Word Origins

Some of our English words have very unique and surprising origins. Find out where some of your favorite words came from.

Why Do We Say “Trick or Treat”?

Who’s to Blame for Weird English Spellings?

Know Your Ghosts or Get Spooked

French Fries Aren’t French: Names That Went Wrong

Words You Didn’t Know Were Portmanteaus

These Words Were Too Awkward To Stay In Regular Use

Old Words, New Meanings

Does Boxing Day Have Anything To Do With Boxing?

What’s The Origin Of The Term Hipster?

How “Jeans” and “Pants” Got Their Names

The Origin Of Dog Days

The Curious Chronicle Of The Letter C

Language Stories

The Letter B Once Had A Much Longer Name

Language Stories

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Where Does The Name "Saturday" Come From?

Got the fever to know more about how Saturday got its name? This article has everything you need to know about the merriest day of the week.

Discover the origin here.

Discover The Origins Of These Cooking Tool Names

Don't let scrumptious food pass you by—learn the names and origins of these frequently used cooking tools and dishes.

Savor these word origins now!

English Words That Came From Hindi And Urdu

If you're reading this in your pajamas, you have the Hindi and Urdu languages to thank for that word, and for many more than you realize.

Drink up these words!