Archives

  1. boat leading a ship

    “Boat” vs. “Ship”: Chart A Course To Understand The Difference

    Ahoy, me hearties! A true seadog worth their salt would never let aboard a landlubber who calls their ship a boat. That kind of mixup is the talk that gets you walking the plank! In this article, we’ll sail the seven seas of nautical knowledge to define the difference between the words ship and boat, explain what they refer to in technical and casual use, …

  2. man looking disgusted by something on his computer

    L + ratio

    L + ratio is used as a mocking insult on social media, often in reply to a post or opinion considered particularly bad. The letter L is used as a slang term for loss (as…
  3. view of professional camera filming a group of people, in blue filter.

    docufiction

    Docufiction is a term for a film style or genre that combines fictional elements with documentary elements or documentary-style filmmaking. The term docufiction is applied in different ways and to different types of works. It…
  4. beach view with palm trees and cabanas in teal filter.

    The Curious Name Origins of World-Famous Vacation Destinations

    If you want to gallivant across the globe, there’s no shortage of beautiful places full of interesting history to explore. And it’s worth noting (because we’re Dictionary.com, after all) many cities around the world have fascinating stories about where their names came from. Before you finalize your next travel plans, we’re passing along some of the cool stories about the origins of the names of …

  5. hockey game

    40+ Hockey Terms: Slang, Positions, And Rules On The Ice

    Whether you were born with a stick in hand or only watch ice hockey during the battle for the Stanley Cup, there are plenty of terms to know during a game of hockey. You’ve likely heard of a slapshot, but can you define a gongshow? Do you know … What do you call a particularly tough goal? Who’s the duster in the game? Why is …

  6. Word Search Maker

    Free Word Search Generator A Word Search Puzzle consists of a box filled with letters and a list of words that are hidden in the box. The hidden words may be written forward or backward and may be aligned horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Word Search Generator lets you create your own puzzle—just enter the words you want to include! Play daily online games and puzzles …

  7. dark blue text "flush out or flesh out" on light blue background

    Flush Out Or Flesh Out: When To Use Each Phrase

    The phrases flesh out and flush out are proof of how much difference a single letter can make. They sound very similar, but their meanings are completely different. One is mainly used in abstract contexts, such as ideas and plans. The other is often used in literal contexts involving liquids and things like pipes and fire hydrants, as well as in other ways. In this …

  8. people in office on break

    Brake vs. Break: Stop Everything & Learn The Difference

    Let’s hit the brakes and take a quick break to break down the difference between brake and break. We’ll answer all your questions, including: Did we just use all of those words correctly? What’s the difference between break and brake? Is it break down or brake down? Is it a break pedal or a brake pedal? In this article, we’ll cover multiple meanings of these …

  9. woman holding post-it note with smiley face

    toxic positivity

    Toxic positivity is a critical term for the practice of promoting or attempting to maintain a positive mindset or attitude regardless of what circumstances and emotions are being experienced. The term is typically used to…
  10. blue filtered image of broken pieces of porcelain doll's head, on black background.

    Are You Hurt Or Traumatized? The Spread of “Trauma Talk”

    By Laura Vismara The words trauma and traumatized have been consistently in the spotlight for the last two decades, rapidly surging to become commonplace and reaching new peaks of popularity in recent years, according to internet search trends. Propelled by major world events that rightfully fall under the label of traumatic—pandemics, wars, and episodes of violence to name a few—trauma has become epidemic. As we …

  11. Dictionary.com Logo

    pogue

    In military slang, pogue is a disparaging term for military members who do not engage in direct combat or those who are not on the front lines of combat. The term may have origins in…
  12. Dark green text on lime green background "alzheimer's and brain awareness month"

    Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

    Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is a monthlong observance focused on raising awareness around Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including education about warning signs and ways to reduce risks. The month is used…