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The 'sheeple' incident, with Stefan Fatsis
Episode 1141
1141. We look at the controversy that caught Stefan Fatsis by surprise when he defined the word "sheeple" for Merriam-Webster, leading to public comp…
6 months, 2 weeks ago
The rise of the 'hamster wheel.' The many names of Santa Claus. Unattractive turtles.
Episode 1140
1140. This week, we look at the difference between the modern phrase "hamster wheel" and the older "rat race," and why the former gained popularity. …
6 months, 3 weeks ago
An inspiring tutor, 'New York System' hot dogs, and 'queen spotting.'
Episode 1139
1139. In this bonus discussion with Martha Barnette back in March, we look at Martha's pivotal twelve-year journey with a polyglot tutor who transfor…
6 months, 3 weeks ago
Why Brits eat biscuits and Americans eat cookies. Why brands keep nouning everything. Hamster alert.
Episode 1138
This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a…
6 months, 4 weeks ago
Rob Drummond on languaging and our fluid speaking identities
Episode 1137
In this bonus conversation with Rob Drummond from back in June, he and I get into the fascinating concept of "languaging" — the idea that speaking is…
7 months ago
The sinful fork (and other dinner-table surprises)
Episode 1136
1136. This week, we go full Thanksgiving, talking about the origin of butter knives, forks, and more. You'll love all the tidbits you can share with …
7 months ago
Why print dictionaries still matter, with Peter Sokolowski
Episode 1135
1135. This week, we talk with Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, about the new print 12th Collegiate Dictionary. We look at why pr…
7 months, 1 week ago
Personification in language and AI. Dictums, maxims, and proverbs. Expensitive.
Episode 1134
1134. This week, we look at the poetic power of personification (the language quirk that gives human traits to nonhuman things) and why style guides …
7 months, 1 week ago
The secret rules of crossword puzzles, with Natan Last
Episode 1133
1133. This week, crossword pro Natan Last talks about his book "Across the Universe." We look at the technical and cultural differences between Ameri…
7 months, 2 weeks ago
How '23 skidoo' & 'at sixes and sevens' are related to '6-7.'
Episode 1132
1132. This week, in honor of Dictionary.com choosing "6-7" as its Word of the Year, we look at the origin of other number phrases: "23 skidoo" and "a…
7 months, 2 weeks ago