Curated Video
Foreign Words We Need in English
English has more words than most other languages, but there are still so many familiar things and experiences that we don't have a word for... but other languages do! Here are some of our faves!
Curated Video
A Controversial Theory About Gossip
Gossip is an integral part of human social structure... and maybe the reason language evolved in the first place!
Curated Video
Pronouns: Little Words That Say a Lot
Pronouns may be little, but they say a lot, and they're always changing!
Curated Video
The Screwed-Up History of English Spelling
The English spelling system is a MESS... arguably more than any other language. How did it get this way?
Curated Video
How Do Clichés Evolve into Memes?
Adaptable clichés called "snowclones" are EVERYWHERE on the internet. We use them for memes, inside jokes, to show our membership of the group. But they weren't invented online. In fact, they're way older than you think!
Curated Video
Is Swearing Good for Your Brain?
Does swearing get a bad rap? There's evidence that the shouting obscenities has an evolutionary purpose... and may be good for your psyche!
Curated Video
60 Euphemisms for Death!
No topic is as universally avoided--yet universally unavoidable--as DEATH. So, it's got a lot of euphemisms in virtually every language.
Curated Video
What's the Longest Word?
Before we decide from a long list of contenders, we'll have to figure out what the word "word" really means...
Curated Video
Is Bilingualism a Superpower?
There was a time when psychologists thought growing up bilingual was harmful to brain development, but recent studies into bilingual children have turned that idea on its head!
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
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...