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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…
8 months, 4 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…
9 months ago
Adapting a classic: from words to watercolors, with K. Woodman-Maynard
Episode 1119
1119. This week, we talk with illustrator and cartoonist K. Woodman-Maynard about her new graphic novel adaptation of "Tuck Everlasting." We look at …
9 months ago
Dime idioms. ‘HoCo’ and syllable acronyms. Pulling a Trevor
Episode 1118
1118. This week, we look at the origins of idioms related to the word "dime," like "turn on a dime" and "get off the dime." We also look at a special…
9 months, 1 week ago
How algorithms are changing the meaning of words, with Adam Aleksic
Episode 1117
1117. This week, we talk with Adam Aleksic, also known as the Etymology Nerd, about the ways algorithms are changing the meaning of words. We look at…
9 months, 1 week ago
The pirate history of ‘scallywag.’ ‘Used to’ versus ‘use to.’ Cheese grits.
Episode 1116
1116. This week, we clarify the origins of the word "Schnauzer" and why it may mean "snout," "growler," or "mustache." Then, in honor of Talk Like a …
9 months, 2 weeks ago
From clay tablets to the Gutenberg press, with Keith Houston
Episode 1115
1115. This week, we talk with Keith Houston about his book, "The Book." We look at how writing technology evolved from clay tablets and bamboo slips …
9 months, 2 weeks ago
Why we have indents. More on Formica. Running on Edgar.
Episode 1114
1114. This week, we look at the history and purpose of indents, from medieval manuscripts to modern word processors, and the difference between a fir…
9 months, 3 weeks ago
The surprising ways we gesture about time and space, with Lauren Gawne
Episode 1113
1113. This week, we talk with linguist Lauren Gawne about her book "Gesture: A Slim Guide." We look at how different cultures gesture about abstract …
9 months, 3 weeks ago
Vonnegut’s semicolon rule. What age has to do with language. Chocolate donut.
Episode 1112
1112. This week, we look at why you can safely ignore Kurt Vonnegut’s famous advice about ignoring semicolons. We also look at why taking punctuation…
9 months, 4 weeks ago