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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, 3 months 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, 3 months 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, 3 months 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, 3 months 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, 3 months 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, 3 months 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, 3 months ago
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers.
Episode 981
981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to …
2 years, 3 months ago
Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan
Episode 980
980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide…
2 years, 4 months ago
The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket.
Episode 979
979. In the first segment, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the origins and transformation of punctuation. From the early days when words ran tog…
2 years, 4 months ago