What's New

General improvements

App Description

The ideal app for any child or adult intrigued by the weird and wonderful histories of English words. The app was built by EducationApps, the UK's leading producer of mobile learning apps, with content licensed from Oxford University Press.

Search or browse to explore the revolting, gruesome or fascinating history of thousands of words in the English language.

Who ate the first sandwich?
Where does abracadabra come from?
Would you really be spooked by a zombie?

• Quick search function shows instant results as you type.
• Shake your device to discover a random entry – you might be surprised!
• Bookmark entries to build up a collection of your favourite amazing histories.

John Ayto, top word expert, entertains all ages from eight to eighty with this informative and humorous dictionary.


This is a universal app, compatible with the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. A discount is available to educational institutions purchasing via Apple's Education Volume Purchasing Programme.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 1 Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 2 Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 3 Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 4

iPad Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 5 Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 6 Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 7 Oxford School Dictionary of Word Origins – discover the etymology of the English language – for children and students screenshot 8

App Changes

  • June 14, 2014 Initial release
  • August 28, 2014 New version 1.1

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