

Evasive Maneuvers
Euphemisms old and new
The Euphemism of The Year That Shall Not Be Named

It's finally here — Euphemism of the Year! Find out this year's most contested, contestable, and detestable term of the year.
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Language Lounge
A Monthly Column for Word Lovers
Roll Another One, Just Like the Other One

Have you seen these movies? Explore how movie-inspired memes become firmly embedded in the English language.
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Word Count
Writers Talk About Writing
How to Beat Imposter Syndrome

Learn how to beat imposter syndrome with these four tips.
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Automatically create lists of vocabulary from any text
using the Visual Thesaurus VocabGrabber.
January 18th is celebrated as Thesaurus Day to honor the birthday of the author of the first thesaurus, Peter Mark Roget. Get into the spirit by reading our two-part interview with Roget biographer Joshua Kendall here and here. Also check out an ode to the thesaurus penned by Franklin P. Adams here and Johnny Carson's hilarious "Funeral for a Thesaurus Editor" sketch here.
On the first Monday in September, the United States observes Labor Day, while Canadians celebrate Labour Day. If you want to know why labour is the accepted spelling in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries like Canada, while Americans prefer labor (and color, favor, honor, humor, and neighbor), check out this classic Word Routes column by Ben Zimmer.
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A Recipe for Time Travel
October 6, 2020
- 4 Comments
Why You Should Consider Back-And-Forth Writing
Click here to browse all the articles in our archive by date.
September 24, 2020
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RECENT COMMENTS FROM OUR SUBSCRIBERS
Roll Another One, Just Like the Other One
Paul L. said,
"You could do a whole article on expressions meant to become cliches in Princess Bride."
- Today, 11:02 AM
The Euphemism of The Year That Shall Not Be Named
Joseph P. said,
"...should be "not every subscriber...above"
- Yesterday, 10:55 AM
Dr. Don said,
"Someone suggested that 2020 might become an epithet. "Obviously, she had no idea how to prepare a meal. That dinner was a real 2020," "You can't..."
- Monday January 18th, 3:58 PM
Roll Another One, Just Like the Other One
David C. said,
"Interesting article, Orin. "Frankly, Scarlett" might signal a lack of sympathy. We have a "Catch 22" in social media. There is a ET phone home pathos..."
- Tuesday January 12th, 11:30 AM
Eileen M. said,
"“Open the pod bay door, Hal.” referring to a desired outcome that is not going to happen."
- Wednesday January 6th, 12:54 AM
Jeff H. said,
"Thanks for another interesting article! I always look forward to the next one. I’m sure the term blockbuster preceded the movie, and probably..."
- Tuesday January 5th, 8:41 PM
Humaning in an Inhuman Year
John N. said,
"Humm, what reaction would I expect from my wife upon being handed a list of Saturday chores, I respond with "I'm taking the day off, just tired of..."
- Friday January 1st, 10:00 PM
How to Beat Imposter Syndrome
Craig J. said,
"Is there some way on the Visual Thesaurus site to send your article on by email to someone who is struggling with debilitating doubt?"
- Tuesday December 29th 2020, 5:47 PM
Daphne Gray-Grant said,
"Thanks for your kind words, everyone! There's no need to go into 2021 feeling like an imposter!"
- Monday December 28th 2020, 3:53 PM
Keith A. said,
"Thank you."
- Saturday December 26th 2020, 1:29 AM
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Stage Directions: the Vocabulary of Theatrical Delivery
November 1, 2013
How can interpreting the language of stage directions enhance students' comprehension of drama?
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