Etymology

Days of the Week: Why is Monday ‘Segunda-Feira’?

Ever wondered why Monday in Portuguese is 'segunda-feira', or 'second-fair'? This unique numbered system isn't random; it's rooted in a…

6 months ago

The 10 Portuguese Words You’re Already Using

Did you know that every time you spread marmalade on your toast or watch a documentary about cobras, you're speaking…

6 months ago

Why We Call It Japan, Not Nippon

Why do we call the "Land of the Rising Sun" Japan instead of its native Nippon? This linguistic puzzle opens…

6 months ago

The Real Origin of the Spanish Language

Ever heard that Spanish is just 'sloppy Latin?' The truth is a fascinating tale of Roman soldiers, Germanic warriors, Arab…

6 months ago

Why is Paella So Important to Spain?

Paella is far more than Spain's most famous culinary export; it's a social ritual cooked over an open fire and…

6 months ago

The Moorish Legacy: Arab Influence on Spain

For over 700 years, the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus was a beacon of culture and science in Europe, leaving an…

6 months ago

How Do New Signs Get Created in ASL?

American Sign Language is a living, evolving system, not a static code. The process of creating new signs for modern…

6 months ago

The Birth of a Question Mark

The question mark seems like a fundamental part of writing, but it wasn't always there. This ubiquitous symbol of curiosity…

6 months ago

The Typo That Became a Word: The Story of ‘Syllabus’

Ever wondered where the word 'syllabus' comes from? The answer is a fascinating journey involving ancient Roman scrolls, a 15th-century…

6 months ago

The One-Letter Word: The Story of ‘O’

Did you know one of the most powerful words in the English language is just a single letter? From ancient…

6 months ago

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