Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

I ran to the phone when I heard your caller tell the story of her grandmother referring to her mini-skirt episode, with the grandmother almost able to see "possible."

I have a family letter, but it has long been re-told in family lore, of my grandfather (of Quaker/Methodist descent in northern Indiana) going into the hospital in the early 70's. He wrote a letter to the family (he wrote infamous "family letters" to keep everyone in touch) from the hospital describing an episode of the nurse coming in to give him his bath....

In his letter (circa '74) he says he told her, "Wash up as far as possible, down as far as possible, and I'll wash possible." - It seems to be the exact same usage as the caller's grandmother! We always thought grandad had a way with words, but it sounds like he may have been using a colloquial expression as described on the show.

Thanks for bringing this memory back! I saw this letter earlier this summer when going through some old papers, now I need to go back and find it again! THanks!