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Newsy etymology, animals edition: frog, bunny, squirrel, blue jay
“Bunny” was originally “squirrel,” and “squirrel” was originally … “shadow tail”?! Read more.
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The bemusing etymological muse of “calliope”
The calliope makes a music perhaps out of tune with its literal roots. Read more.
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2025 Punctuation Mark of the Year
The em dash (—) straddles clauses—and urgent conversations about humanity and technology in 2025. Read more.
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Workplace Word Origins: engineer, salary, office, freelance, deadline
If you’re a freelancer, you’re a mercenary knight—at least etymologically speaking. Read more.
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Newsy etymology: haboob, dictator, cracker, barrel, engagement, de minimis
Plus, fun facts about saltines and solitaire. Read more.