Why people say 'I mean ...' Missing pronouns. Cat-tracted.
1039. People are saying "I mean" more lately, and we explain what it ... means! Plus, we look at why people leave out pronouns at the beginning of sentences such as "Ordering pizza!"The "I mean" segme...
17 Dec 202416min
Why the new CMOS is yellow. Pandemic collectors editions. And more
1038. Chicago Manual of Style editors Mary Laur and Russell Harper dish on the changes they wanted in CMOS that didn't make it in, why the stylebook is bright yellow, and how a printing problem during...
12 Dec 202416min
Positive 'anymore.' 'Wreaked' or 'wrought'? Seat of your pants. Pecan pie.
1037. This week, we answer a few questions that have popped up from previous episodes: What's up with the "positive anymore"? What is havoc? Is it wreaked or wrought? And more!🔗 Share your familect r...
10 Dec 202413min
Making your own dictionary, with Erin McKean
1036. Erin McKean runs an entire online dictionary with the goal of having ALL the English words. But Wordnik is not only huge, it's also filled with delightful quirks. Hear how Erin manages this one-...
5 Dec 202425min
Good first sentences. The language of 'Gladiator II.' Bear barber.
1035. This week, we look at famous and amazing first sentences in novels to understand what makes them so compelling, and then we look at the interesting origin of "gladiator" and other words from Rom...
3 Dec 202416min
How to write about trademarks. Why we say 'thank you.'
1034. First, we look at how writers should use trademarked terms like "Kleenex" and "Google," including when to capitalize them and how to avoid legal pitfalls. Then, we look at the way the word "than...
26 Nov 202416min
Why one creative agency changed its stance on AI
1033. Last year, Dragonfly Editorial had a "no AI" policy, but since then, they've been experimenting with the technology, and the policy has become more nuanced. President Samantha Enslen joins us to...
21 Nov 202435min
Why children learn languages faster than adults. Are band names singular or plural?
1032. First, we explore why children pick up languages faster than adults. You’ll learn about the critical period when young brains are best at learning, why kids often learn two languages at once, an...
19 Nov 202419min
