Words & Language trivia questions & answers
Where words and phrases really come from. Every question comes with the real story behind the answer and its sources.
Words & LanguageIs the mare in nightmare a horse?Myth: Most people assume the 'mare' in nightmare is a horse, picturing a dark steed…Guess the answer →Words & LanguageWhat does OK actually stand for?Myth: Many people believe OK comes from a Native American, Greek or Scottish word, or…Guess the answer →Words & LanguageWhere does the word clue come from?Myth: Most people assume clue was always a detective word meaning a piece of evidence.Guess the answer →Words & LanguageWere Roman soldiers really paid in salt?Myth: Most people believe Roman soldiers received their wages in salt, and that this is…Guess the answer →Words & LanguageWhere does the word umpire come from?Myth: Most people assume umpire comes from a Latin word for command or empire, because…Guess the answer →Words & LanguageWhere does the phrase ‘the whole nine yards’ come from?Myth: Most people believe 'the whole nine yards' comes from World War II fighter pilots…Guess the answer →Words & LanguageWhere does the word goodbye come from?Myth: Many people assume goodbye is simply 'good' plus 'bye', a way of wishing someone…Guess the answer →Words & LanguageDoes the word sincere really mean ‘without wax’?Myth: Many people believe sincere comes from 'sine cera', because dishonest sculptors supposedly filled cracks…Guess the answer →
