History
Where did states get their names?
State pride is alive and well from Alabama to Wyoming, but have you ever wondered where your state got its name?
History
History
The History Behind the Word Firework
Elaborate fireworks displays celebrate everything from independence to marriage. But where did the word firework actually come from?
History
Origin of the Word Independence
We all know the Fourth of July as a day off work to celebrate with cookouts and fireworks, but the roots of Independence Day go deeper.
History
The History Behind the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, a date that has continued to be celebrated as the United States of America’s birthday.
History
Who is the father of grammar?
You can thank an 18th-century scholar for many of the grammar lessons that are still in use today.
History
Origins of the names of months
Believe it or not, there is a rhyme and a reason to why the months are named what they are, and like many words that we use today, it all goes back to the Greeks and the Romans.
History
Outdated phrases we all still use
Language is constantly changing and evolving to mesh with politics, pop culture and societal norms. Sometimes, though, we have phrases that have become so embedded in the cultural consciousness that we still use them, even though the literal mechanisms they describe no longer exist.
History
14 Shakespearean phrases we still use today
William Shakespeare has had a much bigger impact on your life than just your high school English grade. Many of the Bard’s turns of phrase are still in use to this day.
History
Cool through the decades
What was cool before cool? And what other words do we use to label something cool in more modern times? Read on to find out!
History
10 old time swears you'll want to bring back
Despite what your mother may have told you, swearing is an art form.
History
5 words that don't mean what they originally did
The English language is in a constant state of flux.
History
The origins of the days of the week
Throughout your whole life, from the moment you’re born until the moment you die, you will only see seven different days.