Why Do They Say That? is a small, independent language reference library. It explains the meanings and histories of familiar idioms, sayings, and slang in plain English for everyday readers.
Who publishes it
- Publisher and responsible editor: Marc LaClear
- Site purpose: to give curious readers a clear answer to “why do they say that?”, with the documented evidence separated from folklore.
- Contact: marclaclear23@gmail.com
How articles are researched
Each guide starts with the meaning in plain English, then looks for the earliest documented uses in dictionaries, historical archives, newspaper databases, and digitized books. Where the record is thin, the article says so. Popular stories that cannot be verified are labeled as folklore rather than presented as fact.
AI assistance
AI tools assist with research, drafting, and illustration under the publisher's direction. The publisher retains final factual responsibility. Articles are periodically reviewed and updated as stronger evidence or corrections become available. Where shown, the Last reviewed date records the most recent material fact-check.
Corrections
If an article contains an error, readers can report it through the corrections page. Substantive corrections are logged and the article is updated with a new review date.
Editorial standards
See the editorial policy and the sources and fact-checking pages for the full standard.
What you can expect
- Plain-English definitions before origin details.
- Careful wording when an origin is debated or uncertain.
- Fast, focused reading with locally hosted illustrations.