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

Light-hearted conversation with callers from all over about new words, old sayings, slang, family ex

Episodes

Total: 775

You walk into a used bookstore, or pull down an old volume at the library, and there it is: The smel

Have a question about objective pronouns? Whom ya gonna call? Wait–is that right? Or would it be “wh

Today’s most popular dog names are Max and Bella. In the Middle Ages, though, dogs would answer to n

It’s the Up Goer Five Challenge! Try to describe something complex using only the thousand most comm

Remember a few years ago when Amazon introduced that mysterious device called a Kindle? People worri

When somebody sneezes, we say bless you or gesundheit. But suppose that person coughs. Are you suppo

Looking for a book to read with the kids, or maybe a guide to becoming a better writer? Why are leg

It’s the business of business jargon. Say you’re in line at the drugstore. Does it bother you if the

A pint-sized mad scientist, a green-haired girl with a contagious sense of wonder, and a 10-year-old

Some people proudly embrace the label cancer survivor, while others feel that’s not quite the right

First names like “Patience,” “Hope,” and “Charity” are inspired by worthy qualities. But how about “

Starting this year, Scripps National Spelling Bee contestants not only have to spell words correctly

Have a question about objective pronouns? Whom ya gonna call? Wait–is that right? Or would it be “wh

Should youngsters learn cursive handwriting in school? Plus, someone can be ruthless, but can that s

Today’s most popular dog names are Max and Bella. In the Middle Ages, though, dogs would answer to n

It’s the Up Goer Five Challenge! Try to describe something complex using only the thousand most comm

Remember a few years ago when Amazon introduced that mysterious device called a Kindle? People worri

When somebody sneezes, we say bless you or gesundheit. But suppose that person coughs. Are you suppo

This year, generous gifts from people like you made a difference: We're producing more new episodes

If you’ve eaten crispy chicken, you might also have had jo-jo potatoes. Speaking of chicken, ever wo