Language Quiz
Here s a recording in a mystery language. Do you know, or can you guess, the language?
Omniglot Blog
Adventures in the world of words and language
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Fording Fjord Ports
Are the words ford, fjord and port related? Let s find out. A ford [fɔːd / fɔɹd] is a location where a stream is shallow and the bottom has good footing, making it possible to cross from one side to the other with no bridge, by walking, riding, or driving through the water. It comes from [ ]
Language Quiz
Here s a recording in a mystery language. Do you know, or can you guess, the language?
Nearly Nigh
Which is nearer, near or nigh? Let s find out. The word nigh [naɪ] means near, close by, kindred, closely allied or intimate. It is used mainly in particular phrases, such as the end is nigh and is considered archaic and poetic. It comes from Middle English neygh (near, adjacent), from Old English nēah (near, close), [ ]
Language Quiz
Here s a recording in a mystery language. Do you know, or can you guess, the language?
Griffonage
What do griffons have to do with messy writing? Let s find out. Griffonage [ˈɡrɪfəˌnɑːʒ] is a rarely-used word that means careless handwriting or a crude or illegible scrawl. It comes from the French word griffonner (to scribble, scrawl), from griffer (to scratch), from Old French grifer, from griffe (claw, talon), from Old High German grīfan [ ]
Language Quiz
Here s a recording in a mystery language. Do you know, or can you guess, the language?
Fribblish Fribblers
Do you fribble? Are you a fribblish fribbler? Fribble [ˈfɹɪbəl] is an old word meaning to waste or fritter; to behave in a frivolous way or to totter. As an adjective it means of little or no importance or frivolous, and as a noun it means a trifling action, a trifler, a frivolous, contemptible fellow [ ]
Language Quiz
Here s a recording in a mystery language. Do you know, or can you guess, the language?
Horse Gate
What does a horse at a gate have to do with breaking and entering? Let s find out. The Chinese word 闯入 [闖入] means to break into, to barge into, to intrude (into), to charge in, or to gate-crash. It s pronounced chuǎngrù in Mandarin and cong2 jap6 in Cantonese. It s also found in Japanese as 闖入 [ ]