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‘Further’ vs. ‘farther.’ Why designers use fake Latin. Blondie hot
Episode 1089
1089. Do you wonder when you should use "further" or "farther"? We have the answer (where there is one). Then, you’ve seen lorem ipsum everywhere, bu…
9 months, 1 week ago
What AI means for writers and editors, with Daniel Heuman
Episode 1088
1088. He says he hates AI writing, but he's also the CEO of the company behind Draftsmith, an AI editing tool. Today, I talk with Daniel Heuman about…
9 months, 1 week ago
'The' rules you never learned. Why did Latin die?
Episode 1087
1087. You use the word "the" hundreds of times a day, but are you pronouncing it wrong? Today I have the rules I never learned about whether to say “…
9 months, 2 weeks ago
The publishing world is changing. Jane Friedman tells us how.
Episode 1086
1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to…
9 months, 2 weeks ago
Why 'plz' might be pushing people away. How to write better thank-you notes. Studaloo
Episode 1085
1085. Do abbreviations like “plz” and “ty” actually make your texts feel less sincere? New research suggests they might. We explore how shortened wor…
9 months, 2 weeks ago
Why simplified spelling nearly took over America (and why it didn't), with Gabe Henry
Episode 1084
1084. This week, Gabe Henry talks about his new book, "Enough Is Enuf," and the long, strange quest to simplify English spelling. Learn why the "Chic…
9 months, 3 weeks ago
Why 'wake' is so confusing. The playful language of vacations.
Episode 1083
1083. Is it "woke," "woken," or "waked"? We break down why the verb "wake" is one of the trickiest in English, with four competing forms and centurie…
9 months, 3 weeks ago
Ambrose Bierce, from ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ to disappearing in Mexico, with Jim Norrena
Episode 1082
1082. Copy editor Jim Norrena joins us this week for a conversation about Ambrose Bierce, his famous "Devil's Dictionary," and his darkly funny take …
10 months ago
Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors
Episode 1081
1081. Is an epitome a summary or a shining example? We look at why this word trips people up and how its meaning has changed over time. Then, we take…
10 months ago
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng
Episode 1080
1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people’s accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects. If…
10 months, 1 week ago