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Finding the true history of words, with Ben Zimmer
Episode 1129
1129. This week, we talk with Ben Zimmer about the linguistic detective work of antedating words — finding earlier usages than those published in dic…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
‘Ghost words’ and their history. Rules for ‘between’ and ‘among.’ Wilsoning.
Episode 1128
1128. This week, in honor of Halloween, we look at “ghost words” and phrases, from “ghost runners” in baseball to “ghost forests” made by earthquakes…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
How to be a ‘feisty freelancer,’ with Suzanne Bowness
Episode 1127
1127. This week, we talk with Suzanne Bowness about creating a successful life as a writer. We look at high-value industries that are good targets fo…
4 months, 3 weeks ago
Shakespeare's ‘wherefore’ and other false friends. The language of fear. A Tom.
Episode 1126
1126. This week, we look at words for fear and why "wherefore" doesn't mean what many people think it means.
The false friends segment was written by …
4 months, 3 weeks ago
Why Q needs U and how hieroglyphics created our alphabet, with Danny Bate
Episode 1125
1125. This week, we talk with linguist and author Danny Bate about his book, "Why Q Needs U." We look at the ancient origins of our alphabet, tracing…
5 months ago
The political, royal and obscene meanings of blue. The differences in ‘plumb’ and plum.’
Episode 1124
1124. This week, we look at blue idioms, including the political history of "blue states," the medical reason for being "blue in the face," and the a…
5 months ago
The fight for the modern dictionary, with Stefan Fatsis
Episode 1123
1123. This week, we talk with author and self-described “word freak” Stefan Fatsis about his book "Unabridged." He shares his experience embedding at…
5 months, 1 week ago
‘Math’ versus ‘maths’ and other British differences. ‘Spendthrift’ means what?
Episode 1122
1122. This week, we look at two subtle but persistent differences between American and British English: why Americans say "math" and Brits say "maths…
5 months, 1 week ago
Why ‘Useless Etymology’ gives you super powers, with Jess Zafarris
Episode 1121
1121. This week, we talk with Jess Zafarris about her book “Useless Etymology.” We look at three ways she says etymology gives you superpowers. We al…
5 months, 2 weeks ago
Can you use ‘epicenter’ for positive things? The etymology of ‘bro.’ Mukwonago, Oconomowoc.
Episode 1120
1120. This week, we look at tricky uses of the word "epicenter" and how people feel about using it metaphorically. We also look at where the word “br…
5 months, 2 weeks ago