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
What your hands are saying (even when you’re not thinking about it), with Lauren Gawne
1090. Your hands may be saying more than your words. Lauren Gawne explains how gestures shape communication, how they differ across cultures, and why removing gestures can make your speech less fluent...
12 Jun 202529min
‘Further’ vs. ‘farther.’ Why designers use fake Latin. Blondie hot
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, but what does it mean? And where did it come from?The...
10 Jun 202516min
What AI means for writers and editors, with Daniel Heuman
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 editing, AI, energy use, and how tools like DraftS...
5 Jun 202528min
