Podcast Episodes
Back to Search
How a long-lost yearbook revealed the origin of 'hella,' with Ben Zimmer
Episode 1145
1145. In this bonus segment from October, I talk with Ben Zimmer about "hella" and how even yearbook messages can be digitized to help preserve the l…
7 months, 3 weeks ago
The origin of X in algebra. Why we say ‘how come’ for ‘why.’ Water handles.
Episode 1144
1144. This week, we look at the origin of the letter X as the variable for the unknown in algebra. Then, we look at the phrase "how come," explaining…
7 months, 3 weeks ago
2025 Words of the Year, with Jess Zafarris and Danny Hieber
Episode 1143
1143. This week, we look at the 2025 words of the year with Jess Zafarris and Danny Hieber. We look at viral slang like "six seven" and cultural term…
8 months ago
'Pride and prejudice' before Jane Austen. Was Parson Brown a real person? Happy Panda.
Episode 1142
1142. This week, we look at the history of the phrase "pride and prejudice," which was used frequently before Jane Austen’s 1813 novel. Then, we look…
8 months ago
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…
8 months, 1 week 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. …
8 months, 1 week 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…
8 months, 2 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…
8 months, 2 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…
8 months, 3 weeks 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 …
8 months, 3 weeks ago