In the early 16th century, the word bully was a term of endearment, probably stemming from Dutch boel, meaning “lover.” Shakespeare used bully to mean “a fine fellow” or “good chap.” When President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the presidency as a...
English spelling is a hot mess, even for native speakers. But as a new book shows, would-be spelling reformers, including Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt, eventually just gave up. Also, what do you call your fellow parent in front of the...
Eastlos n.— «RUBIN: I’m like, “Oh, a Latino kid from Eastlos going to New York.” SANCHEZ: Eastlos? RUBIN: Yeah, East Los Angeles, going to New York.» —“Profile: Problems at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles, where virtually all of the...

