Home » Mark Twain » Page 2

ShowMark Twain

Words, phrases, expressions, idioms, and other things connected to Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835–1910). He was an American writer, humorist, and lecturer celebrated for his sharp wit and keen observations of American life. His novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, portray boyhood along the Mississippi River and offer enduring social commentary. Often called “the father of American literature,” Twain’s narrative voice and satirical style left an indelible mark on writing in the United States.

Mark Twain Writing Quote

Mark Twain famously said that he’d never write “metropolis” for 7 cents when he could write “city” for the same fee, and it stands as good advice for writers looking to make economical word choices. This is part of a...

Rhymes with “Sigh”

A caller says her relative always used an interjection that sounds like sigh for the equivalent of “Are you paying attention?” The hosts suspect it’s related to s’I, a contraction of says I. This expression open appears in...

Death of the Typewriter

Ding! In this week’s episode, Mark Twain would be pleased. Reports that it’s the end of the line for the typewriter have been greatly exaggerated. Well, slightly anyway: it’s not the horseless carriage return yet. Martha and Grant...