Root Source

Where did the word “meme” come from and why do we like it?

As we reach the end of the school year, there’s one word you might be hearing over and over

Thinking of girlbossing your way into a new job? Learn about the word’s history and why it has garnered such negative attention

The history of colorism and its embodiment in pop culture

Cis-Heteropatriarchy: Confronting colonialism and the gender binary in just one word.

It's time for Root Source! Our segment about the origins of curious words and phrases. You've probably seen or at least heard of the show Squid Game.

Thursday marked Shakespeare Day, a celebration of the birth of the Bard himself. But though William Shakespeare may sound archaic to most people, he actually invented words that influence how we speak today... like "swagger."

It’s Earth Day’s 50th anniversary. But how did it get started?

‘Coronacation’ isn’t your typical spring break. It could be longer — much, much longer.

Social distancing policy ensures greater social separation to mitigate the spread of disease like the coronavirus. This includes everything from moving school and work online to maintaining a six-foot distance between yourself and others in public.

Superdelegates, otherwise known as un-pledged delegates, are people, usually party insiders or elected officials, that are not committed to vote for candidates based on the outcome of a state primary or caucus.

We know 2020 is a leap year, but do we know why is it called a “leap?” And how often do we really have them?

It's nearly Valentine's Day, and romance is in the air. Or at least, there's a sort of desire in the air - the desire to get in a relationship with someone else. This is the social phenomenon known as "cuffing," or wanting to be locked down to another person when the weather gets colder. Surprisingly, this isn't just a cliched romantic concept; it's rooted in evolutionary science!

The word caucus as we know it today is distinctly American.

Know anyone in your life who has that special orange glow in their hair? Well send them your well-wishes because November 5 National Redhead Day!