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The pirate history of ‘scallywag.’ ‘Used to’ versus ‘use to.’ Cheese grits.
Episode 1116
1116. This week, we clarify the origins of the word "Schnauzer" and why it may mean "snout," "growler," or "mustache." Then, in honor of Talk Like a …
11 months ago
From clay tablets to the Gutenberg press, with Keith Houston
Episode 1115
1115. This week, we talk with Keith Houston about his book, "The Book." We look at how writing technology evolved from clay tablets and bamboo slips …
11 months, 1 week ago
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 fir…
11 months, 1 week 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 …
11 months, 2 weeks 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…
11 months, 2 weeks 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…
11 months, 3 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 i…
11 months, 4 weeks 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 "whatc…
1 year 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 thoug…
1 year 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 tha…
1 year ago