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”?

What Is “GOP” Short For?

Language Stories

English Words That Came From Hindi And Urdu

What’s The Secret History Of The Term “Pundit”?

These Wacky Words Originated In The USA

Do You Know Which Of These Words Came First?

Language Stories

The Frabjous Words Invented By Lewis Carroll

These Common Words Have Offensive Histories

The Oldest Words In The English Language

These Old Words Sound Dirtier Than They Really Are

Language Stories

These Words Are Not Acronyms (Despite What You Think)

Where The Bleep Did That Curse Word Come From?

Language Stories

9 Words That Came From Ancient Greek And Roman Myths

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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!