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”?

The Korean Wave: The Korean Words Entering English

14 English Words Derived From the Nahuatl Language

What Does the Name “November” Mean?

Where Your Favorite Halloween Candy Got Its Name

16 Spanish-Derived Words That Highlight Hispanic Cultures

17 English Words That Navigated Directly From Old Norse

Where Does the Name “October” Come From?

The Story Behind “It Was A Dark And Stormy Night”

Why Does September Come From The Word “Seven”?

What’s So “Sinister” About The Left Hand?

Treat Yourself To The Origins Of 11 Food Toponyms

The Origin of July and the Jubilant Holidays It Holds

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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.

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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!