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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

Crossword puzzles are a marvelous mental workout. A delightful new book about them shares plenty of

We asked for your thoughts about whether cursive writing should be taught in schools — and many of y

Secret signals on the job: Waitresses at some 19th-century restaurants ensured speedy drink service

If someone urges you to spill the tea, they probably don’t want you tipping over a hot beverage. Ori

When you had sleepovers as a child, what did you call the makeshift beds you made on the floor? In s

During the late 19th and early 20th century, thousands of volunteers helped crowdsource the Oxford E

Jacuzzi and silhouette are eponyms — that is, they derive from the names of people. An Italian immig

The emotional appeal of handwriting and the emotional reveal of animal phrases. Should children be t

If you speak both German and Spanish, you may find yourself reaching for a German word instead of a

Chances are you recognize the expressions Judgment Day and root of all evil as phrases from the Bibl

We have books for language-lovers and recommendations for history buffs. • How did the word boondogg

Are there words and phrases that you misunderstood for an embarrassingly long time? Maybe you though

If your last name is Cook or Smith, your ancestors probably worked in those professions. But what if

If you catch your blue jeans on a nail, you may find yourself with a winklehawk. This term, adapted

Surf’s up! When surfers describe the waves as going gangbusters, it’s a great time out on the water.

Sending someone a care package shows you care, of course. But the first care packages were boxes of

Perfect sentences and slang that tickles your mind! A new book of writing advice says a good sentenc

Is listening to an audiobook for a book club somehow “cheating”? Is there no substitute for engaging

In 1803, a shy British pharmacist wrote a pamphlet that made him a reluctant celebrity. The reason?

A remarkable new documentary explores the world of amateur and professional mermaiding and the langu