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From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge.
Episode 991
991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "ha…
2 years ago
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones
Episode 990
990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q …
2 years, 1 month ago
What is a Word? Target moments.
Episode 989
989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at h…
2 years, 1 month ago
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski
Episode 988
988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published…
2 years, 1 month ago
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill.
Episode 987
987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not O…
2 years, 1 month ago
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner
Episode 986
986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating…
2 years, 1 month ago
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"!
Episode 985
985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the ph…
2 years, 1 month ago
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions
Episode 984
984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" or "broth," "street" or "boulevard," "maze" or "labyrinth" and mor…
2 years, 1 month ago
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys
Episode 983
983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who st…
2 years, 1 month ago
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen
Episode 982
982. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets…
2 years, 1 month ago