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'Y' plurals. Bill Labov's linguistic legacy. Choo-choo
Episode 1101
1101. Do you know when to change a "y" to an "ies" for a plural, and when to just add an "s"? Today, we look at the rules. Then, we look at linguist …
11 months, 1 week ago
How 'algospeak' is changing language, with Adam Aleksic
Episode 1100
1100. This week, we talk with popular online linguist Adam Aleksic, also known as Etymology Nerd. We discuss "algospeak" and how social media algorit…
11 months, 2 weeks ago
Pop, soda, or coke? When Q stands alone. Pizza bones.
Episode 1099
1099. Do you call it "pop," "soda," or "coke"? We look at the interesting history behind these regional names for carbonated beverages. Then, we look…
11 months, 2 weeks ago
Metaphors and your brain. How figurative language works, with Dr. Vicky Lai
Episode 1098
1098. We talk with cognitive scientist Dr. Vicky Lai about how frequently we use metaphors and what happens in our brains when we hear them. We also …
11 months, 3 weeks ago
Can you have a million bacons? Martha's Vineyard's unique sound.
Episode 1097
1097. Do you wonder whether "bacon" can be plural? We look at the difference between countable and uncountable nouns. Then, we look at how the Martha…
11 months, 3 weeks ago
The surprising history (and politics) of emoji, with Keith Houston
Episode 1096
1096. This week, we look at the world of emoji with Keith Houston, author of "Face with Tears of Joy." He discusses the long history of emoji, from a…
11 months, 4 weeks ago
Is ‘sick’...good? What we think of posh language and class. Misunderseed
Episode 1095
1095. Is “sick” really “good”? This week, we explore how words flip their meanings and why language changes over time. Then, we look at the 1950s ide…
1 year ago
The language of children’s storytelling, with Doug Fraser
Episode 1094
1094. Have you ever wondered about the linguistic techniques behind popular children's podcasts? This week, we talk with Doug Fraser, also known as D…
1 year ago
Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi
Episode 1093
1093. Why do we say “prob’ly” instead of “probably”? This week, we look at elision in everyday speech. Then, we look at a wild study showing that the…
1 year ago
What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond
Episode 1092
1092. Your accent may be saying more than your words. Sociolinguist Rob Drummond explains how accents shape our identities, how they differ across so…
1 year ago