The post argues that the significant influence of French on English began around 1250, long after the Norman Conquest, contradicting the belief that it was an immediate result of the conquest.
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Colin Gorrie is a linguist and author exploring English language history, culture, and mythology.
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The blog post explores the concept of phonaesthemes in the English language, particularly focusing on the association between the prefix 'n-' and negation. It traces the historical development of words like 'no', 'nothing', and 'n...
The article explores the etymology of the word 'god' in the English language, tracing its origins back to Old English and Proto-Indo-European roots. It discusses how the term evolved from a polytheistic context to a monotheistic o...
This blog post imagines Beowulf as a scene in Hamlet, merging Shakespearean elements with a playful tribute to both works.
The post discusses the critical role of the Middle English -e ending in the development of English poetry, particularly iambic pentameter. It explains how this grammatical feature, which was essential for the structure of poetry, ...
The blog post explores the origins and linguistic evolution of the word 'Halloween,' tracing its roots back to Old English. It explains that 'hallow' means 'saint' and is derived from 'hālga,' which connects to the modern word 'ho...
The post delves into the etymology of 'Christmas,' revealing its historical roots and the linguistic changes that shaped its pronunciation and spelling over time.
Debt has profoundly influenced the evolution of language, shaping concepts of obligation and duty through the owe-to-ought pipeline in English and other European languages.
The blog post discusses the evolution of the English language, particularly its vocabulary expansion during the Renaissance period (1530-1660). It highlights the influence of Latin and Greek on English, the controversies surroundi...
A tier list ranking seven dead languages by learnability, highlighting resources and challenges while encouraging language enthusiasts to embrace the journey of learning.
6Leave the em-dash alone
2026-03-04 • writing censorship linguistics em dash ai
The post argues that fear of AI writing is leading to unnecessary self-censorship among writers, particularly regarding the use of em-dashes, which are essential stylistic tools.
The post examines the shift in linguistics from a Eurocentric focus to a broader understanding of language, revealing the unique characteristics of European languages through the study of indigenous languages.
Colin Gorrie celebrates the first anniversary of the Dead Language Society, sharing lessons learned about writing linguistics for a general audience and plans for future content.
The post examines the cultural significance of Burns Night and the Scots language's influence on English, particularly through literature and loanwords related to violence and the supernatural.
The article explores the phenomenon of online grammar nitpickers, examining their motivations and historical context. It discusses how the idea of a single correct way to use language emerged, particularly during the late Middle A...
Colin Gorrie reflects on his year of writing on Substack, emphasizing the importance of editing in improving prose. He discusses the concept of prose rhythm and cadence, drawing from ancient theories of oratory and their applicati...
Language contact leads to significant changes in languages, as explored through historical examples and the unique traits of European languages.
The post argues that while language can influence perception, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is often misrepresented, particularly in popular culture like the film 'Arrival'.
The post examines the mutual intelligibility of Old Norse and Old English, highlighting both historical claims and personal challenges in learning these languages.
The blog post explores the complexities of classification systems, particularly in language and taxonomy. It discusses the game 'Twenty Questions' as a metaphor for categorization, referencing Linnaean taxonomy and John Wilkins' a...
Language learners often fail due to ineffective methods and misconceptions, but understanding language as abstract knowledge and focusing on decoding messages can lead to success.
This post is a recording of the fifth session of the Beowulf Book Club, where key topics discussed include the Ingeld episode, Beowulf's prophecies, the folkloric aspects of Beowulf's youth, the historical context of Hygelac's dea...
English spelling, often deemed chaotic, actually follows systematic rules, challenging the notion that it is illogical and highlighting its complexity.
A travel blogger's narrative morphs through centuries of English, revealing the complexities and evolution of the language while he encounters eerie events in the town of Wulfleet.