That's What They Say - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

TWTS: "Highfalutin" is too good for one spelling Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

While we may know highfalutin language when we hear it, we don't all agree about how to spell "highfalutin" or where it comes from.

TWTS: Be careful what you hear around the scuttlebutt Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

We exchange scuttlebutt at the proverbial water cooler, and there's an etymological clue in that.

TWTS: Time to talk about your watch Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

The little clock we wear on our wrist could be called a clock. Instead, it has long had its own term, being called a watch instead.

TWTS: Careful how you're using that 👍 Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Sometimes new slang jumps out in front of you, waving its hands, or thumbs, so that you can’t help but notice it. Sometimes it just sneaks up on you.

TWTS: Understanding the depth of "fathom" Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

We can count fathoms when we’re measuring things. We can also metaphorically fathom or not fathom things.

TWTS: Speaking of "bespoke" Jul 03, 2026

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This is a bespoke segment of That’s What They Say that focuses on “bespoke.”

TWTS: Up and down your alley... and your street Jun 26, 2026

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If it’s up your alley, it might also be up your street. And perhaps it’s down rather than up.

TWTS: One rank, two pronunciations Jun 22, 2026

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You say "lieutenant," I say “leftenant” but let’s not call the whole thing off.

TWTS: The wonky journey of "wonky" Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

There’s more than one way to be wonky, and not all of them are bad.

TWTS: Are we canceling adverbs? Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Adverbs don’t always get a lot of love, captured powerfully in the writing tip “Abolish the adverbs.”

That’s What They Say