ShowQuestions from Kids

Questions and stories by and about children concerning language, words, phrases, and why we speak the way we do. Lots of “kids say the darndest things” moments, but also plenty of “the kids are alright” moments, too.

Boo-Boo Boo-Hoo

Seven-year-old Everett from Tallahassee, Florida, wants to know why we refer to a scrape or other minor injury as a boo-boo. Such reduplication of words and syllables is common in baby talk used to soothe a child. Also, boo-boo sounds a little like...