Finding the true history of words, with Ben Zimmer
1129. This week, we talk with Ben Zimmer about the linguistic detective work of antedating words — finding earlier usages than those published in dictionaries. We look at the surprising origins of "Ms...
30 Okt 202526min
‘Ghost words’ and their history. Rules for ‘between’ and ‘among.’ Wilsoning.
1128. This week, in honor of Halloween, we look at “ghost words” and phrases, from “ghost runners” in baseball to “ghost forests” made by earthquakes. We also look at the difference between “between” ...
28 Okt 202514min
How to be a ‘feisty freelancer,’ with Suzanne Bowness
1127. This week, we talk with Suzanne Bowness about creating a successful life as a writer. We look at high-value industries that are good targets for freelance work and the best job titles to pitch. ...
23 Okt 202528min
Shakespeare's ‘wherefore’ and other false friends. The language of fear. A Tom.
1126. This week, we look at words for fear and why "wherefore" doesn't mean what many people think it means.The false friends segment was written by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. These days...
21 Okt 202517min
Why Q needs U and how hieroglyphics created our alphabet, with Danny Bate
1125. This week, we talk with linguist and author Danny Bate about his book, "Why Q Needs U." We look at the ancient origins of our alphabet, tracing its conceptual leap from Egyptian hieroglyphs to s...
16 Okt 202537min
The political, royal and obscene meanings of blue. The differences in ‘plumb’ and plum.’
1124. This week, we look at blue idioms, including the political history of "blue states," the medical reason for being "blue in the face," and the astronomical reason for a "blue moon." Then, we look...
14 Okt 202515min
The fight for the modern dictionary, with Stefan Fatsis
1123. This week, we talk with author and self-described “word freak” Stefan Fatsis about his book "Unabridged." He shares his experience embedding at Merriam-Webster to become a lexicographer, sharing...
9 Okt 202532min
‘Math’ versus ‘maths’ and other British differences. ‘Spendthrift’ means what?
1122. This week, we look at two subtle but persistent differences between American and British English: why Americans say "math" and Brits say "maths," and why Americans are "in the hospital" while Br...
7 Okt 202513min
