Like many four-letter words, poll is versatile. Where did it come from, and how did it come to be associated with voting?  Continue reading...

As we approach a presidential election, I've been thinking about campaign slogans old and new, memorable and forgettable. Is the political slogan still relevant? Or is it passé in the era of hashtags, acronyms, and memes?  Continue reading...

It's a leap! It's a limit! It's all tied up! It's ready to go! The many meanings—and origins—of a familiar word.  Continue reading...

"Plantation"--a word with a complicated history in the US--appears in many brand and community names. Is it time to abandon it?  Continue reading...

How important is a slogan during a global health crisis like the one we're experiencing with COVID-19? More important than you might think.  Continue reading...

A case recently argued before the US Supreme Court — by telephone! — teaches us a lot about trademarks, generic terms, and domain names.  Continue reading...

Before the 20th century, generational names were rare or nonexistent. What changed? And what do the names of generations tell us about history and identity?  Continue reading...