Tag Archives: words

How to use i.e. and e.g. in the correct way

By Ryan | Published: September 10, 2010

When you are writing something (e.g. an article, book, blog) and you want to add some more information (i.e. supplement your text with additional facts) then it’s time to pull out your letters. (i.e. e.g. and i.e.) (e.g. i.e., e.g.) The trouble is knowing which one to use. Having just learned this myself, I shudder [...]

Olde English: Let’s all get Chittyfaced

By Ryan | Published: August 26, 2010

I like to think I’m really in tune with my readers, and I know, without you even having to ask, what you really want to learn. You’re probably thinking, “Hey Ryan, if we all get together on this we could probably bring back some words that have been lost to time.” Well, dear reader, you’re [...]

Year At The Museum

By Ryan | Published: July 13, 2010

This day, July 13th, marks the occasion of being one year since my Learn Something New Every Day blog was launched. It would be a more joyous event except for the fact that I’ve been delinquent on the “every day” part. After a slow decline, this past month the blog has been silent. You see, [...]

Posted in Interesting Facts | Also tagged history, myths | 1 Comment

Who put the polka in the polka dot?

By Ryan | Published: June 7, 2010

Here we are again, and it’s time for me to throw down another mind-blowing, universe-alternating fact. Polka music is not German. Not even Bavarian. It originates from the Kingdom of Bohemia. So much for stereotypes. Bohemia is the original name for what is now the Czech Republic. The lively dance music originated there around 1850. [...]

Posted in Interesting Facts | Also tagged music | 4 Comments

Shakespeare enwisened* the English language with new words

By Ryan | Published: March 9, 2010

At the end of the 16th century Europe was just wrapping up with the Medieval period and freshening up for the coming Renaissance. Russia was nearing the end of Ivan the Terrible, and England had just gotten past King Henry VIII with his beheading phase. A young upstart by the name of William Shakespeare was [...]

Posted in Interesting Facts | Also tagged history | 3 Comments

Try not to enjoy eating fish too much… or else!

By Ryan | Published: February 15, 2010

With the exception of salmon steaks, I’m really not much of a fish-fan. Thus, it’s easy for me to exhibit rational and reasonable self control when faced with an all-you-can eat seafood buffet. As such, I will never be accused of being an opsophagos. Thank goodness! In ancient Greece it was a terrible thing to [...]

Posted in Interesting Facts | Also tagged food | 1 Comment

Buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo

By Ryan | Published: February 4, 2010

Read this sentence… Buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo. Not only is that statement completely factual, but it is 100% grammatically correct. Yes indeed, that sentence actually means something! It is an account of the social structure of Bison in upstate New York. The word buffalo is used with three different meanings: Buffalo, [...]