Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Quick and Dirty Tips

957. We trace the linguistic history behind "house" and "mansion" to uncover how these two humble words for dwellings grew apart, with "mansion" gaining airs — all because of the Norman invasion. Plus, we look at why someone might ask if a potential suitor "gave you any house."

956. How did terms like "stereotype," "boilerplate," and "typecast" make the leap from specialist printing vocabulary to widespread figurative language? We trace the etymology of these and other expressions. Plus, the story of positive "anymore."

955. This week, we're looking at the history behind "Black Friday" and other black idioms, plus what happens when the NATO alphabet goes rogue for comedy.

954. "Irregardless" isn’t going away anytime soon. Take a deep breath while we dig into this hated word’s history. And then, do you love a good plot twist? In honor of National Novel Writing Month, we look at the psychology of surprises in fiction.

953. In honor of Veterans Day, Ben Yagoda tells us tales of military words that marched from the British lexicon to American English and influence the way we speak today. "Omnishambles," "gadget," "boffin" and more! We'll dispel some posh myths, and you'll be gobsmacked by the linguistic invasion.

952. What is the boundary between idioms, slang, and clichés—and should we give "adulting" a break? We also trace the 700-year history of "organic," from bodily organs to natural growth, and ask whether using a bully pulpit makes someone a bad person.