Why some verb sets are so odd (like 'go/went'). Corporate euphemisms. Goggy.
1016. This week, we look at why some verbs are so irregular that their forms don't even seem related, like "go" and "went." Then, we look at the surprising finding that corporate euphemisms are worse ...
24 Syys 202416min
What's new in the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), with Russell Harper and Mary Laur
1015. The Chicago Manual of Style is updated every seven years, and this year's update is a big one! I talked with two of the editors — Russell Harper and Mary Laur — about the major changes, how the ...
19 Syys 202451min
Do words like 'mandate' and 'cockamamie' come from words for men? Grammatical doppelgangers. A pair of teeth.
1014. This week, we debunk misconceptions about gendered language, tracing the etymology of words like "cockamamie" and "gynecology." We also look at the flexibility of English grammar, examining how ...
17 Syys 202416min
What fiction writers know about avoiding stereotypes, with Alex Temblador
1013. How can fiction writers create diverse, authentic characters without relying on stereotypes? Alex Temblador, author of "Writing An Identity Not Your Own," tackles this question and more. Learn a...
12 Syys 202434min
'Tea' or 'chai'? Why we misspeak. Fellatone.
1012. Most words are different in different languages, but water from steeped leaves has only two main names: tea and chai. We look at why! Also, if you've ever mixed up words, like calling a butterfl...
10 Syys 202413min
The language of liars. 'Legendary,' 'famous,' or 'notorious'? Fish shapes.
1011. This week, we look at language patterns that may indicate someone is lying, such as how often they say "um" and the diversity of the words they use. Then we tease out the difference between bein...
3 Syys 202414min
Apostrophes have always been confusing. 'First' or 'firstly'? Trudy!
1009. If you think apostrophes are confusing today, wait until you hear how people used them 100s of years ago! Ammon Shea has some wild stories. Plus, should you use "first," "second," and "third" or...
20 Elo 202415min
