Language Lovers

Lucy Mangan looks at your first word submissions of 2016

Happy New Year to you all! I trust you all had a lovely break and are now enjoying unparalleled success with your chosen resolutions. I am not. But in a crazy twist no one saw coming, I have conceived another one which renders any guilt or fretting about this impossible. Read More

Christmas etymology corner – ‘Eggnog’, ‘Hot Toddy’ and the trusty ‘Regmaker’

It is the party season, and you might be intrigued to know what is behind the names of some of the drinks you could be offered this Christmas. One drink that is especially associated with the festive season is eggnog, whose name comes from nog, an old dialect word for… Read More

‘Black Friday’, ‘Moon Hitler’ and ‘Cyber Monday’: the Christmas madness begins with November’s words in the news

You know, it seems like the Christmas season starts earlier every year. But I’m not talking about seeing Christmas decorations in a shop in late August (which, by the way, actually happened). I’m referring to the fact that people couldn’t wait until 27 November to start talking about Black Friday. Read More

Lucy Mangan’s ‘awesomesauce’ take on your new word submissions

A bumper crop of delights this week, thank you, and from a wealth of new contributors as well as doughty old timers! Thank you, everyone – it feels like Christmas has come early. Welcome to Willow, first of all, a newcomer who gives us “awesomesauce”, which I love almost as… Read More

The Power of Love: 10 Romantic Words for #BFILoveFest

In honour of the #BFILoveFest this weekend – a UK-wide celebration of LOVE in TV and film – this week we take a look at the etymology of 10 commonly used romantic words. Drawing on #BFILoveFest’s themes of The Power of Love, Fools for Love and Fatal Attractions, we… Read More

‘Hoverboards’, ‘pastebin’ and ‘Norwegian option’: October’s Words in the News

October brought us Back to the Future Day. The popular time-travelling film trilogy began (on-screen) when Marty McFly drove a Delorean from 26 October 1985 to 5 November 1955. In the sequel (released in 1990), he and Doc Brown flew the Delorean from what was now the past… Read More

Collins Word of the Year 2015 Q & A

What is Collins’ Word of the Year? Collins’ Word of the Year is a word that our lexicographers have identified as having been notably more visible in the last year. It may be a brand new word or an existing one that has seen its popularity increase because of current… Read More

Etymology Corner – ‘Dadbod’

To celebrate Collins Word of the Year 2015, we explore the etymology of ‘Dadbod’.   Dads have something of an image problem in the English language. The word ‘father’ tends to signify wisdom and respectability in expressions such as ‘father figure’ (a person you can turn to for advice, guidance,… Read More

Etymology Corner – ‘Clean Eating’

To celebrate Collins Word of the Year 2015, we explore the etymology of ‘clean eating’.   It seems that every year brings a new philosophy as to the best way to regulate our intake of food to ensure optimum health and fitness. One idea that has gained many supporters recently… Read More