A Hodge-Podge of Reduplications

By John Ciardi

Published May 4, 2006 at 1:19 PM EDT

Hodge-podge is a word that comes from a rotten pot. It's derived from a term for mixed-up Scottish stew. Hodge-podge is also another in a long line of english reduplications, like the word honky-tonk.

John Ciardi

Orcas are hunting whale sharks, the largest fish species on Earth

Lauren Sommer

A new study reveals how a group of killer whales is able to hunt whale sharks, adding to a growing body of research showing how the whales use intelligence and coordination in impressive ways.
Advocates renew a push for states to enact voting protections

Hansi Lo Wang

With efforts to bolster the federal Voting Rights Act unlikely under Republican control of the new Congress, advocates are refocusing on state protections against racial discrimination in elections.
How crocodiles get their scale patterns (Hint: It's unlike other animals)

Jonathan Lambert

Many animals get their external marking--like, feathers, hair or scales-from genetics. But it turns out, the crocodile gets its head patterns differently.