Etymology Corner – Collins Word of the Year 2017

Collins Language has announced the 2017 Word of the Year shortlist, identifying ten words that had emerged or come to prominence during the course of the year. Here we trace the often shadowy origins of five of the words and show how they rose to become prominent in news, politics,… Read More

‘Fake news’, ‘Insta’ & ‘Unicorn’ – Lucy Mangan’s take on #CollinsWOTY 2017

Fear not the dull days between All Hallows’ Eve and Guy Fawkes Night! The Collins’ Word of the Year award is here to spice up the festive interregnum! Although, in the interests of full disclosure, I thought it was going to take me most of the interval just to work… Read More

Collins 2017 Word of the Year Shortlist

Fake news has been announced as the Collins Word of the Year 2017. Discover the rest of the words in this year’s shortlist. Fake news noun: false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting Antifa noun: (1) a antifascist organization (2) a… Read More

#metoo, “no deal”, and KRACK: October’s Words in the News

To someone of my generation, red sun sounds like the sequel to a terrible 80s film about an unlikely Soviet occupation of the Midwestern United States. In fact, it refers to a bit of weather we had here in the UK in mid-October. There have been several hurricanes of note… Read More

The totally rad guide to Stranger Things slang

With Stranger Things 2 now streaming on Netflix, we’re here to help you get up to speed with your ‘80s terminology. We’ve selected some of our favourite words from the show, from the eerie Upside Down to Eleven’s favoured insult, mouthbreather. Upside Down ‘Upside down.’ – Eleven Let’s start… Read More

Ghosts gather here! The etymological history of Halloween

As leaves start to fall and the world develops a sepia tint, so begins autumn – a mystical time of year, with Halloween historically believed to mark the turning point of summer into colder months. This spooky season we’ve compiled a list of traditional Halloween words and phrases to examine… Read More

Hot cod! Are you feeling apptimistic or indulging in aquafaba? Lucy Mangan explains.

I came across a new (to me) word myself this week, as I was reading avidly about New York in a bid to stop myself from become wholly consumed with envy of my husband who had managed to need to go there for a week for work. The word is… Read More

Snailing, plandid shots & snark: Exploring the latest word submissions

It’s been a fortnight since we last gathered round this digital fireplace, which means there must be a new political and Instagram term to share – and so there be. In the former slot we have “Moggmentum”, submitted – with enthusiasm, despair, or the simple diligence of… Read More

10 lost words from the Collins English Dictionary to build into everyday conversation

With the recent research unveiled by the University of York discovering lost words in historic texts, we decided to root around in the Collins English Dictionary to uncover a selection of unusual linguistic gems that can be used in everyday conversation. 1. Whiffler – ‘a person who vacillates… Read More