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How to Write Faster. The Origin of the Odd Letter W
Episode 819
12 practical tips and tools that will help you write faster in the time you already have. Also, we explore why we call a letter that looks like two V…
5 years, 4 months ago
'Borrow' and 'Lend.' When to Use 'Nor.' Boncho.
Episode 818
We use a children's book and a Shakespeare play to talk about "borrow" and "lend," and then we help with the complexities of using "neither" and "nor…
5 years, 4 months ago
Squirrelly Animal Verbs. 'People,' 'Peoples,' and 'Persons': Why It Matters.
Episode 817
8.17 To hog, to ram, to bird dog. We run through a fun list of animal-inspired verbs. Plus, amazingly, it wasn't that long ago that usage experts rec…
5 years, 4 months ago
A vast number of words have surprising origins. We talked about some today, including "scientist," "impressionist," "beatnik," and "paradigm."
Episode 816
A vast number of words have surprising origins. We talked about some today with author Ralph Keyes, including "scientist," "impressionist," "beatnik,…
5 years, 5 months ago
'Normalcy' or 'Normality'? A Punctuation Question from a Famous Movie Line. Taco Cats.
Episode 815
Did you know that in the book "Gone with the Wind," Rhett Butler said "My dear..." instead of "Frankly, my dear..."? Also, are we getting back to nor…
5 years, 5 months ago
It's Not Just March. Other Months Have 'Ides' Too! Are You on the Pig's Back Today?
Episode 814
Instead of bewaring the ides of March, I'm going to beware engaging with the Roman calendar. What a fascinating mess! In honor of St. Patrick's Day, …
5 years, 5 months ago
813 - The History of National Grammar Day. My Favorite Resources. Anniversity
Episode 813
Have you ever wondered WHY we celebrate National Grammar Day? Who started this thing anyway? And if you want to do your own grammar research, I'll he…
5 years, 5 months ago
812 - Kibosh. Sidekicks. Misolation.
Episode 812
The origin of "kibosh" is a long-standing mystery in the English language. Yiddish? A whip? Clog-makers tools? We investigate. Also, sidekicks play i…
5 years, 6 months ago
811 - Inigo Montoya and Coining Phrases. 'Dose' or 'Dosage'?
Episode 811
Coin a phrase? It does not mean what you think it means. And get your dose (or dosage?) right.
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5 years, 6 months ago
810 - Words out of Time. Why 'OK' Is OK.
Episode 810
Would words and phrases like "operative" and "pump him for information" be out of place in a novel set in the 1800s? We investigate! And we also look…
5 years, 6 months ago