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People have ~feelings~ about the exclamation point (Florence Hazrat interview)
Episode 938
938. Love it or hate it, the exclamation point has been on the red carpet lately because we're using it more. But it also has a fascinating history: …
3 years, 1 month ago
15 years of podcasting with Money Girl and Nutrition Diva
In this special bonus episode, I sat down with Laura Adams and Monica Reinagel, who host Money Girl and Nutrition Diva here on the Quick and Dirty Ti…
3 years, 1 month ago
'Less' versus 'fewer.' Fun names for fingers. Scunscreen.
Episode 937
937. Today, we explore the traditional advice of using "fewer" for things you can count and "less" for things you can't, but you'll also learn about …
3 years, 1 month ago
'Inspirational' or 'aspirational'? The surprising dangers of ChatGPT. Spaghetto.
Episode 936
936. Have you ever wondered about the nuanced differences between "aspirational" and "inspirational"? Today, we look at a newer, more cynical meaning…
3 years, 1 month ago
Phrasal verb mysteries and minced oath origins. Night water.
Episode 935
935. Ever been puzzled by the difference between "slow down" and "slow up"? Curious about how they can possibly mean the same thing (or do they)? We…
3 years, 1 month ago
Unlocking the mystery of 'ever words' and Latin abbreviations. Juna.
Episode 934
934. Ever wondered why "whyever" isn't as popular as "wherever," "however," or "whenever"? Join me as we delve into the world of "-ever" words and th…
3 years, 2 months ago
Why words can suddenly look unrecognizable. Learn to love the full stop. Marley.
Episode 933
933. Have you ever looked at a word and it didn't seem like a real word anymore? It's a specific thing that happens in your brain called semantic sat…
3 years, 2 months ago
Imagine life as a fiction editor (interview with Amy Schneider, author of the Chicago Guide to Copy Editing Fiction)
Episode 932
932. When I saw Amy Schneider's new book, The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction, I realized that I have never seen a book that specializes in edit…
3 years, 2 months ago
Darth Vader and the word 'father.' Comparatives and superlatives. Pritinear.
Episode 931
931. Darth Vader wasn't the best father (understatement!), but his name is a wonderful jumping off point to discuss the origin of the word "father." …
3 years, 2 months ago
TV changes how you use language. When to use (and not use) 'more' and 'most'
Episode 930
930. How YOU doin? Today we’re going to MacGyver up some fun memories and tips. And then we'll look at the rules about using "more" and "most" or "-e…
3 years, 2 months ago