Karaoke comes from Japanese: kara means empty, and ōkesutora means orchestra. The name fits singing with music but no live band.

“On tenterhooks” began in cloth making, where wet fabric was stretched on hooks. That image explains the modern sense of anxious suspense.

Tycoon entered English from Japanese taikun, meaning great lord, and later shifted to mean a powerful, wealthy business leader.

“Run amok” came into English from Malay. Its meaning broadened over time, and today it often means wildly out of control.

Pandiculation is the natural stretch and yawn many people do after rest. Learn what it means, where it appears, and how to use it well.