Experts on language say the expression was born more than two hundred fifty years ago, when pirates sailed the seas, attacking and robbing trade ships.

VOA: special.2009.05.24

But he believes its influence on language is small.

VOA: special.2010.01.28

"The main effect of the Internet on language has been to increase the expressive richness of language, providing the language with a new set of communicative dimensions that haven't existed in the past."

VOA: special.2010.01.28

But Crystal believes that the impact of the worldwide web on language remains minimal.

VOA: standard.2010.01.16

"When we look at the specific effect of the Internet on language, languages asking the question, has English become a different language as a result of the Internet, the answer has to be no,".

VOA: standard.2010.01.16

"The main effect of the Internet on language has been to increase the expressive richness of language, providing the language with a new set of communicative dimensions that haven't existed in the past,".

VOA: standard.2010.01.16

"We are going to determine how much food and other products of daily use are needed, whether an international crew is compatible, how people of different cultures, of different training can find common language and work on performing their tasks."

VOA: standard.2010.06.02

They have had an effect on immigration. They have had an effect on the language used by mainstream politicians."

VOA: special.2011.07.30

In the Nivkh language of Siberia, each number can be said twenty-six different ways based on the object being counted.

VOA: special.2009.12.02

"This one is "Variations on K", because this is the word kiss in every language, including sign language.

VOA: special.2009.11.04

The word "ballet" comes from the French language, and is based on the Italian word "balletto."

VOA: special.2011.01.26

On Friday, Facebook announced it is making its Web site available in the Farsi language.

VOA: special.2009.06.20

Language expert Barry Popik studied the question and wrote about it on his Web site.

VOA: special.2009.12.27

Language expert Barry Popick says on his web site that Chicago was called a "windy city" because of the wind that blows off of Lake Michigan.

VOA: special.2010.01.10