Why Are Tennis Tournaments Called “Opens”?
Tennis’s U.S. Open has only been an “open” since 1968. Here’s why.
2023-08-28 23:46
Fewer vs. Less: When to Use Each
‘Less’ versus ‘fewer’ is pretty straightforward. ‘Less than’ vs. ‘fewer than’ is slightly less so. Here’s how to get it right every time.
2023-08-18 21:21
How Barbra Streisand Inspired the “Streisand Effect”
It’s common sense: If you make a big deal over something, it’s going to attract attention. And if you’re an international superstar, like, say, Barbra Streisand, the tantrum is going to draw even more attention.
2023-08-18 03:20
Warning: Using Dish Soap in Your Laundry Machine Is a Bad Idea (Regardless of What TikTok Says)
Not all TikTok hacks are actually hacks. Here’s why you shouldn’t wash clothes with dish soap.
2023-08-17 23:28
Hearty vs. Hardy: What’s the Difference?
You can’t spell ‘hearty’ without ‘heart,’ or ‘hardy’ without ‘hard.’
2023-08-10 04:18
What Is Vocal Fry?
Vocal fry describes a specific sound quality caused by the movement of the vocal folds—and it’s nothing new.
2023-08-09 05:51
There’s a Scientific Reason Why Some People Love the Smell of Gasoline
If you find the pungent aroma of gas pleasant at the pump, you're not alone. Here's why fuel tickles your brain.
2023-08-02 22:54
What Are Pimentos, And How Do They Get Inside Olives?
Until the early 1960s, pimentos were sliced and then stuffed into olives by hand.
2023-08-02 04:50
Why Does ‘Of Course’ Mean ‘Yes’?
‘Of course’ is one of the most versatile ‘yes’ synonyms we have. But what does it actually mean?
2023-07-31 21:23
What Is Baby Corn, Anyway?
A baby corn plant and a corn plant are one and the same.
2023-07-27 05:29
Homonym vs. Homophone vs. Homograph: What’s the Difference?
Here’s why some homophone examples also work as homograph and homonym examples.
2023-07-15 05:21
15 Historical Figures’ Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing
Here’s how to pronounce ‘Elie Wiesel,’ ‘Cixi,’ and 13 other famous names from history.
2023-07-14 20:27