Category: Phrases

Did your boss tell you you're 'behind the eight ball' on a project? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'behind the eight ball' means that you're in a challenging position that's difficult to escape. If you can't find a solution or there is no obvious way to solve […]

Are you looking at the most attractive woman in the room? You could call her the ‘Belle of the ball.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Belle of the ball’ means the most attractive woman in the room or at an event. The ‘Belle of the ball’ will […]

The terms 'serendipity' and 'serendipitous' are common on social media, and might even be something that you've encountered in an article, movie or book. If you need more context to the words and how to use these terms correctly, this post unpacks the meaning and origin of 'serendipity' and tells you how to use it […]

Have you seen the term 'Namaste' somewhere and need to know what it means in the context that you've seen it? The term 'Namaste' is a common Sanskrit greeting that can today be found all over the world – including all over social media. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this term. Meaning […]

Have you seen the term 'chupagetti' on social media websites like TikTok and need to know what the rest of the joke is? Comments asking for (or posting) the recipe to 'chupagetti' are everywhere, and usually posted with no context. This post unpacks the origin and meaning of this term. Meaning The meaning of 'chupagetti' […]

Have you heard the word "antebellum" used in connection with the southern United States, and are you wondering what it means? This posts takes a deeper look at the origins, meaning, and current controversy around the word antebellum. ​Meaning The English word antebellum comes from the Latin language. "Ante" means "before", and "bellum" means "war". […]

The term 'doors or wheels?' has sparked a whole discussion on social media websites like TikTok and Twitter, though it still has a lot of users confused as to what's being discussed in the first place. 'Doors or wheels?' is a simple internet riddle with a much harder solution. This post unpacks the origin and […]

Did your boss tell you your colleague went ‘AWOL’ and you have to work the weekend? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym. Meaning The acronym ‘AWOL’ stands for ‘Absent Without Leave.’ It’s a military term describing a member of the armed forces who takes leave from their post without the proper […]

Have you seen the term 'material girl' somewhere on a social media website like TikTok or Instagram and hope to understand this common reference? The term 'material girl' is a mild insult, one that refers to girls and women who might be seen as “gold diggers” by others. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]

Are you looking for bae? This term unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The word ‘bae’ is a term of endearment to your loved one, usually used by women when referring to their partner. The term isn’t gendered specific, but it's more common to hear women using it than men. The term […]