Category: Phrases

If you have ever traveled to Italy, you can't have missed the ubiquitous exclamation "andiamo". This versatile phrase allows you to convey multiple different meanings, including "let's go" and "come on". Join us for a deeper exploration if you would like to try using andiamo yourself! Meaning The Italian word "andiamo" is the first person […]

Are you interested in learning about the ways in which people convicted of crimes may be pardoned or otherwise awarded compassion? This concept is called clemency, and this post will explore the meaning and origins of this legal term. Meaning Clemency, as a noun in the English language, simply means a compassionate, merciful approach to […]

Did you encounter the phrase ‘Lorem Ipsum’ while browsing a website? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Lorem Ipsum’ doesn’t have any official meaning. Some people mistakenly think the phrase is Latin, but it’s not. The most common use for ‘Lorem Ipsum’ is a placeholder text on websites. […]

Are you looking for a way to blow someone off for the evening? You could tell them you'll take a raincheck on your plans. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'raincheck' means declining an offer, deferring it to a later date. It can also mean you're postponing an […]

Did a friend just address their father as ‘Pa?’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this paternal expression. Meaning The expression ‘Pa’ is a colloquialism of the word ‘father.’ It’s a term of endearment held by children towards their ‘pater’ and a shortened form of ‘papa.’ ‘Pa’ refers to your biological father or […]

Are you watching a reporter talk about the ‘IDF’ on international news? What is the IDF? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym. Meaning The acronym ‘IDF’ stands for the ‘Israeli Defense Force.’ צְבָא הַהֲגָנָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל Tsva ha-Hagana le-Yisra'el, lit. The IDF is the national defense force of Israel, referred to as […]

Spanish is one of the most well-known languages in the world, and it is no surprise that many Spanish words have made their way into the English lexicon. If you want a nice way to compliment the looks of an attractive girl, “bonita” is the phrase for you. This post unpacks the meaning and origin […]

Did a Latin American woman cast a spell on you? You could call her a ‘bruja.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘bruja’ translates from Spanish to ‘witch’ in English. If someone is a ‘bruja,’ they may practice the art of witchcraft or follow a spiritual practice or […]

Are you hearing more about 'cancel culture' in media? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The term 'cancel culture' refers to a subset of 'woke culture' responsible for calling out people in power or those with influence online. If someone 'cancels' you, they attempt to have your followers on social […]

If you receive an email with ‘PFA’ in the message body? You better check it for attachments. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronym. Meaning The acronym ‘PFA’ has two meanings. The first and most common use of the acronym pertains to professional business writing. In this case, PFA stands for ‘Please […]