Why plain English matters in science (and everywhere else), with Anne Greene
1102. This week, Anne Greene joins us to talk about the importance of writing in plain English, especially in scientific fields. We look at why short words are easier for our eyes to read and how a we...
24 Jul 202531min
'Y' plurals. Bill Labov's linguistic legacy. Choo-choo
1101. Do you know when to change a "y" to an "ies" for a plural, and when to just add an "s"? Today, we look at the rules. Then, we look at linguist Bill Labov's famous department store study, which s...
22 Jul 202514min
How 'algospeak' is changing language, with Adam Aleksic
1100. This week, we talk with popular online linguist Adam Aleksic, also known as Etymology Nerd. We discuss "algospeak" and how social media algorithms are changing language. We discuss euphemisms li...
17 Jul 202525min
Pop, soda, or coke? When Q stands alone. Pizza bones.
1099. Do you call it "pop," "soda," or "coke"? We look at the interesting history behind these regional names for carbonated beverages. Then, we look at words where you can use a Q without a U, which ...
15 Jul 202515min
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
