The free section of this site provides the meanings and origins of thousands of quotations, euphemisms, popular fallacies and misheard song lyrics. A British site, some of the expressions are not familiar to most Americans.

Become acquainted with the origins and meanings of foreign words and phrases frequently used in English texts.

In this lesson, you will be introduced to selective lists of words. These words can help enrich your language, deepen your understanding of what you read, and broaden your sense of the world.

Become acquainted with the origins and meanings of foreign words and phrases frequently used in English texts.

Use this tool to find the origins and meanings of phrases, sayings and cliches.

An incredible comprehensive list of "borrowed words" in the English language, grouped by the languages from which the words are borrowed. Provides and describes dozens of languages and literally thousands of loan words. Highly recommended.

The Word Detective provides great information on the origin of certain words and phrases that are everyday lingo. Click on Index and chose from the alphabetical list or type the word you are looking for in the search box.

A bi-weekly Webzine of word origins. Includes a Spotlight word, answers to submitted questions, a curmudgeon's corner and other areas.

A Wikipedia encyclopedia entry on the Haitian Creole language. Includes information about the African and European origins of the language and sample words and phrases. Additional links to a passable online dictionary, Radio France...