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

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Words With K in Them Are Funny - 17 Aug. 2009 Aug 17, 2009

Show notes

Pickle, baboon, cupcake, snorkel, pumpkin, Kalamazoo—let’s face it, some words are just plain funny. But what makes some words funnier than others? Martha and Grant consider this question with an assist from Neil Simon’s play (and movie) The Sunshine Boys. Also in this episode: “There are three words in the English language that end in -gry. Angry and hungry are two of them.” The hosts explain how this aggravating riddle works—and doesn’t work. And what’s a shivaree?

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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Talking in the Third Person (Minicast) - 13 August 2009 Aug 13, 2009

Show notes

Does it bug you when people talk about themselves in the third person? A caller finds herself mightily annoyed by this habit, which she observes especially among politicians and celebrities. There’s a word for the practice of referring to oneself in the third person: illeism.

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Going for that Anti-Marketing Dollar - 10 Aug. 2009 Aug 10, 2009

Show notes

In this downbeat economy, some advertisers are reaching for upbeat language. Take the new Quaker Oats catchphrase, “Go humans go,” or Coca-Cola’s current slogan, “Open happiness.” Martha and Grant discuss whether chirpy, happy ad copy can go too far. Also this week, why New Yorkers insist they stand on line instead of in line. And who is William Trembletoes? And what’s a zerbert?

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How Do You Pronounce "Etiquette"? Minicast -7 Aug. 2009 Aug 07, 2009

Show notes

If a colleague repeatedly mispronounces a word, what’s the best way to handle it? Should you correct him? Ignore it? Is it possible to discuss the proper way to say something without being rude or condescending?

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Don't Give Me Any of That Flannel Minicast - 5 August 2009 Aug 05, 2009

Show notes

The English language has no shortage of words that mean nonsensical talk, including one that’s piqued a listener’s curiosity: How did flannel come to mean “empty chatter” or “hot air,” as in “Don’t give me any of that flannel!”?

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Like a Duck on a June Bug - 3 Aug. 2009 Aug 03, 2009

Show notes

Why are the names of cars so unimaginative? Grant argues that auto manufacturers might take inspiration from ornithology to build a better car name. (Then again, would you be any less aggravated if you were rear-ended by a lazuli bunting?) Also this week, why do so many young folks pepper their speech with the word “like,” and what, if anything, can be done about it? All that, plus Luddites, chicken bog, a duck on a June bug, and the possible origins of the phrase “to get one’s goat.”

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Moded, Corroded, Your Booty Exploded - 27 July 2009 Jul 27, 2009

Show notes

Why is it that what you say to your family and what they hear are different? If you say “no,” your child hears “maybe,” and if you say “maybe,” she hears “ask again and again,” and “yes” is just around the corner.” Grant and Martha discuss ways that families communicate and miscommunicate. Also in this episode: the West Coast exclamation moded!, the Navy expression turn to, how to pronounce llama, what it means if someone says your car is banjaxed, and more.

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Magnolia Mouth, Zero Plurals, and Cluster Simplification (minicast) - 22 July 2009 Jul 22, 2009

Show notes

An Alabama high-school teacher observes that one of his fellow teachers tends to write words that should be plural as singular, such as “I graded all 50 test” instead of “I graded all 50 tests.” The reason for this locution has to do with some interesting features of Southern English.

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I, For One, Welcome Our New Robot Overlords - 20 July 2009 Jul 20, 2009

Show notes

Sure, there’s Grandma and Grampa, but there’s also Gammy, Bumpy, Dadoo, Gre-Gre, Kiki, Kerkel, Monga, Nee-Nee, Pots, Rah-Rah and Woo-Woo. Martha and Grant talk about the endlessly inventive names grandchildren call their grandparents. They also discuss Seinfeldisms, couch potatoes, and where in the world your car can and will be stopped by robots. Really!

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A Walk Spoiled But Our Lie is Good - 13 July 2009 Jul 13, 2009

Show notes

If English isn’t your first language, there are lots of ways to learn it, such as memorizing Barack Obama’s speech to the 2004 Democratic Convention. Martha and Grant talk about some of the unusual ways foreigners are learning to speak English. Also, a golfer wonders if it’s ever proper to say “I’m going golfing” rather than “I’m going to play golf.” And they share an easy way to remember the difference between lie and lay.

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