770 - 'Muslim' or 'Moslem'? 'Fishfolk'? 'Fishist'? What Is the Gender-Neutral Term for 'Fisherman'?
Why do we use the new spelling "Muslim" and not the older spelling "Moslem" anymore? Also, we talk about AP Stylebook updates and end up on a fun tangent about a gender-neutral term for "fisherman."Re...
7 Maj 202013min
769 - Why Do We Say 'Cool Your Heels'? What's Up With 'Zhuzh'?
Here's why we say "cool your heels" and "cool your jets"—they're different! Also, we take a close look at the word "zhuzh" which means to make something more interesting or attractive. You may have ne...
30 Apr 202018min
768 - Why Aren't We 'Whelmed'? And Cabin 'Fever,' Anyone?
We know we can be overwhelmed. Why aren't we ever just whelmed? Also, maybe it was having cabin fever that made us start thinking about all the English idioms that use the word "fever."Read the transc...
23 Apr 202011min
767 - The semicolon is so much more interesting than you imagine
From 19th century grammatical duels to modern day suicide prevention campaigns, the semicolon has a long history of inspiring strong emotions.Read the transcript. The SemicolonProfile of Lindley Murra...
16 Apr 202029min
766 - 'Flaunt' and 'Flout.' 'Band Together.'
The word "flaunt" and "flute" are strangely related (flue of shame, anyone?), but don't use either of them to mean "flout."Read the transcripts. 'Flout' and 'Flaunt.' 'Band Together.'Subscribe to the ...
9 Apr 202011min
765 - Say No to Marshall Law. How 'Vaccine' Is Related to 'Cow.'
Why you could be forgiven for (briefly) getting excited about "Marshall Law." Plus, the word "vaccine" is related to cows. That's a surprise!Read the transcripts. Martial Law. Vaccine and Vaccination....
2 Apr 20209min
764 - Skeleton Crew. Hunker Down. Uncharted. Existential.
Times are terrible, but no matter what is happening, we will always have interesting words and phrases to explore.Read the transcripts. Skeleton Crew. Hunker Down. Uncharted. Existential.Subscribe to ...
26 Mars 202010min
763 - How to Write Better Email. 'Pandemic' vs. 'Epidemic.' 'Canceled' vs. 'Cancelled.'
Are you writing more email? We have seven ways to do it better. Also, we'll help you understand the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic and when you should use "canceled" versus "cancelled."...
19 Mars 202013min
