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773 - Postal Zones. Reenter. Bougie.
Episode 773
How postal zones led to ZIP codes. Why I like to put a hyphen in "re-enter." How "bougie," which today has a negative connotation, came from an older…
6 years, 1 month ago
772 - The History of ZIP Codes and Addresses (Plus How to Write Them)
Episode 772
If you've ever wondered how to capitalize 'ZIP Code' (or is that 'ZIP code' or 'zip code'?), this one is for you. Plus, I have an interview with Deir…
6 years, 1 month ago
771 - Writing Lessons from Bad Job Applications
Episode 771
Our guest, Lindsay McMahon of the All Ears English podcast, recently hired and now shares the lessons she learned going through a lot of bad résumés …
6 years, 1 month ago
770 - 'Muslim' or 'Moslem'? 'Fishfolk'? 'Fishist'? What Is the Gender-Neutral Term for 'Fisherman'?
Episode 770
Why do we use the new spelling "Muslim" and not the older spelling "Moslem" anymore? Also, we talk about AP Stylebook updates and end up on a fun tan…
6 years, 1 month ago
769 - Why Do We Say 'Cool Your Heels'? What's Up With 'Zhuzh'?
Episode 769
Here's why we say "cool your heels" and "cool your jets"—they're different! Also, we take a close look at the word "zhuzh" which means to make someth…
6 years, 2 months ago
768 - Why Aren't We 'Whelmed'? And Cabin 'Fever,' Anyone?
Episode 768
We know we can be overwhelmed. Why aren't we ever just whelmed? Also, maybe it was having cabin fever that made us start thinking about all the Engli…
6 years, 2 months ago
767 - The semicolon is so much more interesting than you imagine
Episode 767
From 19th century grammatical duels to modern day suicide prevention campaigns, the semicolon has a long history of inspiring strong emotions.
Read th…
6 years, 2 months ago
766 - 'Flaunt' and 'Flout.' 'Band Together.'
Episode 766
The word "flaunt" and "flute" are strangely related (flue of shame, anyone?), but don't use either of them to mean "flout."
Read the transcripts. 'Flo…
6 years, 2 months ago
765 - Say No to Marshall Law. How 'Vaccine' Is Related to 'Cow.'
Episode 765
Why you could be forgiven for (briefly) getting excited about "Marshall Law." Plus, the word "vaccine" is related to cows. That's a surprise!
Read the…
6 years, 3 months ago
764 - Skeleton Crew. Hunker Down. Uncharted. Existential.
Episode 764
Times are terrible, but no matter what is happening, we will always have interesting words and phrases to explore.
Read the transcripts. Skeleton Crew…
6 years, 3 months ago