Debt comes from Latin debitum, “something owed.” The silent b was added later to show its Latin ancestry, even though French had lost the sound.

Jactitation is an old word for publicly making a false claim, often a false claim of marriage. Here is what it meant and how it was used.

“Wreak havoc” is the standard phrase. Here is why “wreak” fits the meaning, why “wreck havoc” appears, and how to choose correctly.

Phonaesthemes are sound patterns linked to meanings, like gl in glow and glitter. They are suggestive patterns, not strict word parts.