The 'sheeple' incident, with Stefan Fatsis
1141. We look at the controversy that caught Stefan Fatsis by surprise when he defined the word "sheeple" for Merriam-Webster, leading to public complaints. We also look at the origin and purpose of t...
11 Dec 202525min
The rise of the 'hamster wheel.' The many names of Santa Claus. Unattractive turtles.
1140. This week, we look at the difference between the modern phrase "hamster wheel" and the older "rat race," and why the former gained popularity. We also look at the similar concept of the hedonic ...
9 Dec 202514min
An inspiring tutor, 'New York System' hot dogs, and 'queen spotting.'
1139. In this bonus discussion with Martha Barnette back in March, we look at Martha's pivotal twelve-year journey with a polyglot tutor who transformed her understanding of ancient Greek, starting wi...
4 Dec 202525min
Why Brits eat biscuits and Americans eat cookies. Why brands keep nouning everything. Hamster alert.
This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a cookie and a biscuit, and the two meanings of "pud...
2 Dec 202517min
Rob Drummond on languaging and our fluid speaking identities
In this bonus conversation with Rob Drummond from back in June, he and I get into the fascinating concept of "languaging" — the idea that speaking is an active process we use to constantly shape and p...
27 Nov 202518min
The sinful fork (and other dinner-table surprises)
1136. This week, we go full Thanksgiving, talking about the origin of butter knives, forks, and more. You'll love all the tidbits you can share with your family or friends during dinner.🔗 Share your ...
25 Nov 202514min
Why print dictionaries still matter, with Peter Sokolowski
1135. This week, we talk with Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, about the new print 12th Collegiate Dictionary. We look at why print still matters, how the dictionary used lookup d...
20 Nov 202535min
Personification in language and AI. Dictums, maxims, and proverbs. Expensitive.
1134. This week, we look at the poetic power of personification (the language quirk that gives human traits to nonhuman things) and why style guides advise against using it for AI. Then, we look at th...
18 Nov 202517min
