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Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors
Episode 1081
1081. Is an epitome a summary or a shining example? We look at why this word trips people up and how its meaning has changed over time. Then, we take…
1 year, 1 month ago
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng
Episode 1080
1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people’s accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects. If…
1 year, 1 month ago
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO.
Episode 1079
1079. Ever wonder what labels like "informal," "archaic," or "offensive" mean in a dictionary entry? We explain how different dictionaries use labels…
1 year, 1 month ago
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,’ with Mary Robinette Kowal
Episode 1078
1078. Mary Robinette Kowal talks about going from writing magic-filled Regency romances to Hugo-nominated science fiction, what it's like to work wit…
1 year, 2 months ago
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up.
Episode 1077
1077. Is it “lit” or “lighted”? Both are correct, but we look at how their popularity has switched over time. Then we investigate four of the competi…
1 year, 2 months ago
Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn’t know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein
Episode 1076
1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who’s hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can’t repla…
1 year, 2 months ago
'I.e.' versus 'e.g.' What Shakespeare actually added to English. Four schnitzels.
Episode 1075
1075. People often confuse "i.e." and "e.g." We'll help you get them right — no Latin required. Then, in honor of Shakespeare’s birthday, we look at …
1 year, 2 months ago
AI and the future of dictionaries, with Erin McKean
Episode 1074
1074. Is AI good enough to replace lexicographers? Wordnik founder Erin McKean shares what works, what doesn’t, and why the future of dictionaries is…
1 year, 2 months ago
Better paragraph breaks. The story behind 'mad money' and 'pin money.' Bruce bad.
Episode 1073
1073. Today, we have practical tips for writing better paragraphs (and it's not the formulaic topic-sentence structure). Then, we look at the surpris…
1 year, 2 months ago
The future of editing jobs in the age of AI, with Samantha Enslen
Episode 1072
1072. Is AI coming for our jobs—or just the boring parts? This week, Samantha Enslen of Dragonfly Editorial talks about how she sees AI changing the …
1 year, 2 months ago