Trinette in Virginia Beach, Virginia, remembers that growing up in Ascension Parish in southernLouisiana, her family would use the phrasesdodo the baby or let’s go dodo. Sometimes spelled dodu, the word dodo meaning “sleep” is commonly used in many parts of the French-speaking world. This word likely derives from similar-sounding French words dodiner and dodeliner, both meaning “to nod” or “to dandle,” and is also influenced by French dormir, meaning “to sleep.” There are lots of versions of a sweet French lullaby, “Dodo l’enfant do” online. This is part of a complete episode.
Google Translate has expanded its offerings with 110 more languages, including major languages such as Cantonese, endangered languages such as Manx, and many less-spoken ones like Kallaalisut, used in Greenland, and Latgalian in Latvia. This is part...
John in Omaha, Nebraska, wonders about a phrase that encourages someone to attend an event or risk being left out or feeling uncool: be there or be square. Don’t fall for the fake etymology about people wearing boxes on their heads! Ditto for...
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