On Words and Up Words

37 Ways To Tell Someone They’re Full Of It

And a few ways to puff yourself up while you’re at it.

Mar 1 • Jack Shepherd

27

1

2

February 2026

These Common Animals Have Some Very Cool Alter Egos

A brief celebration of the humble arse-foot and some of her assorted pals.

Feb 1 • Jack Shepherd

14

7

1

January 2026

When I Found Out This Positive Adjective Was Originally a Comparative, I Was SHOOK

And you won’t BELIEVE what the superlative is!

Jan 25 • Jack Shepherd

27

4

4

The Definitive Ranking of Forgotten Microsoft Office Assistants (Excluding Clippy)

Also, Clippy is not his name.

Jan 18 • Jack Shepherd

45

6

1

Spooner Mixed Up More Than His Words

On "spoonerisms," a 19th century viral phenomenon, and the curious life of Reverend William Archibald Spooner.

Jan 11 • Jack Shepherd

17

1

May 2025

5 Preposterous Words That Wordle Will Actually Accept as Valid

New starter word: "Sloom." They can't stop you!

May 11, 2025 • Jack Shepherd

32

19

4

November 2024

A Watch of Nightingales: The Origin Story of Collective Terms for Animals

Plus, some truly delightful collective terms for people, from a “rascal of boys” to a “superfluity of nuns.”

Nov 24, 2024 • Jack Shepherd

37

6

3

The Surprising Origins of Some Very Famous Pen Names

Or, why Lewis Carroll was almost called Edgar Cuthwellis.

Nov 3, 2024 • Jack Shepherd

27

2

2

September 2024

This Is What the Meaning of “Is Is” Is

The strange and fascinating conundrum of Is-Is-ification.

Sep 29, 2024 • Jack Shepherd

10

5

1

Three Common Names That Were Just Made Up By Authors

Plus, the heartbreaking origin of “Wendy.”

Sep 15, 2024 • Jack Shepherd

25

1

1

A Few Thoughts on the Salad Salad Situation

Or, how to win someone over with your cheeky opinions about reduplication.

Sep 8, 2024 • Jack Shepherd

17

2

June 2024

OK, ok, O.K., okay, Ok! Which is it?

And what does it even mean?! A brief celebration of the most common word no one knows how to spell.

Jun 9, 2024 • Jack Shepherd

21

11