The Spanish word moco, or “mucus,” can be applied affectionately to a child, much like speakers of English may refer to a youngster as a little booger. In some dialects, moco has a more pejorative sense, suggesting a child is more along...
There’s a proverb that goes, “Beloved children have many names.” That’s also true for pets, and listeners are discussing all the zillions of names they have for each animal on Facebook. This is part of a complete episode...
In the 19th century, saying a man had a “sneaking notion” mean he had affection for a woman but was too timid to reveal it. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Sneaking Notions” I’ve been having a great...
“May a mouse eat you,” or in Persian, moosh bokharadet, is a term of endearment suggesting the recipient is small and cute. Another picturesque hypocorism: French mon petit chou, “sweetheart,” but literally, “my little...
Vanessa in Dallas wondered about hot mess after her daughter spotted it on a license plate. The Southern expression can describe someone whose life looks chaotic, with dropped balls and missed deadlines, yet who remains likable or attractive. It can...
What pet names do you have for your loved ones? In The Joys of Yiddish, Leo Rosten shares the name his Mother used to call him — bubala, a term of endearment grandmothers might use in addressing children. We have all kinds of substitutes for the...