The word pretty, used to modify an adjective, as in pretty good or pretty bad, has strayed far from its etymological roots, which originally had to do with being “cunning” or “crafty.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Pretty...
A former waiter in Underhill, Vermont, is annoyed by restaurant patrons who respond to a server’s query with I’m good rather than No, thank you when asked if they’ve had enough. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Response “I’m Good””...
Awfully might seem like an awful choice for a positive adverb, as in awfully talented, but it makes sense given the history of awful. Once intended to mean “filled with awe,” it’s now a general intensifier. The process of semantic weakening has...
Remember Tom Swifties, those puns where the adverb matches the quote? How about this one: “I love reading Moby-Dick,” Tom said superficially. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “More Tom Swifties” Grant, I come to you as a supplicant...
Which adverb is usually correct: supposably or supposedly? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Supposedly vs. Supposably” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Good morning. My name is Amy Logan, and I’m calling from beautiful San Diego...
If someone gives you crazy props or mad props, they’re congratulating you. A Chicago college student wants to know what props means in this context. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Mad Props” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi...