19 nearly-extinct 'fossil words' that only survive hidden inside these specific idioms

There's only one use left for the word "shebang."

By Evan Porter

Language is so fun. Though English has technically existed for well over a thousand years, today's modern version of the language is nearly unrecognizable from its roots in Old and Middle English. Over time, words and phrases evolve and transform in both pronunciation and meaning. New words are created, and many older words die out.

Some antiquated words, however, manage to survive the passage of time even if they're not regularly used in everyday conversation or writing. How can they hold on without ever actually being used? By being "fossilized."

"A fossil word is a word that appears primarily in the context of a specific phrase. Words can become fossilized either because they grow antiquated or because they're replaced by other words in common speech.

In 1978, Richard Pryor had a profound debate about life with an 85-year-old woman on The Johnny Carson Show

They don't make TV like this anymore.

By Jacalyn Wetzel

In 1978, late comedian and actor Richard Pryor appeared as a guest on the Johnny Carson show. As many late-night talk shows do, he stuck around after his interview to occasionally mingle when the next guests was introduced. But instead of dropping in a few funny quips, Pryor spent nearly twenty minutes engaging with, and occasionally debating, Dorothy Fuldheim, a then-85-year-old pioneering female journalist.

The comedian moved to the other available chair as Carson introduced the next guest, but it didn't take long before Pryor jumped into the conversation. At first, things seem to be going well with Fuldheim joking with Pryor about being a sinner and smoking marijuana. The also touched on deeper subjects including racism, space exploration and whether God is real. Fuldheim, who was the first woman to host a television news program in the United States, often appeared to take more progressive leaning views than Pryor, which resulted in a lot of laughs from Johnny Carson and the audience.

Then they all became children again. 🥹

A sentimental Joe Walsh reveals why he's auctioning some of his most cherished belongings

A great perspective from a living legend.

By Tod Perry

Life’s been good to Joe Walsh, 78, as he famously sang on his 1978 monster hit. However, there comes a time to let go of all the mementos, cool clothes, and musical instruments he’s accumulated over 50-plus years in the spotlight so that someone else can enjoy them. “People should have this stuff, either to hang on their wall or play. Because they're good for both things, just play it if you don't have any walls,” he joked at a December 8th event at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, announcing his upcoming Life’s Been Good auction.

On December 16th and 17th, Walsh will auction over 800 of his personal items at The Troubadour to benefit VetsAid, a charity he founded in 2017 to support those who have sacrificed for the country. Among the items are his 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider, iconic stage-worn wardrobe pieces, such as the famous brick suit he wore at The Eagles Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and over 400 musical instruments.

Boomer parents reveal why they so often withhold medical information from their adult children

"Respectfully, why?"

By Evan Porter

Generational differences can make it seem like we're not living in the same reality as those just a few years younger or older than us. But it's the Baby Boomers who, perhaps, are the most perplexing to their children and grandchildren who want to understand and relate to them.

Even a therapist who specializes in family dynamics day in and day out struggles to understand one peculiar habit that seems to be nearly universal among those in the 60 and above age bracket.

Mary Beth Somich, LCMHC, who has been a family therapist for 10 years, recently posted a TikTok that struck a nerve. The caption reads, "Help me understand this Boomer parenting behavior."

"There is this thing that Boomer parents consistently do that I have to admit, I truly do not understand. I would really like to understand this, as I think it would really help my Gen X and Millennial adult clients."