We all know at least one (and if you don't, it's you 😜)

Today marks the three hundred and thirtieth birthday of the Frenchman François-Marie Arouet, better known by his nom de plume, Voltaire (1694-1778).

Born into a bourgeois family during the reign of Louis XIV, the “Sun King” (r. 1643-1715), Voltaire suffered tragedy at a young age when his mother died. Never close with his father or brother, Voltaire exhibited a rebellious attitude toward authority from his youth. His brilliant mind was fostered in the care of the Society of Jesus, who introduced him to the joys of literature and theater. Despite his later criticisms against the Church, Voltaire, throughout his life, fondly recalled his dedicated Jesuit teachers.

Although he spent time as a civil servant in the French embassy to the Hague, Voltaire’s main love was writing—an endeavor where he excelled in various genres, including poetry, which led to his appointment as the royal court poet for King Louis XV. Widely recognized as one of the greatest French writers, and even hyperbolically referred to by ...

Good morning, Digital Neighbors! Happy Friday and Happy Independence Day Weekend! Time for another visit from Say What???—the fascinating origins of everyday expressions. More fun with communication! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

The walls have ears - Be careful what you say, as others may be listening.

Origin: This phrase has roots in ancient times, with one early story linked to Dionysius of Syracuse (c. 430–367 BC), who reportedly had an ear-shaped cave constructed to eavesdrop on conversations. It gained further prominence in 16th-century France during the reign of Catherine de’ Medici, who installed listening tubes in palace walls to spy on courtiers. Similar systems existed in other European palaces, and variations of the phrase appear in multiple languages from that era.

Through the grapevine - Information spread through informal or unofficial channels.

Origin: This phrase originated in the mid-19th century with the invention of the telegraph (1844). Telegraph ...

Saudi Arabia is out.

Egypt is out. Iran is out.

England and France are the only Muslim countries left in the World Cup.