerk) likes can be a fruitless, futile endeavor. Coming up with one that confounds the whole world is seemingly a lot easier. Take Elon Musk, chief of Tesla and SpaceX, and singer Grimes, who recently announced the birth of their daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl, or “Y” for …

4. 

   Should You Say “Octopuses” or “Octopi”?

   It’s the internet’s favorite eight-armed plural debate: octopuses vs. octopi. (And that relative newcomer, octopodes.) Is there a “correct” plural for octopus? And what’s with the -i in octopi? In this article, we’ll wrap our tentacles around these questions, break down the differences between each term, and tell you which terms are acceptable and most commonly used. Like the octopus itself, the English language is, …

5. 

   Squid vs. Octopus: Understand The Differences

   You probably know that octopuses and squids are different animals, but if one latched onto you and refused to let go until you were able to list all the differences, how much would you really be able to say? (Scary hypothetical, we know.) After all, they’re both boneless sea creatures with lots of arms, right? Well, sort of. There are several major differences, not to …

6. 

   Prepare For The Lavish World Of Bridgerton With 16 Regency Period Words

   This spring may be a bit steamier than usual, thanks to the return of the hit Netflix show Bridgerton. This Regency romance with a modern twist took audiences by storm last year with its unpredictable plot, historical setting, and very attractive cast of characters. If you watched the first season last year or you’re catching up now, you may find yourself wondering what some of …

7. 

   “Karat” vs. “Carat”: What’s The Difference?

   When you’re buying gold and diamond jewelry, the difference between karats and carats can get confusing—and expensive—really fast. That’s because karat and carat are used in similar contexts in similar ways (as units of measure), and in some cases and places they can even overlap. We’ll break down what each word means, what exactly it measures, and review the different ways they’re used. We’ll even …

8. 

   “Duke” vs. “Prince”: Learn Who Is Closer To The Throne

   Royalty is complicated. There are so many titles to keep track of—even a single individual may have multiple titles. And there are so many questions: what’s the difference between a prince and a duke? What about earls, barons, counts, viscounts, and marquis? (Or is it marquises?) In this article, we’ll decree the official differences—and, in some cases, overlap—between dukes and princes, as well as many …

9. 

   18 St. Patrick’s Day Words To Celebrate The Day

   Every March, people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, street parties, festivals, sing-alongs, arts exhibitions, and yes, green rivers (such as the Chicago River, dyed green with what’s essentially food coloring). What began as a feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and heritage—and it’s hard to resist the temptation to look …

10. 

    The Wait Is Over! Learn If You Should Use “‘Til” or “Till”

    If you feel like until has just too many letters or syllables, good news: you’ve got options. But should you use ’til or till? And what’s the difference, anyway? By the end of this article, you’ll know the differences between until, till, and ’til, including in terms of origin, level of formality, and use. The word ’til is a shortening of until that, like many …

11. 

    “Disc” vs. “Disk”: Get Around The Different Uses For Each One

    The question of whether to use disc or disk can be a bit circular: in some cases, one is definitely preferred, but in many cases their use overlaps—meaning they’re often interchangeable. This is because both words typically refer to something round and flat (though not always, as we’ll see). The difference, when there is one, usually just depends on what the established preference is. The …

12. 

    10 Women Around The World And The Words That Empower Them

    Women’s History Month is an opportunity to learn about and focus on women around the world who have worked to make a difference through their advocacy and leadership. Whether promoting action on climate change, greater access to education, misogynistic and anti-LGBTQ violence, and other important issues, the words of these women will inspire you. Malala Yousafzai | Gul Makai Malala Yousafzai, who often goes by …