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1500 questions
59
votes
3 answers

Name of the cut-outs in the side of a printed dictionary at each letter

Paper dictionaries often have cut-outs in the pages that make it easier to turn to (words beginning with) each letter. Here's a picture: I know there's a name for these things but I can't remember what it is and it's remarkably hard to search for…
zwol
  • 3,355
59
votes
10 answers

"Insecure" or "unsecure" when dealing with security?

Which is the appropriate word to be used in the sentence: The system we were testing was determined to be insecure/unsecure. The usage is in the context of security, specifically a lack thereof. I've always said insecure, because I didn't believe…
Luke
  • 1,270
59
votes
5 answers

Why do people say "to be honest"?

For quite some time, I've been hearing the phrase "to be honest" almost every day. I've heard friends say it, characters on TV shows, and even an NPR reporter said it in an interview. Example: "To be honest, I don't like spaghetti." Why do people…
JohnDubya
  • 727
59
votes
3 answers

What word denotes a belief that apparently inanimate objects actually express a malicious, autonomous will?

I came across this word a few years ago, but can't find it now. I do not mean deodand, animism, pathetic fallacy, scapegoating, anthropomorphism, or personification (Word for attaching blame to inanimate objects). If I recall correctly, this…
Dutch Jeff
  • 633
59
votes
8 answers

What is the difference between "nevermind" and "never mind"?

I never remember the appropriate use of either of nevermind and never mind. What's the difference and how can I remember?
user362
59
votes
5 answers

"Screwed" vs. "nailed": why is the slang so different?

While the two names nail and screw have similar shapes and functions, why do the verbs differ so much? Someone has screwed something sounds like they have ruined something to me, while someone has nailed something sounds like they have successfully…
Ali
  • 747
59
votes
2 answers

Why is the letter 'Q' almost always followed by the letter 'U'?

Is there a particular rule that states that q should always be followed by a u? Because in certain cases like Qatar, or qawwali, this so-called rule is violated. What do you folks say?
Logophile
  • 1,369
59
votes
4 answers

Why is "pound" (of weight) abbreviated "lb"?

Answers to Correct usage of lbs. as in "pounds" of weight suggest that "lb" is for "libra" (Latin), but how has this apparent inconsistency between the specific unit of weight "pound" and the more general concept of weight "libra" arisen? It seems…
Thomas Arildsen
  • 689
59
votes
7 answers

What is the correct plural form of LEGO: LEGO or Legos?

I've seen many people make reference to LEGO as Legos. E.g. "I enjoy playing with my Legos". But from my understanding, this is incorrect and they should be referred to simply as LEGO (in capitals as per company standards). E.g. "I enjoy playing…
going
  • 2,219
59
votes
6 answers

When do I use "can" or "could"?

When should I use can? When should I use could? What is right under what context?
Ramprasad Prabhakar
  • 1,165
58
votes
2 answers

Is there a word for four times as much, analogous to once, twice, and thrice?

Is there a word for 'four times as much', analogous to once, twice, and thrice?
Claudiu
  • 10,911
58
votes
6 answers

Where does the phrase "dry run" come from?

I've heard the phrase "dry run" being used with the meaning of rehearsal, experiment or test exercise in various contexts. For example: They did a dry run of the demonstration before showing it to the CEO. Practice with a dry run. Organise a dress…
b.roth
  • 21,782
58
votes
5 answers

Is alcohol called spirits due to linking of imagery?

I was wondering if there is any correlation between the way alcohol burns and a common view of a spirit? Alcohol burns with a wavering blue flame that looks almost ethereal. Spirits are often pictured as blue and wavering (think of the…
Mirte
  • 929
58
votes
1 answer

What is the proper name for "AM" and "PM"?

I know that AM/PM is for ante/post meridiem, but what is it actually called? Meridian indicator? 12 hour indicator? Something way more clever?
Jason
  • 988
58
votes
3 answers

Bracket vs brace

I found the terms bracket and brace used interchangeably. Is there a difference, and what is it?
mafu
  • 4,449
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