English is spoken across the world, but that doesn’t mean everyone who speaks it uses the same expressions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the differences between British and American idioms. While the two versions of English share the same foundation, their idiomatic expressions often diverge in surprising and sometimes confusing ways. In this […]
How Other Languages Say “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs”
The English idiom “it’s raining cats and dogs” is one of the most well-known—and oddest—ways to describe a heavy downpour. But have you ever wondered how other languages express the same idea? Just like English, many languages use vivid, quirky imagery to describe intense rain. In this article, we’ll explore how cultures across the world […]
Do Idioms Translate? 5 Expressions That Get Lost Between Cultures
Idioms are colorful, fun, and often hilarious—but they can also be one of the hardest parts of a language to translate. Why? Because idioms are deeply rooted in culture, and their meanings rarely make sense when translated word-for-word. So, do idioms translate well across languages? Sometimes—but not always. In this post, we’ll look at 5 […]
From English to Japanese: Wildly Different Ways to Say the Same Thing
If you’ve ever tried learning Japanese as an English speaker, you know it can feel like stepping into another world. Not just in terms of grammar or writing systems, but in how people express everyday ideas. Phrases that are common in English often have totally different counterparts in Japanese—not just in words, but in tone, […]
Fun Idioms from Around the World You’ll Wish Existed in English
Every language has its own quirky, colorful idioms—but some are so unique and delightful that they make English sound… a little boring in comparison! While English has gems like “break the ice” and “bite the bullet”, other languages take creativity to a whole new level when it comes to describing everyday situations with humor, emotion, […]
Idioms vs. Slang: What’s the Real Difference?
If you’ve ever confused an idiom with slang—or wondered whether “kick the bucket” and “lit” belong to the same category—you’re not alone. Idioms and slang are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they serve very different purposes in language. In this article, we’ll break down the real difference between idioms and slang, show you how […]
Modern Slang Explained: From “Ghosting” to “Flex”
Language is always evolving, and nowhere is that more obvious than in modern slang. Thanks to the internet, social media, and pop culture, today’s slang changes faster than ever—and it’s full of expressive, witty, and sometimes bizarre phrases. If you’ve ever felt lost when someone said they got “ghosted” or that someone’s “flex” was cringe, […]
How Jargon Shapes Language in Tech, Business, and Culture
Whether you’re “circling back” in a meeting or talking about “scaling the backend” in a tech startup, chances are you’ve used jargon—possibly without even realizing it. While some see jargon as unnecessary buzzwords, it actually plays a vital role in how professionals communicate efficiently, establish credibility, and build cultural identity within a field. In this […]
How Do Words Become Slang? 7 Steps From Street to Dictionary
Some words don’t ask, “May I come in?” They just crash through the window and become the coolest guest at the party. Looking at the wild route English words take to become slang feels like following a treasure map—there’s adventure, surprise, detours, legends, and maybe a wrong turn or two. At Lingo Curious, digging up […]
Palindrome Words: 15 Fun Examples and What Makes Them Special
Have you ever glanced at a word, only to suddenly notice—almost by accident—that it looks exactly the same when read backwards? If so, you’ve had a brush with the curious world of palindromes. These little wonders hide in plain sight, waiting for someone to spot their symmetry. At Lingo Curious, we don’t just explain what […]