788 - Why 'Out of Pocket' Means Both 'Inappropriate' and 'Unavailable'
People have been asking about the "unavailable" meaning of "out of pocket" for decades, but there's also an "inappropriate" meaning that is spreading.Read the transcript: Out of PocketUse the hashtag ...
10 Syys 202016min
787 - Why We Associate Political Parties with the Colors Red and Blue
Nick and Hannah explain "red" and "blue," the origin of "POTUS," why the Declaration of Independence is the greatest break-up letter ever written, and more.Read the transcript: The InterviewUse the ha...
3 Syys 202024min
786 - 'Doomscrolling' (OK, Doomer). 'Each Other' or 'One Another'?
Whether you call it "doomscrolling" or "doomsurfing," it's not your fault that you feel compelled to do it. "Doom" has an interesting history though. Also, in honor of "Bill and Ted's Excellent Advent...
27 Elo 202014min
785 - 'Gantlet' or 'Gauntlet'? Do You Want to Say 'Had Went'?
Have you been told to write "run the GANTLET"? Here's why you shouldn't. Also, editor Ben Yagoda explains why he's so tempted to use "had went" instead of "had gone."Read the transcripts: Gauntlet. Ha...
20 Elo 202012min
784 - A Historical Tip for Remembering When to Use 'Historical.' Put More Thought into Your Punctuation.
Kamala Harris's selection as Joe Biden's running mate is important, significant, and a number of firsts, but should we call it "historic" or "historical"? (Also, learn about the time a woman shook her...
13 Elo 202014min
783 - How Hurricanes Get Their Names. When You Should Avoid Using Contractions.
Isaias. Mitch. Andrew. Jimena. How hurricanes get their names, and why you'll see some names twice and others never again. Also, have you ever heard that you shouldn't use contractions in your writing...
6 Elo 202018min
782 - What are those dots over letters? Why does 'money' have a plural, and how do you spell it?
What are those double dots over letters in English? Why does "money" have a plural, and how do you spell it?Read the transcripts: Diaeresis. 'Monies' or 'Moneys'?Use the hashtag #WhereIListen to show ...
30 Heinä 202010min
781 - Blursday or Whensday? Middle Grade Versus Young Adult Fiction
Blursday is a popular word to use when you don't know what day of the week it is. It captures that disoriented feeling when everything is a blur. And our wonderful fiction editor Diana Pho is back wit...
23 Heinä 202016min
