TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Mysteries of Vernacular: Tuxedo
How did tuxedo's roots extend from Native American history to black tie evening wear? Jessica Oreck reveals what the Delaware Indians and formal fashion have in common. [2:04]
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Why Is There a "B" in Doubt?
Say the word "doubt" aloud. What is that "b" doing there? Does it have any purpose? Gina Cooke explains the long and winding history of "doubt" and why the spelling, though it seems random, is a wink to its storied past. [3:28]
Other
Uncp: Using a Dictionary
Curious about what a dictionary might tell you beyond how to spell a word? This site will walk you through the basics of using any dictionary, as well as suggest why you might want to consult one on a regular basis. L.9-10.4c References,...
Other
World Wide Words/exploring the English Language
"World Wide Words is devoted to the English language - its history, quirks, curiosities and evolution. The Words site is organized into sections, each with its own index to help you find your way about."
Other
World Wide Words: Meritocracy
A relatively recent word, the term meritocracy is commonly used in a way not intended by the man who coined it. This article discusses the meaning of the term in its original usage, as well as its common use today.
The Guardian
Guardian: Down With Meritocracy
This article was written by the man who coined the word, and explains what political system he was describing and how it has been enacted in British politics.
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Cognates (English I Reading)
Use your knowledge of cognates from other languages to help you understand unfamiliar words.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Mysteries of Vernacular: Yankee
Is it a doodle dandy? A baseball team? The origins of the word yankee are unclear, though its usage in America as a pejorative is well-documented. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel track the varying levels of contempt that the word yankee...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Where Do New Words Come From?
Marcel Danesi explains how new words enter a language. L.11-12.1a Gram/Usage changes
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Psychology of Accents
This Braincraft video, along with this lesson, are intended to get you thinking about why and how accents exist within languages.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Petasus
The Petasus differed from the pileus or simple skull-cap in having a wide brim: the etymology of the word, expressed the distinctive shape of these hats. It was preferred to the skull-cap as a protection from the sun. - Smith, 1873
Other
Words Borrowed From Old French
Extremely high level of English competency is needed to use this site. Etymologists will enjoy it.
Other
The Seven Day Week and the Meanings of the Names
Ever wonder why Thursday is called Thursday? Find the answer to this and other word origins.
Fun Brain
Fun Brain: Rooting Out Words
Three categories of words and four skill levels challenge players to identify the roots for the names of months, for numbers and numerical terms, and for a range of other words based on commonly used roots.
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