Only for fact-hunters!

Discover the most used letter and learn more facts about our language!

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Do you know that one friend who always keeps you guessing? The one that is full of surprises and a personal history that is anything but boring. Well, the English language is pretty much like that. From its Germanic roots to its global dominance today, English has been shaped by centuries of twists and turns. Did you know Shakespeare invented words we still use today? Or that "awful" once meant something great? Well, whether you are a word nerd or just curious, we’ve put together 10 fun facts about English that’ll make you see it in a whole new light. Here we go!

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Believe it or not, English didn’t start in England! The language actually traces its origins to the tribes of northwest Germany and the Netherlands. Around the 5th century, the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes brought their Germanic tongue to Britain, giving birth to what we now call Old English.

While modern English is worlds apart, you might spot some similarities in simple words like "house" (Haus in German) and "water" (Wasser). Who knew that something so "English" started out so Germanic?

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If you thought the dictionary was set in stone, let’s revisit that! About 4,000 new words are added to English dictionaries annually. Thanks to technology, pop culture, and ever-changing trends, the language constantly grows.

Words like "selfie" and "binge-watch" are recent additions that reflect our modern lives. Even older words take on new meanings—who remembers when "cloud" only meant the fluffy things in the sky? This linguistic flexibility is what keeps English exciting and relevant.

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English is the official language in 67 countries! From Canada to Nigeria to the Philippines, English connects diverse cultures across continents. However, the way people speak it can vary wildly: An American might say "elevator," while a Brit says "lift."

In many countries, English isn’t just a language; it’s a tool for business, education, and diplomacy. Whether you’re traveling or chatting online, English serves as a bridge in our interconnected world.

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Did you know there are 24 different dialects of English just in the United States? From the smooth Southern drawl to the sharp New York accent, each has its own charm and quirks.

You might say "y’all" in Texas but "you guys" in the Midwest. Even word choices like "soda," "pop," or "Coke" can hint at where someone’s from! These regional variations make American English endlessly fascinating.

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What we think of as the "classic" British accent didn’t exist until the late 18th century. Around the time of the American Revolution, London’s upper class adopted the Received Pronunciation (RP) accent to distinguish themselves.

Before that, British and American accents were surprisingly similar. Over time, RP became associated with education and prestige. Meanwhile, American English developed its own regional accents. So, the next time you hear a posh British accent, remember, it’s newer than you’d think!

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Words in English don’t always mean what they used to! Take "awful," which once meant "full of awe" or "inspiring wonder." Now, it’s the exact opposite! Similarly, "nice" used to mean "silly" or "foolish."

These changes often reflect shifts in culture and usage over centuries. It’s like a giant game of telephone that reshapes our vocabulary. Understanding these transformations adds depth to everyday words, and makes you sound like a history buff at dinner parties!

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The Bard of Avon wasn’t just a playwright, he was also a wordsmith extraordinaire! Shakespeare invented or popularized over 1,700 words and phrases, including "blushing," "undress," and "torture."

His knack for creativity enriched English, making it more expressive and colorful. Imagine reading Shakespeare without these now-common words—it’d be like watching a movie with the sound off! His influence proves that one person can leave a lasting mark on communication.

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Unlike French or Spanish, English has no governing body to regulate it. Organizations like the Académie Française ensure that French stays "pure," but English? It’s a free-for-all!

This lack of oversight means English evolves freely, borrowing words from other languages and bending grammar rules. While this can make it tricky to learn, it’s also why English is so adaptable and innovative. It’s a language that thrives on change, and that’s part of its charm!

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Of all the letters in English, "E" takes the crown as the most used. It accounts for about 11% of the entire language! You’ll find it in everything from common words like "the" to tricky ones like "queue."

This prevalence makes "E" essential for crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, and even secret codes. Next time you write or read something, take a moment to appreciate this hardworking little letter.

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Here’s a surprise: the United States doesn’t have an official language! While English is the most widely spoken and some states have made it their official language, there’s no federal mandate.

This reflects the U.S.’s history as a melting pot of cultures and tongues. Still, English remains the common thread that connects most Americans. Whether you speak it as a first language or a second, it’s a vital part of the American experience.

Beat the heat

We wish we'd learned this before: 10 key tips for surviving in the desert

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Some landscapes are kinder than others. While nature can be harsh no matter where you are, camping in a quiet forest near the city is a very different experience from spending several days in the mountains or the desert. With the lack of water and the abysmal temperature differences between the sweltering day and the cold night, the desert is one of the most dangerous environments for human beings, but this isn't an obstacle for explorers! If you're an adventure fan or curious about survival skills, read on! Today, we're going to share 10 key tips to survive in the unforgiving sands.

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The first piece of advice experienced explorers give is this: someone else must know where you went. While it might seem a bit obvious, sharing your plans can be crucial when traveling through hostile or dangerous environments.

If you're interested in exploring the desert, thorough preparation is crucial. Part of that is to let your colleagues or loved ones know where you're going, how many days you think you'll be there, and some more information about the routes you plan to take. This way, in case of any unforeseen event, someone will notice that you spent more days than stipulated, and they'll start looking for you.

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This is nothing new: the desert is really, really hot. Typically, what most of us tend to do in a warm environment is to take off some clothes to feel lighter. However, that's not recommended; in fact, it's quite the opposite.

While it may be counter-intuitive, it's essential to keep your body covered -from head to toe- from the hot desert sun. Not only is it important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but clothing also helps to keep your body moist and hydrated. On the other hand, layers of fabric, hats, and sunglasses also protect you from sandstorms and insects.

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Night in the desert can be scary. However, many experts recommend walking at night if you need to travel.

Nighttime temperatures in the desert are low, but exercise and layers of clothing can protect you from the cold. By avoiding the heat of the day, your body retains water and energy.

But nighttime offers even more advantages. The desert sky displays a sea of stars, and knowing the constellations -or having a constellation map- can help you find your way.

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Desert sands are punished by the harsh sun during the long hours of the day. During all that time, the ground absorbs the intense heat, turning the surface beneath your feet into a gigantic and dangerous stove. For this reason, many recommend that you should try to stay as far off the ground as possible.

First of all, sitting or lying directly on the ground is a big no! Insulating your feet with good footwear is also essential. Many adventurers cover not only their skin but also their shoes with layers of fabric, adding an extra barrier between themselves and the hot sand.

These actions will help protect you not only from the heat radiating off the ground but also from snakes, spiders, and other creatures that may be lurking at ground level.

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Okay, maybe the title sounds a bit intense. But actually, it's great advice if you happen to wander in the hot desert.

Keeping your mouth closed, especially if you're walking, is an essential step. But why? Well, besides helping you breathe better, this will keep your lips and tongue from drying out, so you'll be less thirsty. Other important tips include avoiding smoking and resisting the impulse to lick your lips.

On the other hand, it's recommended to eat sparingly. Of course, your body needs food, but conserving it during the initial hours is crucial for when you really need the calories. In addition, eating too much can make you thirsty or cause your body to expend too much energy on digestion.

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Although it can be difficult to find water in the desert, it's not totally impossible. If you notice your water supply is running low, these tips can help you.

First, if you come across animal tracks leading downhill, this may be a trail to a water source. Desert animals know where to find it!

On the other hand, one of the most recommended ways to find water is to dig a hole. As you dig, you'll feel the sand start to get wet; eureka! Wherever you spot vegetation with large, green leaves, that's the place to dig. Always remember to purify water before drinking!

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Water is not the only thing you'll need. Knowing how to make fire is one of the main skills for survival in almost any environment, and the desert is no exception.

Desert temperatures can drop significantly at night. For that reason, fire will be vital, as it will light you up and keep you warm. Plus, it can help scare off animals and make you visible to helicopters.

While you probably won't need the light and heat of fire during the day, it's an essential tool for boiling and purifying water!

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Humans can typically survive up to 3 days without water. So, during your time in the desert, it's important to constantly pay attention to your body, as certain physical signs can alert you to potential dehydration.

The first and most obvious are excessive thirst and dry mouth and lips. In addition, dry or cracked skin could also indicate that you need more water.

Other signs of dehydration can be dark yellow urine, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, or tachycardia.

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No matter what the cartoons and movies have told you, never drink cactus juice.

But why? It's simply not safe for your body. We know in harsh desert conditions, any liquid will be highly tempting. However, cactus juice is highly acidic. The acidity can make you feel pretty sick, leading to headaches, stomach cramps, vomiting, and even more serious symptoms that can worsen dehydration, such as kidney issues.

In short, the water or juice of most cacti is toxic to humans, leading to consequences far worse than just thirst.

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Accidents can happen anywhere, especially when nature surrounds us, and even the most experienced explorers may need help. In such cases, cell phones and other devices used in the city can run out of battery or fail to reach a signal. But if you're an outdoor fan, you're probably familiar with personal locator beacons.

A PLB is a specialized emergency device for those traveling in remote or dangerous areas. Equipped with GPS, a PLB sends an emergency signal with your location to rescue agencies so they can find and help you as soon as possible.