Rice University
Rice University: Loan Words
An exhaustive and comprehensive resource on the definition, process, and uses of "loan words" in English. Includes several examples of words grouped by subject and language of origin. Excellent site.
Wisc-Online
Wisc Online: English Words of French Origin
In this learning activity, students read and listen to English words from the French language.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Mysteries of Vernacular: Yankee
Is it a doodle dandy? A baseball team? The origins of the word yankee are unclear, though its usage in America as a pejorative is well-documented. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel track the varying levels of contempt that the word yankee...
Other
Dictionary.com
Dictionary.Com is an online dictionary. It provides definitions, syllabication, pronunciation, word origin, and part of speech. It also provides a word of the day, word games, and much more.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Jazz Origins in New Orleans Pre 1895
Read about the origins of jazz music as it began in New Orleans before 1895. With its unique history and culture, New Orleans provided many opportunities for the development of jazz to thrive and grow.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Mysteries of Vernacular: Hearse
Today, we recognize the word hearse as a vehicle that carries a coffin to a funeral. Jessica Oreck explains how this word has, at various times, described a wolf, a rake, and a frame, eventually landing at its meaning today. [2:13]
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Mysteries of Vernacular: Earwig
An earwig is neither an ear nor a wig; it is an insect. Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel explain how folklore gave this bug its name, combining entomology with etymology. [2:16]
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Speech Acts: Constative and Performative
When are words just words, and when do words force action? Linguist J.L. Austin divided words into two categories: constatives (words that describe a situation) and performatives (words that incite action). For instance, is a "No...
British Library
British Library: Language & Literature: Dictionaries and Meanings
Article discusses the history of English dictionaries over a five-hundred-year period. Includes selections from Samuel Johnson's dictionary of 1755 and the Oxford English Dictionary. With useful comments about the origins of words,...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The True Story of 'True'
The older the word, the longer (and more fascinating) the story. With roots in Old English, 'true' shares etymological ancestors with words like betroth and truce, but also with the word tree. In fact, trees have been metaphors for...
Curated OER
National Park Service: Jazz Origins in New Orleans: 1895 1927
Dive into the rich history of jazz as it progressed in New Orleans. Focusing on the time from 1895 to 1927, this site highlights key musicians and influences that helped shape this American artform.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Sociology
A very detailed look at the development of the field of sociology. Looks at its historical roots, the earliest sociologists, and explains major theories that it was based on, and theories and schools of thought that evolved from those....
PBS
Revolution: Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence
Read the original rough draft written by Thomas Jefferson declaring independence from England. In his rough draft he railed against King George III for creating ans sustaining slave trade. It was this phrase which the delegates of the...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Parable
This is an encyclopedia entry for the word "Parable." It defines the word, discusses its origins, and provides examples.
PBS
Pbs: The Story of India: Diwali
PBS explores the religious festivals of India with an in-depth look into the festival Diwali. Identifies the Sanskrit word and provides its meaning. Details the origins of the festival and the epic which sparked the celebration....
Other
Street Swing: Cake Walk
This website provides a history of the dance called the "Cake Walk," which was originally called the "Chalk Line Walk." Includes many images of sheet music covers, "research words to help your searches," and names of people associated...
Other
The Pledge of Allegiance: A Short History
Brief background information behind The Pledge of Allegiance including facts about the author and the original words to the Pledge.
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