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”?

Meet The Animal That Inspired The Letter A

Language Stories

Hidden Meanings Of “Ring Around The Rosie” And Other Rhymes

Tuesday Is Named For A One-handed God Named Tiu

Where Does The Word “Hobbit” Come From?

Words With Multiple Meanings

Who Coined The Term “Fashionista”?

Where do words come from? Do they really mean anything?

What Is The Origin Of The Word Blurb”?

What Bizarre Error Gave California Its Name?

Does The Story Behind The Word “Hip-Hop” Go Back To...

From The Waltz To The Jitterbug: How Classic Dances Got...

“UFOs?” What bizarre event spawned the phrase “flying saucer?”

Science & Technology

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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!