Archive2010

Etymology of Learning Curve

A physicist is curious about the term learning curve. He pictures it as a pair of axes. But if that’s the case, what’s X and what’s Y? This is part of a complete episode.

One Language, Many Voices Exhibit

“Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices” is a new exhibit at the British Library in London featuring the earliest printed versions of Beowulf, the Wycliffe and King James Bible, and the oldest known example of written English. This...

Different Uses of Peruse

A caller was taught that peruse means to examine closely and carefully, but increasingly hears people use it to mean skim quickly. This is part of a complete episode.

Not One Iota

The expression “not one iota” means not one bit. Martha explains that it goes back to ancient Greek, and explains its connection to the Sermon on the Mount. This is part of a complete episode.

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