What is a Mascot? Where Does the Word Come from?
English vocabulary, Language History Lana Williams English vocabulary, Language History Lana Williams

What is a Mascot? Where Does the Word Come from?

When you buy a packet of Kellogg’s Frosties you see Tony the tiger looking strangely humanoid (like a human), and we have all been intimidated by the terrifying clown at McDonalds. These are mascots. Mascots are characters that represent a brand, a product, or a business. Wright English has Rupert the adorable (cute) fat robin. Rupert represents my lock-down tummy, my relaxed attitude to life, and he is permanently celebrating life like me.

Read More
Film Vs Movies – What’s right? Where do They Come from?
English vocabulary, Language History Lana Williams English vocabulary, Language History Lana Williams

Film Vs Movies – What’s right? Where do They Come from?

As the UK, USA, Canada and Australia share more and more media with each other, there is increasing confusion over the “right way” to say certain things. Pavement or sidewalk? Ditch, Dyke, or Culvert? Cinema, Theatre, or Movies? Very confusing! If you are wondering which way to describe a film is “correct” I have bad news. They are all correct, in different places.

Read More
Albino – Where Does That Word Come from?
Lana Williams Lana Williams

Albino – Where Does That Word Come from?

Have you ever seen a white wallaby? A white squirrel? Have you been lucky enough to see a white peacock? I saw white (albino) wallabies in the zoo, and my brain went to where it always goes… where does the word albino come from?

Read More
Hello? Is it English you’re looking for?
Lana Williams Lana Williams

Hello? Is it English you’re looking for?

(To the tune of Lionel Richie’s “Hello”)

I’ve thought about your English many times,
And in my dreams I’ve helped you write 10,000 lines,
I sometimes see your posts up on my wall,
Hello? Is it English you’re looking for

Read More
Where Does the Word Hedgehog Come from?
English vocabulary, Language History Lana Williams English vocabulary, Language History Lana Williams

Where Does the Word Hedgehog Come from?

How often do you learn a new word in a foreign language and think about where that word came from? How was it ‘born’, who were it’s ‘language parents’? Most people look at the little spikey creature with its pointy face, little black eyes and cute little feet and think “That’s a hedgehog” and go no further. I’m Lana Betts though and I’m always curious, so join me in my hedgehog investigation.

Read More