Word Origins & Language Stories

Bite-sized videos on the surprising stories behind the words you're learning.

SpanishWord origin

Today's word

aguacate

Spanish2 min read

Aguacate: The Spanish Word You Probably Don't Want Translated at Dinner

PortugueseWord origin

Today's word

pretender

Portuguese2 min read

'Pretendo' Doesn't Mean 'I Pretend' in Portuguese

SpanishWord origin

Today's word

naranja

Spanish2 min read

Naranja: The Spanish Word That Lost Its 'N' on the Way to English

ItalianWord origin

Today's word

camera

Italian2 min read

Camera in Italian Is Not What You Think (It's a Room)

FrenchWord origin

Today's word

actuellement

French2 min read

Actuellement: The French Word That Betrays Every English Speaker

PortugueseWord origin

Today's word

convoright-vs-pimsleur-portuguese

Portuguese3 min read

ConvoRight vs Pimsleur for Portuguese: Which Audio Method Wins in 2026?

SpanishWord origin

Today's word

éxito

Spanish2 min read

Éxito Doesn't Mean Exit — Spanish's Sneakiest False Friend

KoreanWord origin

Today's word

아르바이트

Korean2 min read

알바: The Korean Word for 'Part-Time Job' Took a Detour Through Berlin

JapaneseWord origin

Today's word

Tempura

Japanese2 min read

Tempura: The Most Famous Japanese Word That Isn't Actually Japanese

ItalianWord origin

Today's word

graffiti

Italian2 min read

Graffiti Is Already Plural — And It Means 'Little Scratches'

PortugueseWord origin

Today's word

best-apps-speaking-portuguese

Portuguese4 min read

Best Apps for Practicing Speaking Portuguese in 2026

SpanishWord origin

Today's word

barbacoa

Spanish2 min read

Barbacoa: The Ancient Word Behind Your Favorite Backyard Tradition