The unfortunate answer is that it means both “twice a week” and “every two weeks,” and there is no “right” meaning. The situation is the same with “bimonthly,” which can mean “twice a month” and “every two months.” It all… Read More ›
Words
Puns, feck and other minced oaths
I love the word feck. It is a very common minced oath in Ireland and is considered less sweary than the other F word.
Oops – Daily Mail does not know the difference between peddling and pedalling
If anyone is not sure of the difference, this below is pedalling crack around the neighbourhood And this below is peddling crack around the neighbourhood
The paperclip – a GEM of an idea
A Norwegian named Johan Vaaler invented the paper clip. When it was produced in the USA the boxes said ‘a gem of an idea’, hence the Swedish name for it – gem! Some dispute whether Vaaler’s invention was exactly the same shape…. Read More ›
My favourite English word: niddy-noddy
I have many favourite English words – serendipity, discombobulated, mellifluous, for example – but my favourite word is niddy-noddy!
Pants (UK), pants (US), pants (mathematical) and a pile of pants
Another potential for embarrassment between US and UK English In the US pants are worn outside your underwear: In many parts in the UK pants ARE your underwear: So, it may be inadvisable to say ‘ooh nice pants’ in the… Read More ›
34 words that are actually acronyms
(Navy) SEAL – SEa, Air, Land 3M – Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing AGA (stove) – Aktiebolaget Gasaccumulator (Swedish) BASE (jumping) – Building, Antenna, Span, or Earth BMW – Bavarian Motor Works (Bayerische Motoren Werke) CANOLA (oil) – CANada Oil, Low… Read More ›
