Grant and Martha share some of their favorite tweets from Fake AP Stylebook, the Twitter feed that tweaks journalistic style and tropes, such as “Do not change weight of gorilla in phrase, ‘800-lb gorilla in the room.’ Correct weight is...
What’s the deal with using the two-letter postal code abbreviations for states, instead of the longer, more formal abbreviations? That is, why write IN for Indiana instead of good old Ind.? A caller is annoyed by U.S. Postal Service...
What’s the best style guide for online writing? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Online Style Guide” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi. Hi, who’s this? This is Pam from Dallas. Pam, welcome. Well, hello...
suitcase v.— «Many suspects in police custody also died while forced face down in restraints—most often when being “hogtied” or “suitcased” with wrists and ankles tied together, the group said.» —“Florida...
skylab n.— «The sole means of public transport is a motorcycle service, which someone with a curious sense of humor dubbed “the Skylab.” Skylabs appear a few times a day. Up to five people, including women holding infants...
vomit comet n.— «It was the second flight on the aircraft for the athletes. On Tuesday, they were flown while strapped in their seats and blindfolded. During that flight the jet lived up to its nickname—the “vomit comet.” All...