How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng
1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people’s accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects. If you've ever cringed at your old voice recordings, ...
8 Maj 202521min
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO.
1079. Ever wonder what labels like "informal," "archaic," or "offensive" mean in a dictionary entry? We explain how different dictionaries use labels to describe when, where, and how to use words. The...
6 Maj 202517min
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,’ with Mary Robinette Kowal
1078. Mary Robinette Kowal talks about going from writing magic-filled Regency romances to Hugo-nominated science fiction, what it's like to work with an agent, and how she keeps her career moving for...
1 Maj 202520min
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up.
1077. Is it “lit” or “lighted”? Both are correct, but we look at how their popularity has switched over time. Then we investigate four of the competing theories about the origin of the dollar sign and...
29 Apr 202519min
Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn’t know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein
1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who’s hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can’t replace human storytelling. We also talked about how gho...
24 Apr 202522min
'I.e.' versus 'e.g.' What Shakespeare actually added to English. Four schnitzels.
1075. People often confuse "i.e." and "e.g." We'll help you get them right — no Latin required. Then, in honor of Shakespeare’s birthday, we look at five common myths about his contributions to the En...
22 Apr 202518min
AI and the future of dictionaries, with Erin McKean
1074. Is AI good enough to replace lexicographers? Wordnik founder Erin McKean shares what works, what doesn’t, and why the future of dictionaries is far from settled.Find Erin McKean at wordnik.com, ...
17 Apr 202526min
Better paragraph breaks. The story behind 'mad money' and 'pin money.' Bruce bad.
1073. Today, we have practical tips for writing better paragraphs (and it's not the formulaic topic-sentence structure). Then, we look at the surprising history of phrases like “mad money” and “pin mo...
15 Apr 202515min
