An interesting list (at least to fans of English) from Mental Floss of old words that linger in our language by merit of inclusion in idioms. See if you know the word meanings within these expressions: http://mentalfloss.com/article/51150/12-old-words-survived-getting-fossilized-idioms
Tag: obsolete
Aug 29
Oldest English words
Researchers have recently released interesting analysis of our language, using historical documents to trace the usages of words and relationships between languages. This BBC article reports a handful of words that are among the oldest (I, we, two, and three, but not four), and which words the research predicts may soon fall from use (dirty, …
Mar 09
Save the Words
I found a great website, sponsored by Oxford University Press, where language lovers can adopt an endangered English word and pledge to keep it in use. It’s fun, silly, and entertaining. I am now the sponsor of interfation (noun): the act of cutting off another person while speaking. Clearly I have my work cut out …