Our old friend Orin Hargraves, who contributes our monthly Language Lounge feature, has a new book out called Slang Rules!: A Practical Guide for English Learners. We recently caught up with Orin to hear about how his book, a companion to Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's English Dictionary, illuminates the richness of American slang for a global audience of language learners.  Continue reading...

The "backstory" of the English language is endlessly fascinating. Here are some of our favorite tellings of the tale.

The Adventure of English

Inventing English

The Story of English

The Secret History of the English Language

Last week, American lexiphiles celebrated the 250th birthday of Noah Webster — or his semiquincentennial, if you want to be sesquipedalian about it. On the other side of the pond, British word lovers recently had their own Dictionary Day, on the 299th birthday of Samuel Johnson. (Mark your calendars now for the big Johnsonian blow-out of September 18, 2009, sure to be a rollicking tercentennial!)  Continue reading...

On the occasion of Noah Webster's 250th birthday, Dennis Baron assesses the legacy of the groundbreaking American lexicographer. Baron is professor of English and linguistics at the University of Illinois and writes regularly on linguistic issues at The Web of Language.  Continue reading...

On Noah Webster's 250th birthday, Joshua Kendall explains how he "united America with his words." Kendall and others are taking part in celebrations at Yale University, Webster's alma mater.

That's a lover of the Latin language, of course!

Ad Infinitum: A Biography of Latin

Carpe Diem

Amo, Amas, Amat and More