Our Puzzle Master John Chaneski has a game inspired by the recent election season. From each clue, determine the word that begins with either D-E-M or R-E-P. For example, what’s the term for a part of a song that’s performed all over again? Try the quiz, and if you think of any others, email us! This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Political Word Game”
You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Grant Barrett.
And I’m Martha Barnette. And joining us now is our quiz guy, John Chaneski. John.
Hi, Martha. Hi, Grant.
Hey, buddy. What’s up?
Every so often, we have to make a decision. And today, we’re going to choose words that begin with D-E-M or words that begin with R-E-P. Get it?
Yes, I do.
I’ll give you a clue. The answer is a word that begins with either rep or dem.
Okay.
For example, acting like a spoiled and petulant child clues what word?
To always want lots and lots of things.
Demanding.
Demanding is correct.
Very good.
How about on the other side of the aisle, how about extremely sorry for one’s transgressions?
That clue is what word?
Repentant.
Ooh, nice.
Repentant is right.
Very good.
You’ve got one of each there.
Now, let’s do some more and see who wins.
Ready?
Mm—
All right.
Good.
Late character actor Jesse White played a lonely one of these in a series of commercials for Maytag.
Repairman.
Repairman.
Very good.
Behaving in a strange or crazy way, like one certain radio DJ I know.
Demented.
Demented is right.
Dr. Demento.
Love that guy.
You might have a good one or a bad one.
It’s what people think of you.
Reputation.
That’s very good.
Now, any psychologist can tell you it means to not allow yourself to feel a feeling or memory.
Repress.
Repress, yeah.
Repress is right.
This is a comment that expresses criticism or blame.
Reproof.
Reproof.
Oh, nice.
Very good.
Now, tangentially speaking of politics, this is a political leader that attempts to influence people through emotional speeches.
Demagogue.
Demagogue is correct.
Swiss, American, and Dutch are three examples of this.
Swiss, American, and Dutch.
Well, they’re cheese, but what else are they?
Demonym.
Demonym is right.
Very good.
This is part of a song or other piece of music that is performed over again.
Gosh, right on the tip of my tongue.
Well, repeat, but reprise, hello.
Reprise, yes, very good.
She was the Greek counterpart of the Roman goddess Ceres, the goddess of fertility and the protector of marriage.
Demeter.
Demeter is right.
This is what your body appears to do when you use the Enterprise’s transporter.
Dematerialize.
Yes, very good.
Good.
Finally, this Midwestern U.S. state is home to a famous annual car race and is the home state of David Letterman, Will Shorts, and Twyla Tharp.
Well, I know the state, but I’m trying to think of what it would be.
Well, what’s the state?
The state is Indiana.
Indiana’s right.
I thought we’d do one for the independents out there.
Oh, man.
Nice, John.
Everyone’s represented here on A Way with Words.
Oh, John.
That’s it?
That was more of a workout than I thought it would be.
It was pretty good, though.
Yeah, good.
I’m glad you’re along there, Martha.
Nicely done.
Thank you.
Don’t forget to vote for your favorite words when it’s time to vote.
All right, will do.
We approve that quiz, John.
Great.
Call us with your language questions, 877-929-9673, or send them an email to words@waywordradio.org.
