Curated Video
The Unexpected Origins of the Word ‘Monster’
Words don't pop up fully formed... they evolve over thousands of years. What can we learn about our relationship to monsters by tracking the word down into the distant past?
Curated Video
Why Do These Words Get Mispronounced So Much?
We all love language but still sometimes we pronounce certain words wrong, and everyone does it. We’re not talking about speaking too fast or jumbling letters. We’re talking about good ol’ fashioned mispronunciations–things you didn’t...
Curated Video
How Queer Communities Created Secret Languages
Across the globe, queer communities have relied on secret lexicons known as "argots" to communicate safely, which have developed over the years into what some call "verbal jazz."
Curated Video
How English Took Over the World
English is the most widely spoken language on the planet. But, how did English become the most widely spoken language in the world? And why are there so many different kinds of Englishes?
Curated Video
Where Alcoholic Drinks Got Their Names
There are no shortage of wacky names for alcoholic beverages, from Fuzzy Navels, to Sex on the Beaches, to the NSFW AMF. Humans have been enjoying alcoholic beverages since the dawn of civilization so there's plenty of linguistic...
Curated Video
Hamlet 3.1 What the Critics Say (89) - To Be or Not to Be
This video delves into the profound complexities of Hamlet's famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy from Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." It explores the ongoing debate among scholars about the underlying meanings of the speech,...
Curated Video
Romeo and Juliet 2.2 Word Nerd: idolatry
This video explores the etymology of "idol," from its Latin and Greek roots to its transformation in English as a term for false gods. It highlights Juliet's unique, positive use of "idol" in "Romeo and Juliet," influencing modern usage...
Curated Video
Macbeth Context: Scottish History
This video explores how Shakespeare's use of Scottish history, particularly the reign of King James VI, influenced the narrative and themes in Macbeth. It delves into the historical backdrop of Scotland during Shakespeare's time, the...
Curated Video
Macbeth 5.3 Interview: Macbeth
This video analyzes Act 5, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's "Macbeth," where the protagonist, Macbeth, confronts the looming threat of the English army and Malcolm's forces, while grappling with the prophecies that assure his invincibility....
Curated Video
Hamlet 1.3 Word Nerd: Habit
The word "habit" originates from the Latin term for having or holding, traditionally referring to one's demeanor, appearance, or even clothing. In contemporary English, while its usage to denote clothing is largely archaic, specific...
Curated Video
Hamlet 1.2 Solid vs Sullied
This video explores the textual discrepancies in Hamlet's soliloquy, focusing on the variation between "too too solid flesh" and "too too sullied flesh." It highlights the existence of three primary sources of the play—two early quartos...
Curated Video
Battle of Assandun, 1016 AD Cnut the Great conquers England
This video provides a detailed account of the power struggle between Cnut the Great and Edmund Ironside for control of England in the early 11th century. The narrative delves into political intrigues, betrayals, and battles that...
Curated Video
William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, 1297 First War of Scottish Independence Part 2
William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, 1297 First War of Scottish Independence Part 2
Curated Video
Siege of Harfleur, 1415 AD Battle of Agincourt (Part 1 / 2) A Baptism of Fire
Siege of Harfleur, 1415 AD Battle of Agincourt (Part 1 / 2) A Baptism of Fire
Rachel's English
ENGLISH VOWEL [æ] | BAT, CASH, MAD
In this video I show you everything you need to know about the A as in CAT sound. This speaking English tutorial is all about practice. I’ll give you loads of examples and teach you my Play It / Say It method. This approach to improving...
Rachel's English
English Conversation Practice: How to Speak American English Like a Native Speaker
If you’re looking for English Conversation Practice this video is perfect for you! You’ll come into the kitchen with me and make peanut butter cookies. Along the way you’ll be getting English conversation practice with lots of...
Curated Video
The Battle of Castillon: The End of the 100 Years War
This video details the events leading up to the Battle of Castillon in 1453, a pivotal moment in the 100 Years War between France and England. The battle saw English forces under the command of John Talbot facing off against French...
Curated Video
Battle of Bannockburn, 1314 AD First War of Scottish Independence (Part 5)
Battle of Bannockburn, 1314 AD First War of Scottish Independence (Part 5)
Curated Video
The Fall of Normandy: The Battle of Formigny and the End of English Rule
This video details the events leading up to and the decisive Battle of Forminier in 1449, where the French forces, under King Charla the 7th, successfully reconquered Normandy from the English. The battle showcased strategic maneuvers,...
Curated Video
Battle of Agincourt: Henry V's Triumph and Legacy
This video describes the events leading up to and during the Battle of Agincourt, where King Henry V of England led his outnumbered and weary army to a stunning victory over the French forces. Despite facing challenges and being cut off...
Curated Video
Battle of Falkirk: William Wallace and the Scottish Resistance
This video provides a detailed account of the events surrounding William Wallace's raid into England in 1297, his subsequent knighthood and appointment as guardian of Scotland, and the decisive Battle of Falkirk in 1298 where Wallace's...
Curated Video
Battle of the Standard: The Rise of Stephen of Blois
This video provides a detailed account of the political and military events surrounding the Anarchy period in England in the 12th century, focusing on the power struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, as well as the...
Curated Video
Battle of Loudoun Hill: The Rise of Robert the Bruce
This video details the rise of Robert the Bruce, from his early alliances with England to his eventual crowning as King of Scotland in 1306. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including defeats at the hands of the English, Robert...