An analysis of the most searched slang terms reveals some words that may confuse you. That's kind of the point.

A word which baffled the producers of the latest series of Race Across the World is among 10 Welsh words to be added to the ...

Even if you’re not a full-blown grammar nerd, you’ll find the origins of these words that changed meaning over time completely fascinating The English language is alive—and like any living thing, it ...

A “sycophant” is a person who obsessively flatters someone important to gain advantage. It is a noun that can refer to anyone who tries to take advantage of someone by pretending to be friendly with ...

The term “ubiquitous” derives from the noun “ubiquity,” meaning “presence everywhere or in many places simultaneously,” ...

Origin & History "Mien" has multiple origins and meanings, most commonly referring to either a person's demeanor or bearing ...

Thanks to the evolution of language, technology, and lots of hyperbole, these words used to convey a lot more merit, emotion, or simply seriousness than they do nowadays. Ah, “genius.” Once reserved ...

Words matter. They have power; the power to define us, our stories, our relationships. They are how we make meaning of our experiences and sense of our world. It is easy to assume others share our ...

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NPR's Melissa Block speaks to John McWhorter, associate professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, about the use of the word "thug" to describe Baltimore rioters.