LINGUISTIC SURPRISES

Be Careful When Using These 10 Words With More Than One Meaning

Credit: Edho Pratama

You know, dictionaries can be hefty, and today, we're opening the cover to explore why. While some words rarely find their way into our daily conversations, others are more frequent , appearing in everyday talks and being understood by everybody. But wait! Because even these familiar words often carry hidden or rarely used definitions.

If you're curious, join us as we travel through the dictionary to rescue the lesser-known definitions of 10 words you probably use every day!

Credit: Tom Pumford

We all know and adore the iconic pine trees, particularly during Christmas, when they become the stars. This type of tree is abundant in certain parts of our country, gracing places like the Rocky Mountains. But there's one lesser-known fact that many people may not be familiar with: the word "pine" can also be used as a verb.

"To pine," according to Merriam-Webster, means "to yearn intensely and persistently, especially for something unattainable." Like everybody, you have probably "pined" for love at some point, but have you ever heard this verb before?

Credit: Annie Spratt

Oysters are not just home to beautiful pearls; there is much more about them. These mollusks also possess a powerful muscle known as the adductor, which allows them to close their shells tightly, offering protection against threatening environments.

Probably because of that fantastic characteristic, the Collins Dictionary mentions the word "oyster" can also be used to describe a " taciturn and reserved person ." However, being an oyster isn't necessarily a negative attribute. Quite the contrary, these people are often very good at keeping secrets safe, much like how oysters protect their pearls!

Credit: David Monje

Used as a verb to mean "to direct or guide," the word "orient" can also surprise with its different meanings.

As a noun , "orient" denotes eastern regions relative to a specific point. Thus, it's often used to evoke the extensive lands of the Eastern Hemisphere.

But that's not all; "orient" displays its versatility across various grammatical roles. It is not only a verb and a noun, but it also glows as an adjective . In this sense, something "orient" carries a positive connotation, described by Merriam-Webster as "lustrous and sparkling." For example -returning to the fascinating oysters- "orient pearls."

Credit: Arisa Chattasa

We can all agree that the word "lamp" is quite familiar, right? Most of us have some type of lamp in our homes, and there are even some lamp enthusiasts today, determined to collect antique or exotic varieties to illuminate their homes in different ways.

But did you know that the word "lamp" can also be used as a verb , with a pretty aggressive meaning? That's right! According to the Oxford Dictionary, in British English, " to lamp " means "to hit someone very hard." Have you ever witnessed someone being "lamped" in a street fight?"

Credit: César Couto

We may not have all the answers, but one thing is clear: a blink is a quick thing. In fact, the expression "in the blink of an eye" captures this perfectly, referring to something that happens suddenly and fast.

In addition to its conventional meaning, the term " blink " has a lesser-known use as a verb , but not in the way you might expect. As Merriam-Webster points out, "to blink" can also mean "to yield or give in." So, if you want to learn all the meanings in the dictionary, don't blink now!

Credit: Scott Graham

Ah, the tender instants in life. From petting your dog to holding hands with someone special, these moments move us all, right? However, the word " tender " can also lead to unexpected places. Take, for example, a letter of resignation. But how can that be related to "tender"? Well, let's see.

It turns out that one of the meanings of this word, when used as a verb , is "to give, present, or offer something formally." For example, as we said, to tender a letter of resignation . So, the next time you need to speak formally, remember this word!

Credit: Thomas Park

It turns out that the word " bond " represents more than just a social or chemical connection.

Maybe when you read "Bond," it reminds you of the famous shaken, not stirred Martini. But in the world of whiskey, it takes on a different meaning. Merriam-Webster defines "bond" not only as a connection between people or atoms; there is also something called "bonded whiskey," "a 100-proof straight whiskey aged at least four years under government supervision before being bottled."

Credit: Hans Vivek

Commonly used to refer to small discussions about unimportant issues, the word "bicker" also hides other meanings.

According to Merriam-Webster, used as a verb , the word " bicker " can also mean "to quiver or flicker," similar to the dance of a candle flame or the soft movements of tree leaves in the breeze. If you like poetry, you have probably read this word in a poem. If not, why don't you try creating a verse with this beautiful term?

Credit: Mike Von

Whether it's an ankle after a tough game or legs after a long flight, both situations may be accompanied by the word "swollen" or "swell."

But wait, there's more about this word. It has another, more glamorous meaning, popular in the early 20th century. According to the dictionary, " swell " can also be used as an adjective to describe something or someone as " stylish ." Do you see yourself adding this old-school style to your vocabulary?

Credit: Nathan Dumlao

Jugs and vases have been among humans for thousands of years. If you wander through the halls of art and history museums, you will surely find some varieties of jugs. And think about your own house. You probably have one proudly displayed on a shelf or in a corner. Maybe it's a new piece you recently purchased, or perhaps it's a treasure inherited from your grandma.

But the word " jug " can also be used as a verb , did you know that? That's right! "Jug" also refers to a method of cooking, specifically " to stew (something, such as a hare) in an earthenware vessel."

SWEET CLASSICS

Let's Explore The Top 10 Most Popular Candies

Credit: Denny Müller

What was your favorite candy when you were a kid? Has it changed over time, or does it still hold a special place in your heart (or, should we say, your taste buds)? Trying a sweet treat is a universal joy, and some candies have stood the test of time , delighting different generations of Americans with their irresistible flavors.

If you have a sweet tooth, read on. Today, we're diving into the delicious world of the 10 most popular candies. But be warned: this might just send you running to the store!

Credit: Shyam Mishra

Just the thought of its name is enough to make our mouths water! Considered one of the best-selling candies in the world, the famous Snickers bar boasts an unbeatable combination: sweet nougat with the crunch of peanuts , all wrapped in a delicious chocolate coating.

Although the name of this delicious bar might make you think of shoes, it's actually named after a horse , the favorite of the Mars family, who created the candy in 1930.

Credit: Justin

If you are one of those who can't resist a good crunch, chances are you've already tried the Kit Kat bar.

A true classic in the world of treats, this bar not only has what we all want - yes, chocolate - but also combines it with several layers of crunchy wafer.

Legend has it that the Kit Kat bar, created in 1935 , was specially designed with its iconic square shape so that it could easily fit into any worker's lunchbox . Plus, each packet comes with four fingers of deliciousness that you can snap off and save for later (although we prefer to eat them all at once!).

Credit: Midas Hofstra

Originating in the UK in 1967 and introduced to the United States in 1979 , Twix , the famous chocolate and caramel bar, is one of the most popular candies to this day.

With its tasty mix of milk chocolate, caramel, and cookie, Twix offers a crunchy delight that has won over fans far and wide. But that's not the only successful blend; its catchy name is actually a combination****of "twin sticks." Pretty smart, right?

Credit: Dan Cristian Pădureț

If candy bars aren't your thing, don't worry! Maybe a fruity alternative can be the right option for your taste buds.

Originating in Colorado during the 1950s, Jolly Ranchers have been a beloved choice for candy enthusiasts for many years. With a range of fruity flavors from sweet to sour, there's something for everyone. If you're unsure where to start, rumor has it that the red flavors are the most popular!

Best known for their iconic hard candies, Jolly Rancher doesn't stop there; they also offer gummies and lollipops , ensuring there's a treat to suit everybody.

Credit: Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are an American classic, raking in over $2 billion in sales each year!

It is not just the delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter that makes these Cups so irresistible; it's also their creamy texture that melts in your mouth like a gift from heaven. Okay, you got us; they are our favorites. But we're not alone; even the famous Ryan Gosling (yes, Ken!) is reported to be a fan of these delicious candies.

With their iconic orange packaging, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups were originally known as "penny cups" due to their price in the 1930s when they first went on sale.

Credit: Sebastian Gómez

Once you start, you just can't stop until the whole bag is gone! Of course, we're talking about the irresistible M&M's.

For the sweet-toothed, there's the classic M&M's , featuring a semi-sweet chocolate covered in a colorful candy shell. And for those craving something less sweet, there's the peanut version , a tasty twist on the original.

Created in the United States in 1941 for the U.S. Army during World War II, you can enjoy these treats in any weather, hot or cold, thanks to the protective coating. Hence their famous slogan, "the milk chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand."

Credit: frankieleon, via Wikimedia Commons

If you're the type who can't resist finishing an entire bag of candy in one go, Hershey's Kisses may be a solution for you. These filled chocolate teardrops are not only delicious but also the perfect size to satisfy your sweet craving without going overboard.

But there is no breaking news here, as the Hershey Company has been producing these treats since 1907 . Yes, they've been around for over a century!

In addition to their unique shape, Hershey's Kisses are also known for their distinctive packaging. Did you know that strip of paper that sticks out from the top is called a "Plume" ?

Credit: Jonathan J. Castellon

If you've had enough chocolate, why not turn to the rainbow? Skittles can be the perfect antidote in this situation.

Also featuring a colorful candy coating, Skittles may resemble M&M's at first glance, but they're a different sweet adventure. Instead of chocolate, you'll find a mix of corn syrup, sugar, fruit juice, and other tasty ingredients inside them.

But where does this peculiar name come from? Well, the candy's round shape resembles the "ball" used in an old European game also called Skittles, similar to modern bowling .

And here's another fun fact: Skittles have been vegan-friendly since 2009!

Credit: Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Remember those days as a kid when you stuffed your mouth with so much candy that you couldn't even chew and ended up drooling? Well, even though we're all grown up now, just the sight of the colorful Starbursts can bring back the urge to do that again.

Originally known as Opal Fruits , they were later rebranded as Starbursts, a name that refers to the burst of flavor in every bite. If you ask us, that name is spot on.

But if you don't trust our taste in candy, perhaps you'll be persuaded by football quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who proudly declares himself a huge fan of these candies . In case you are curious, his favorite is the red flavor.

Credit: Mary Jane Duford

It's time to talk about a candy that divides opinions. Loved by some and passionately hated by others, there's no denying that Candy Corn is one of the most popular Halloween treats out there.

Believe it or not, Candy Corn has been around since the late 19th century! Back then, America was already sweetening up life with little treats.

Despite its name and appearance, Candy Corn isn't made from corn at all. Instead, it is composed of gelatin, which gives it that waxy texture. If you are looking for a low-calorie candy option, look no further, as each piece of Candy Corn contains only about 7 calories!