Fancy a trip to the dairy?

11 terms from other English dialects that you might not know

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The term dialect is sometimes perceived as negative or derogatory when it is merely descriptive: It’s a particular form of a language tied to a certain region or a particular group of people, and can be understood by users of the same language, even if they speak a different dialect.

The English language has a multitude of dialects, all with unique traits, but all mutually intelligible… sometimes. While English speakers around the world can understand each other no matter their origin, certain words greatly differ from standard American English. Keep on reading so you can recognize these terms in future conversations.

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The Canadian dollar is the official currency of The Great White North, and loonie is the name given to the one-dollar coin. The name originated from the fact that most coins have the image of a common loon, a bird found throughout most of the Canadian territory. The term loonie is so widespread that the Canadian Royal Mint has secured the rights to it. When the two-dollar coin was introduced in the 90s, it was aptly nicknamed toonie, as in two loonies.

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Being tall is generally considered an attractive feature, but this is not what Nigerians are talking about when they call you long-leg. For them, someone with long-legs is someone well-connected who has an unfair advantage because of it, often being favored over those who really deserve the positions or recognitions.

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What would make you wag your chin for a long time? Obviously, a good chat! This is exactly what the English are referring to when they use the word chinwag, a long and pleasant conversation with friends. It is also used as a synonym for gossip, because we all know where those chit-chats are heading.

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Philippine English has an abundance of interesting terms, both derived from native languages and alternative uses of English words. High blood is an example of the latter: While it is used in a medical sense, it also means that someone is angry or agitated. If a Filipino tells you someone is ‘high blood’, it means this person has a short temper and is easily angered.

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Jamaican English is a colorful language, heavily marked by Patois —also called Patwa, an English-based creole with French, Spanish, and West African influences. The term pickney —from the Portuguese pequenino, very small— is commonly used to refer to a child. Fun fact: in Jamaican Patois, plurals are formed by adding the word ‘dem’, so children would be pickney dem.

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We challenge anyone to find a more Irish word than craic, they are not likely to succeed. Pronounced like ‘crack’, it is used in a multitude of ways, but it is mainly a descriptor of enjoyable times and experiences. Key phrases that use it are What's the craic? (What’s up?) and Any craic? (Any news or gossip?). Where does craic come from? In Middle English, crack meant ‘loud conversation’ or ‘news’.

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Many people fail to realize that, although Scottish people speak English on the regular, Scots is a language of its own, and many Scottish English words are of Scots origin. A good example is the term ken —to know, to be aware, to understand—, much more used than its English equivalents.

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If you hear a Kiwi person using the term dairy, you might think they are talking about milk products. You would be right about half of the time. While dairy is used in its standard sense, New Zealanders also use this word for a small convenience store where you can buy essential groceries, cigarettes, snacks, and yes, dairy products.

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Australia is known for being wild and interesting, and Australian English is no exception. The word bludger has a fascinating story: originally from the London slang ‘bludgeoner’ —someone who uses a stick to attack and rob—, it made its way to The Land Down Under, where it changed into bludger, someone who is lazy, avoids work and responsibilities, and relies on the efforts of others.

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Pick-up trucks (and trucks in general) are one of those things with a thousand names depending on the part of the world you find yourself in. For South Africans, it is a bakkie. From the Afrikaans bak, meaning ‘container’ or ‘bowl’, as a reference to the open cargo space in these vehicles.

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It is difficult to speak about Welsh English terms, not because they are not interesting (they are!), but because they might be difficult to pronounce for the average American (also, the amount of consonants commands respect). Our pick of the day is hanging —allegedly pronounced ‘angin’— used to express feeling sick, rough, and generally unwell, usually as a result of drinking and being hungover.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

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Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

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Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

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This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

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The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

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Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

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This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

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We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

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Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

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Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

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Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

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There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!