Kinbank is a new database that illustrates the global diversity of family terms. English, for example, specifies sibling relationships with just one of two terms: sister or brother. But most other languages have even more specific terms. In...
Debbie in Boulder, Colorado, says that while watching K-dramas, she often hears Korean-speaking characters urge someone on with an exclamation that means something like “Go get ’em!” or “Good luck!” and sounds like the word...
Symmachy is a rare word for an alliance formed to fight a common enemy, especially in a political or military sense. Its parts go back to Greek elements meaning “together” and “fight,” the same combative family behind logomachy, a verbal argument...
Marley in Indianapolis, Indiana, is arguing with her friends over whether the word scrappy is positive or negative. The answer depends on context. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Is “Scrappy” a Positive or...
Jordan from Olympia, Washington, asks about oddball school mascots and the origin of the word mascot. Evergreen State College’s Geoduck — a giant clam native to the Pacific Northwest — belongs in the same memorable company as the UC Santa Cruz...
nanobialy n.— «Ultra-miniature bialy-shaped particles—called nanobialys because they resemble tiny versions of the flat, onion-topped rolls popular in New York City—could soon be carrying medicinal compounds through patients’...