Shakespeare’s The Life of Timon of Athens is an overlooked gem in his corpus. Though less accomplished than many of his other tragedies, this moral drama is distinctive – and timely – in its focus …

Four hundred years ago today, Shakespeare shuffled off this mortal coil. Across the globe, bardolators are observing the date – if not the whole month, nay, year – with various celebrations of his …

“Dolly” is pet form of an Ancient Greek-derived name later repurposed for toys and film cameras.

Students need a “push” in more ways than one.

Easter: It’s a fuckable feast. For its Christian observers, of course, Easter marks the salvific resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. A cornerstone of the faith, the holiday teems with symbo…

The etymology of “lettuce” takes us from tiny seeds to the entire galaxy.

This time: football/soccer, the US's 250th, lotsa links, and Nick Cave distraction

The word “odyssey” today often evokes a long, spirited adventure that doesn’t reflect the misery Odysseus endured in Homer’s epic poem.

Tell me, O Muse, of the origin of the name of the man of many devices. And why Latin calls him “Ulysses,” if you don’t mind.

Tell me, O Muse, of the origin of the name of the man of many devices. And why Latin calls him “Ulysses,” if you don’t mind.

In 1926, Philadelphia hosted the Sesquicentennial, a world’s fair, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This big word for a big milestone is made up of lots of little Latin roots.

Some of the most thrilling matches in this World Cup have resulted in a 0-0 score. Thanks, Cape Verde!

Cock-threshing. Shrovetide. Hocktide. I-mutations. Grimm’s Law. Octopodes. Pajamas. Private schools, private parts, and the resistance thereof. The origin of “football” has it all…

There is a lot of interesting etymology afoot thanks to sports in summer 2026. Plus, the word “kick” is younger than you think.

When it comes to the etymology of the name “Knicks,” Washington Irving is the MVP. But the real MVP? The Dutch.