Have you ever heard of a “kangaroo word”? You may not recognize the term, but you use kangaroo words all the time. Just as an adult kangaroo carries a joey around in […]
Take a Leap into Kangaroo Words
Learn the Meaning of Mamihlapinatapai and Say a Mouthful
When you want to say a mouthful with just one word, you can do it with “Mamihlapinatapai.” Coming from the Yaghan language of Tierra del Fuego, it refers to “a look that […]
Can You Master the Complexity of the Malbolge Computer Language?
When it comes to complicated things, you will be hard-pressed to find anything that is worse than Malbolge. It takes the complexity of computer programming, the nuances of foreign languages, and mixes […]
J Was the Last Letter Added to the Alphabet
When it comes to the alphabet, everyone knows that “Z” is the last letter, but did you know it wasn’t the last letter to be added? Although located in the first half […]
Do You Need Your Own Growlery?
Have you ever found yourself in a bad mood and wished you had a place where you could go to get away from everyone? Perhaps you live with someone who is prone […]
You Might LOL About the PM Who Received the First OMG
Winston Churchill (1874-1965) lived long before the smartphone but was a pioneer in the use of mobile communications lingo. More than a century ago, he was the recipient of the first recorded […]
Grawlix, Plewds, and Briffit: the Literary Language of Cartoons and Comic Strips
Regular readers of Commonplace Fun Facts are well versed in the meaning and use of some very unusual words. Even the most learned lexicologist may stumble over words such as briffit, grawlix, […]
A Word for Self-Inflicted Haircuts
As of this writing, much of the world is forced to stay at home, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With no easy access to barbershops and hairstylists, many of us are contemplating […]
Practicing Pandiculation
How often do you pandiculate? You may not be familiar with the word, but you almost certainly do it on a regular basis. Pandiculation is the act of stretching and yawning at […]
The 27th Letter and Why it was Removed From the Alphabet
Every schoolchild knows there are 26 letters in the English alphabet. It seems self-evident that this fact must be as old as the language itself. Surprising as it may seem, as recently […]
Coffee So Strong That it Shapes a Language
Coffee has been integral to Turkish culture for over 500 years. Turkish coffee is made by brewing finely-ground coffee beans, which are then left in the beverage when it is served. The […]
The First North American Bible Was in a Language No Longer Used
The Bible has been translated into over 3,000 languages (including Klingon, as is detailed in this post). The first Bible printed in North America was in one of those 3,000 languages — […]
Words Created by William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was unquestionably one of the greatest influencers of English literature. He was also an unequaled contributor to the English language itself. Many of the words you have used in the […]
Nuclear Semiotics: How to Warn the People of 10,000 Years in the Future
While nuclear energy has unquestioned benefits, there are some trade-offs. Among the downsides to nuclear energy is the problem of nuclear waste. Nuclear waste can be hazardous to all life for at […]
Show Your Smile for a Nice Nurdle
Have you ever wondered what to call that blob of toothpaste you squeeze onto your toothbrush? Wonder no more, knowing that you are brushing your teeth with a “nurdle.” Read about more […]
