A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

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A Roberta of Flax - 22 Nov. 2010 Nov 22, 2010

Show notes

We have collective nouns for animals, like “a gaggle of geese,” “a pride of lions,” and “an exaltation of larks.” So why not collective nouns for plants? How about a “greasing of palms,” or a “pursing of tulips”? Also, the difference between further and farther, the proper use of crescendo, how Shakespeare sounded, and why a child’s runny nose is sometimes referred to as lamb’s legs.

Hear hundreds of free episodes and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org. Be a part of the show: call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; elsewhere in the world, call or text +1 619 800 4443. Send voice notes or messages via WhatsApp 16198004443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.

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NPR Puzzlemaster Will Shortz - 16 Nov. 2010 Nov 16, 2010

Show notes

This week, a special treat: NPR Puzzlemaster Will Shortz stops by with a quiz about slang and anagrams.
Did you know that A Way with Words is not produced by NPR or one of the other big radio networks? It's not even produced by a radio station. Our show is produced by a small, nonprofit organization called Wayword, Inc.
In the coming year, we hope to bring you even more new episodes. Yep, that's right -- fewer reruns!
But we need your help, so please click here and make your tax-deductible contribution today. Remember, it all adds up. Your donation in any amount makes it possible for us to keep producing new episodes.
So, OVEN WIG and HANKY OUT!
(If you need help with those anagrams, not to worry. Martha unscrambles them at the end of this episode.)
--
A Way with Words is an independent production supported by its listeners. It receives no financial support from NPR, PRI, PBS nor any radio station.
Support the show with your tax deductible donation: https://waywordradio.org/donate
Hear hundreds of free episodes and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org. Be a part of the show: call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; elsewhere in the world, call or text +1 619 800 4443. Send voice notes or messages via WhatsApp 16198004443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.

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Words of the Year - 15 Nov. 2010 Nov 15, 2010

Show notes

What’s your choice for 2010’s word of the year? Mama grizzly? Starwhacker? Who could forget vuvuzela? Martha and Grant discuss the five-oh in Hawaii 5-0, and whether the tagline “I approve this message” is grammatical. Also, is the phrase “it is what it is” annoying or merely philosophical?

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Lunatic Fringe - 25 Oct. 2010 Oct 25, 2010

Show notes

In this week’s episode, “It was bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Martha and Grant discuss their favorite first lines from novels. Also this week, palmer-housing, beanplating, meeting cute, bad billboard grammar, and what it means when someone says you look like a tree full of owls. And which is correct: another thing coming or another think coming?

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Drinking Terms (Minicast) - 6 Oct. 2010 Oct 06, 2010

Show notes

An interview with slang lexicographer Paul Dickson about drinking language and his book Drunk: the Definitive Drinkers Dictionary.

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A Louse in a Wrestling Jacket - 4 Oct. 2010 Oct 03, 2010

Show notes

A California college student is campaigning for international scientific authorities to adopt the slang term hella as an official prefix indicating a huge number. Will he succeed? Also, how to pronounce niche, the regional terms doppick and nixie, the origins of towheaded and frenetic, and a phrase familiar to African-Americans but little-known outside that community: I couldn’t buy a louse in a wrestling jacket.

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A Gazelle on the Lawn (Rebroadcast) - 13 Sept. 2010 Sep 14, 2010

Show notes

What do you say if you have guests over and someone in your family has stray food left on the face? In some households, the secret warning is “there’s a gazelle on the lawn.” But why a gazelle? Also, this week: the term for a party to introduce one’s new baby to family and friends, the past tense of the verb “to text”, and why some people use three syllables when pronouncing “realtor.” And did you know there’s a language in which it’s perfectly normal to wash your clothes in Barf?

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Spendthrift Snollygosters (rebroadcast) - 16 Aug. 2010 Aug 16, 2010

Show notes

This week, it’s the language of politics. Martha and Grant discuss two handy terms describing politicians: far center and snollygoster. Also, a presidential word puzzle, false friends, spendthrifts, and a long list of 17th-century insults. So listen up, all you flouting milksops, blockish grutnols, and slubberdegullions!

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The Language of Less Than Three (rebroadcast) - 9 Aug. 2010 Aug 09, 2010

Show notes

Whoever wrote “The Book of Love” neglected to include the handy emoticon <3, which looks like a heart if you turn your head sideways. Grant and Martha talk about how that bit of affectionate shorthand can function as a verb, and about the antiquated words for “kiss,” osculate and exosculate.

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A Whole Nother (Rebroadcast) - 26 July 2010 Jul 26, 2010

Show notes

For the final word on grammar, many writers turn to the Associated Press Stylebook. But if you find that stylebook too stuffy, you’ll love Fake AP Stylebook, the online send-up that features such sage journalistic advice “The plural of apostrophe is ‘apostrophe’s.’” Grant and Martha share some favorite “rules” from that guide. Also this week: Why are offices and apartments named after landscapes and wildlife that are nowhere to be seen? Is it correct to use the phrase “a whole nother”? And what’s the difference, if any, between a naturalist and a biologist?

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