Oxford University Press's
Academic Insights for the Thinking World
Many lessons can be gleaned from watching reruns of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’: Indirect sunlight is not an unlife-ender for vampires. Some small-town mayors may yearn to become giant unholy snake things (no surprise there). As Cordelia Chase said, “People, you’ve got to leave your tombs earthed.” (Whoops, that was on the Buffy spinoff Angel—but whatever).
The podictionary word of the week is “hurricane”.
Anatoly looks at the word “theodolite”.
This week is the twelfth instalment of our ‘Word Window’ series, in which we present some of the Oxford English Dictionary’s more remarkable words. Last week, we discussed the triple meaning of ‘Big Apple’. This week we have chosen a rather mysterious term; ‘Cruciverbalist’…
The podictionary word of the week is “lieutenant”.
Anatoly looks at the origin of the word “Wednesday”.
The 11th Star Trek film is opening this Friday, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve already bought my ticket. It’s a reboot of the original, meaning more James Tiberius Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the gang. It’s enough to make me jump up and down in excitement – and not just for terminology.
The podictionary word of the week is “miniature”.
Anatoly analyzes some interesting differences in spelling and pronunciation between American and British English.
The Podictionary word of the day is “Embarrass”.
Anatoly answers questions.
How many words are in the English language?
The podictionary word of the week is “crass”.
Anatoly investigates the origin of the word ‘race.’
The podictionary word of the week is “internet”.
Anatoly muses on the origins of the words ‘peace’ and ‘war.’