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Why we have indents. More on Formica. Running on Edgar.
Episode 1114
1114. This week, we look at the history and purpose of indents, from medieval manuscripts to modern word processors, and the difference between a first-line indent and a hanging indent. Then, we look…
Published on 11 hours ago
The surprising ways we gesture about time and space, with Lauren Gawne
Episode 1113
1113. This week, we talk with linguist Lauren Gawne about her book "Gesture: A Slim Guide." We look at how different cultures gesture about abstract concepts like time and space, and how we unknowing…
Published on 5 days, 11 hours ago
Vonnegut’s semicolon rule. What age has to do with language. Chocolate donut.
Episode 1112
1112. This week, we look at why you can safely ignore Kurt Vonnegut’s famous advice about ignoring semicolons. We also look at why taking punctuation advice from fiction writers may not be a good ide…
Published on 1 week ago
Why we say 'near miss.' How dogs got their names. Stupid dog Jackie.
Episode 1111
1111. This week, we look at the phrase "near miss" and why this seemingly illogical term actually makes sense. Then, in honor of National Dog Day, we look at how 16 different dog breeds got their nam…
Published on 2 weeks ago
How to build a successful writers’ newsletter, with Jane Friedman
Episode 1110
1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publish…
Published on 2 weeks, 5 days ago
What is 'versing'? ‘Whatchamacallit' and other placeholder words. Chicken.
Episode 1109
1109. This week, we look at why kids and video gamers talk about "versing" someone. Then, we look at the linguistics of placeholder words like "whatchamacallit" and "thingamajig," including some fun …
Published on 3 weeks ago
AI's impact on translators, untranslatable Dutch words, and more, with Heddwen Newton
Episode 1108
1108. This week, we talk to Heddwen Newton about some of the unique and untranslatable words she's discovered while translating. She shares her thoughts on why the translation profession is being hit…
Published on 3 weeks, 5 days ago
Double possessives. Words that do double duty. The monkeys aren't working.
Episode 1107
1107. This week, we look at double possessives, such as "a friend of Mignon's" and whether they are grammatically correct. Then, we look at words that do double duty, from the nautical origins of "sc…
Published on 4 weeks ago
New words: 'beer muscles' & 'waka jumpers,' with Fiona McPherson.
Episode 1106
1106. We talk with Fiona McPherson, a senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, about the playful words that get added to the OED. We look at the dictionary's ongoing work to expand its coverag…
Published on 1 month ago
How pronouns reveal our psychology. How'd we get our alphabet? Tabagogox.
Episode 1105
1105. This week, we look at how the pronouns you use can reveal your psychological state — for example, how using "I" versus "we" can signal how you are coping with a breakup or a tragic event. Then,…
Published on 1 month ago