The British publishers of the Collins dictionary have announced 24 words on their endangered species list. They’re words like “vilipend,” which means “to treat with contempt,” and “nitid,” that’s n-i-t...
Word nerd Ammon Shea quit his job as a furniture mover in New York City to spend an entire year reading the entire Oxford English Dictionary. The result, in addition to eyestrain, headaches, and skeptics’ puzzlement, was Shea’s new book...
Quiz Guy John Chaneski is Havana good time with Martha and Grant on an round-the-world International Puzzle Hunt that will leave you Beijing for more. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “International Puzzle Hunt Game”...
sunshine market n.— «Most property managers will be happy to share this information with you, as well as to give you tips on farmers’ markets (often called “sunshine markets”), island seafood vendors and other affordable...
burking n.— «A medical examiner testified during the trial that someone used great force that cut and bruised Carissimi’s face as she was held face-down on a muddy trail through woods on the island park in the Detroit River near downtown...
carpet planting n.— «The Garden’s Cocos used “carpet planting” as another term for the pincushion gardens, because of their intense, dense planting.» —“Victorian garden steps into heyday” by Janice...