Metaphors and your brain. How figurative language works, with Dr. Vicky Lai
1098. We talk with cognitive scientist Dr. Vicky Lai about how frequently we use metaphors and what happens in our brains when we hear them. We also look at her research on irony and its effect on emo...
10 Jul 202519min
Can you have a million bacons? Martha's Vineyard's unique sound.
1097. Do you wonder whether "bacon" can be plural? We look at the difference between countable and uncountable nouns. Then, we look at how the Martha's Vineyard accent developed and what it tells us a...
8 Jul 202517min
The surprising history (and politics) of emoji, with Keith Houston
1096. This week, we look at the world of emoji with Keith Houston, author of "Face with Tears of Joy." He discusses the long history of emoji, from ancient origins to early computer character sets, an...
3 Jul 202528min
Is ‘sick’...good? What we think of posh language and class. Misunderseed
1095. Is “sick” really “good”? This week, we explore how words flip their meanings and why language changes over time. Then, we look at the 1950s idea of "U and Non-U English" and what it tells us abo...
1 Jul 202517min
The language of children’s storytelling, with Doug Fraser
1094. Have you ever wondered about the linguistic techniques behind popular children's podcasts? This week, we talk with Doug Fraser, also known as Dougie Pickles from the "Cozy Critters" podcast, who...
26 Jun 202519min
Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi
1093. Why do we say “prob’ly” instead of “probably”? This week, we look at elision in everyday speech. Then, we look at a wild study showing that the way people talk is being influenced by AI.The elis...
24 Jun 202517min
What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond
1092. Your accent may be saying more than your words. Sociolinguist Rob Drummond explains how accents shape our identities, how they differ across social classes, and why changing your accent can affe...
19 Jun 202531min
Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver'
1091. Is the em dash a sign of AI writing? I looked at where the idea comes from, and we have the final answer! Then, we look at the difference between "caregiver" and "caretaker."The "'caregiver" an...
17 Jun 202517min
