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.

Opaque vs. Translucent

A girl in Omaha, Nebraska, has a dispute with her father about the meaning of the words opaque and translucent. Opaque describes something that blocks light completely. Something translucent lets some light pass through. This is part of a complete...

OK vs. okay

A San Antonio, Texas, middle-schooler has observed that when she and her friends are texting, they use different spellings to indicate agreement. Her friend types OK, but the caller prefers okay. Either is correct. For an engaging, thorough history...