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.

Sundog Origins

Eleven-year-old Ben calls from Rapids City to ask about the term sundog, the meteorological phenomenon in which a bright spot appears to the left or right of the sun. No one knows the origin of this term. Synonyms include mock sun, weather gall, and...

Huntsville Teen Slang

During a visit to Lee High School in Huntstville, Alabama, we collected a treasure trove of slang, including a term that seems to be particular to the Huntsville area: forf, which as a verb means to fail to follow through on commitments, and as a...