About Rob Kyff

Rob Kyff

Rob Kyff

Rob Kyff is the language columnist for the Hartford Courant, as well as a teacher, editor and writer. His column  appears regularly in several newspapers across the country.

A native of Armonk, N.Y., Kyff earned a BA at Amherst College and an MA in American Studies at the University of Minnesota. In Minneapolis, he served as director of public information for a social-service agency and edited the employee magazine for a national retail chain.

He has taught English and history at Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford since 1977 and also served as the school's director of public affairs, editor of its alumni magazine and advisor to the student newspaper.

His essays have appeared in many newspapers, including the Washington Post,

Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe and Baltimore Sun, and his articles have appeared in Reader's Digest,American History and Northeast. He contributed to

Speaking Freely -- A guided Tour of American English from Plymouth Rock to Silicon Valley, published by Oxford University Press in 1997.

He has published two books: Word Up! - A Lively Look at English (Writers Club Press, 2000) and Once Upon a Word - True Tales of Word Origins (Tapestry Press, 2003).

He lives in West Hartford, Conn., with his family.

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Former Bad Boy 'Proven' Has Proven Its Worth Sep 24, 2025

Q: The word "proven" seems to have disappeared completely. Every book, magazine article or newspaper report I read says "has proved" instead of "has proven." When did this change take place? — Marcia Archambeault, Massena, New York A: Your ques... Read More

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Uncork the Rich Histories of Words Sep 17, 2025

Connoisseurs of language approach an unfamiliar word in the same way wine lovers savor a glass of fine vintage. They examine its color, bouquet, flavor and texture. They lift it to their eyes, sniff it with their noses, swirl it around their tongues.... Read More

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History: a 'Foible' Agreed Upon Sep 10, 2025

"History is little else than a picture of human crimes," wrote Voltaire. After reading these sentences from high school students' papers about early American history, you might agree. 1. "New England was rich in large trees that provided amble amount... Read More

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'Biannual' vs. 'Biennial' Distinction Is for the Birds Sep 03, 2025

Q: A headline stated that seasonal bird migration (which occurs twice a year) was a "biannual" event. Doesn't that mean they migrate once in two years? Shouldn't it be "semiannual"? And what's with the spelling "biennial"? — Carol Radil, via em... Read More