What Does OK Stand For And Where Did It Originate?
Words are one thing. They're made up of letters (at least one, anyway). What about the words that are made up of the initials of other words?
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Where The Phrase Why The Long Face Might Have Originated
One of the challenges of learning a language is coming to understand, and use correctly, specific turns of phrase -- idioms, some of which are ancient.
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What Happened To The Shake Weight?
Inspired by the concept of dynamic inertia, the Shake Weight is shaped like a traditional dumbbell with weights on either end that attach to the handle.
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What Happened To Platform Shoes?
From ancient Greece to the disco floor, platform shoes have a history as big as they are. And, like their cork soles, have an amazing ability to bounce back.
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What Exactly Is A Scuttlebutt?
Today the word "scuttlebutt" is related to gossip or social information. However, the term's origin has its roots on the high seas and with thirsty sailors.
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The Mysterious Origins Of The Word Booze
As long as a language is still living -- developing, adding words, in use in speech and in writing -- it will borrow words, even phrases, from other languages.
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What We Know About The Medical Mystery Known As Havana Syndrome
A new kind of "attack" on U.S. foreign Service agents has been popping up. The alleged attacks are characterized by a highly-localized sonic phenomenon.
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Was Marquis De Sade Really So Sadistic?
It's not everyone who gets their name associated with a group of behaviors, but Marquis de Sade is one whose name echoes down through the ages.
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What Is The Origin Of The Phrase Caught Red-Handed?
The term "caught red-handed" has been in common parlance for quite a while. The phrase's origins, though, may have a very bloody and nefarious history.
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Who Invented The Laser Pointer?
It was a scientific achievement for the ages, built on decades of earlier work, some of it Nobel Prize-winning; now, it's a plaything for cats.
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How Did Nazi Germany's Enigma Machine Really Work?
Besides firepower and personnel, wars are sometimes won by those behind the lines who contribute analytical and scientific skills to seemingly immense problems.
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What Country Pays The Most For Gas?
No question but that Americans love their cars. A steep rise in gas prices reverberates throughout the country. But which country pays the most for gas?
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The Grim Truth About The Woman Who Raised Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein's mother is described as cold and domineering. Here is the grim truth about the woman who raised a mass-murdering dictator.
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The Pagan Origin Of The Easter Bunny Explained
There are unique ways to celebrate various holidays. For many people, Easter means an abundance of sweet treats, including chocolate, delivered by -- a rabbit?
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The Most Powerful Indigenous Tribes In History
Here are some of the world's most powerful tribes and the men and women that made them great.
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What Really Happened During The Longest Indigenous Revolt In History
The Maya's decades-long indigenous revolt forever affected the history of Yucatán. Here's what really happened during the longest Indigenous revolt in history.
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The Truth About Caesar And Pompey's Relationship
In the most competitive society in history, one rivalry stands out: Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus. This is the truth about Caesar and Pompey's relationship.
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The Turbulent History Of Chechnya And Russia Explained
Russians and Chechens are commonly seen as enemies, but it appears they're working together. This is the turbulent history of Chechnya and Russia explained.
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Harald Hardrada: The King Whose Death Ended The Viking Age
Harald Hardrada was the last Viking king who personified the Viking Age. With his life documented by multiple poets, his death marked the end of the age.
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Valuable Paintings That Were Discovered At Goodwill
A small percentage of these bargain hunters, come across items they can resell for a profit. An even smaller percentage stumbles upon something invaluable.
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Where Was The First St. Patrick's Day Parade Held In The US?
Where -- and when -- the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in the US will likely surprise you.
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What Happened To Mikhail Gorbachev?
In 1991, Gorbachev found himself out of a job when his policies led to the end of the Soviet Union. So what happened to Mikhail Gorbachev?
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How Did We Get The Nickname Dick From Richard?
It's not unusual for a given name to be turned into a shorter nickname -- Sam from Samuel, for instance. Some nicknames, however, are less obvious.
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The History Behind The Spelling Of Ukraine's Capital City Kyiv
What's in a name? Quite a bit, actually. For an individual, it might mean identity, belonging, connection. For a city or nation, it also reflects identity.
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What Rights Do POWs Have?
While being a POW is never fun, at least POWs today, unlike in the past, are afforded rights as agreed to by most nations. What rights do POWs have?
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Was Julius Caesar Really Born By Cesarean Section?
Julius Caesar is widely credited for having given birth to the term cesarean section. However, digging into historic literature may reveal a different story.
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What Is The Origin Of The Phrase Smart Alec?
Common turns of phrase will often have deep historical roots that might have been forgotten with the passage of time. Consider the phrase "smart alec."
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