A curious dictionary of everyday English

Every odd phrase has
a story to tell.

Discover what peculiar British and American expressions mean, where they came from, and how people actually use them.

925 curious expressions
609 source-backed entries
1,255 research references
Plain-English meanings.
Folklore labelled honestly.

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Come from away

A person who is not originally from the Atlantic Canadian place being discussed. Current regional identity term; tone depends on speaker and setting…

Meaning & origin

Swan song

A final performance, appearance or piece of work, produced at or just before retirement or the end of a career; occasionally of something completed…

Meaning & origin

Greenwashing

Misleading marketing or public relations that makes a company, product, or policy seem more environmentally friendly than it really is, typically…

Meaning & origin

Language has legends. Evidence matters.

Colourful story or documented history?

Phrase origins are full of irresistible myths. We separate what historical sources can show from what remains disputed, and link the references behind researched entries.

How we research phrases