Otherwords

What's the Longest Word?

Before we decide from a long list of contenders, we'll have to figure out what the word "word" really means...

Can Computers Really Talk? Or Are They Faking It?

New advancements in technology are making it harder than ever to tell the difference between a computer and a human speaker... but what's going on under the hood? Is it really "language," or just a digital illusion?

What People Get Wrong About African-American English

It's one of the most studied — and most controversial — varieties of English. But many people still hold deep misconceptions about African-American English (AAE).

Popular Words Invented by Authors

Authors often create words just for a one-time usage... but a special few will gain traction and become full-fledged parts of our shared lexicon! Otherwords is a new PBS web series on Storied that digs deep into this quintessential human trait of language and fınds the fascinating, thought-provoking, and funny stories behind the words and sounds we take for granted. Incorporating the fıelds of biology, history, cultural studies, literature, and more, linguistics has something for everyone and offers a unique perspective into what it means to be human.

60 Euphemisms for Death!

No topic is as universally avoided--yet universally unavoidable--as DEATH. So, it's got a lot of euphemisms in virtually every language.

Is Swearing Good for Your Brain?

Does swearing get a bad rap? There's evidence that the shouting obscenities has an evolutionary purpose... and may be good for your psyche!

How Do Clichés Evolve into Memes?

Adaptable clichés called "snowclones" are EVERYWHERE on the internet. We use them for memes, inside jokes, to show our membership of the group. But they weren't invented online. In fact, they're way older than you think!

The Screwed-Up History of English Spelling

The English spelling system is a MESS... arguably more than any other language. How did it get this way?

Pronouns: Little Words That Say a Lot

Pronouns may be little, but they say a lot, and they're always changing!

Is Gossip... Good?

Gossip is an integral part of human social structure... and maybe the reason language evolved in the first place!

Foreign Words We Need in English

English has more words than most other languages, but there are still so many familiar things and experiences that we don't have a word for... but other languages do! Here are some of our faves!

Is Bilingualism a Superpower?

There was a time when psychologists thought growing up bilingual was harmful to brain development, but recent studies into bilingual children have turned that idea on its head!

The Stories Behind Food Names

It shouldn't matter what a food is called as long as it tastes good, right? Well, maybe not.

Literally No One Likes a Grammar Cop

Besides being annoying, what if the grammar police are actually... wrong?

Why Sign Language Was Banned in America

Sign Languages are just as linguistically valid and vibrant as spoken languages, and beneficial to learn for Deaf and hearing people. So why for decades was it illegal to teach them in American schools?

How Brands Ruin Slang

Why do brands use slang in their marketing? And why does it sound so... cringey?

Is "R" a Vowel?

We all know that the vowels are A, E, I, O, U and sometimes Y... But the way linguists define vowels may mean R qualifies as well!

Where Alcoholic Drinks Got Their Names

Alcohol has been with humanity since the dawn of civilization, and we use still use some of the same terms for it! Come with us on an etymological journey through the history of drinking.

How English Took Over the World

How did English become the most spoken language on the planet, and why are there so many varieties of English?

The Weird History of Invented Languages

Can you really invent a language? These people sure tried! But does anyone actually speak them?

How Queer Communities Created Secret Languages

Across the globe, queer communities have relied on secret lexicons known as "argots" to communicate safely, which have developed over the years into what some call "verbal jazz."

What Brain Damage Reveals About Language

Some of the first discoveries about the relationship between language and the brain were made by studying patients with brain damage. Of course, before modern technology, the only way you could see the brain was by opening it up.

Why Does Texting Feel Different from Talking?

Your texts might be cool and clever, but you still get tongue-tied when talking to people face-to-face. Why is that? It's all just words, right? Learn the difference between what linguist call synchronous and asynchronous communication.

How the Colors Got Their Names

The earliest humans didn't have words for colors... and the way they evolved follow a remarkably similar path across cultures.

The Most Extreme Place Names

Place names, known as "toponyms" do more than just help us know where we're supposed to meet up.| They often provide clues that can tell you a lot about a location: its geography, history and the people who lived there.

How Language Nerds Solve Crimes

Why Do These Words Get Mispronounced So Much?

There are actually good reasons why people tend to mispronounce the same words... and why they ofTen end up being the new standard!

Is the Southern Accent Disappearing?

Linguists studying the Southern American Dialect reckon that it ain't what it used to be, y'all. I do declayuh!

Why Do We Use Cringey Words for Loved Ones?

From "kitty" to "lovebug," people across the world use very similar type of words for the people they love. What's behind this universal linguistic trend?

Why Do Baby Names Fall Out of Fashion?

How many Mildreds did you go to school with? If you're under 60 years old, probably none! Mildred may have been a top ten baby name 100 years ago, but today its almost extinct... Why is that??

How Cults Use Language to Control

If there's one thing cult leaders do, it's talk. A LOT. Language is an integral part of how cults keep their members bonded, isolated and obedient.

What Is Your Body Telling People?

You can choose your words as carefully as you want, but your body may be sending other messages you're not even aware of!

Why Is English Awash in Sailors' Jargon?

There are so many common words and phrases in English that came from the world of sailing, it's almost OVERWHELMING!

You Were Probably Taught to Read Wrong

There are so many common words and phrases in English that came from the world of sailing, it's almost OVERWHELMING!

Is English a Creole?

There's been a lot of debate amongst linguists about what actually constitutes a creole language. By some definitions, English might be a creole!

Can TV Change the Way We Speak?

Some parents are concerned (or thrilled?) that their kids might be developing an Australian accent from watching Bluey... but is that really possible? How much of our language acquisition comes from TV anyway?

The Ancient Origins of Body Words

The parts of the human body were likely some of the first things people gave names to, so their deep etymologies can teach us a lot about how language has changed over the millennia.

How Languages Die

Like species, languages can go extinct. But there are different stages of language death, and some can be reversed.

Why A.I. Struggles with Negative Words

One of the first words a baby learns is NO! But negation is a deceptively complex linguistic process!

Inside the Fiercest Debate in Linguistics

It's one of the most contentious debates in linguistics, and at the heart of what it means to be human!

Where Did Cringey Corporate Jargon Come From?

We're gonna have to ask you to go ahead and watch this video.