In Newfoundland the word bridge, also spelled brudge, can mean “a deck” or “a porch,” while the word porch refers to an additional room, usually attached at the back of a house, and used as a storage space or mud room. If a Newfoundlander says it’s...
Chrissie in Arlington, Virginia, has fond memories of her family playing bridge together. Whenever a trick with four cards that included an ace, a two card, a three card, and a four card was played, her grandmother would chuckle and say, Ace, two...
Why does the expression in spades mean “in abundance”? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “In Spades Meaning and Origin” Hey there, you have A Way with Words. Hello, Martha. This is Paul McDowell from South Bend, Indiana. Hey, Paul...
Doug in Madison, Wisconsin, remembers that when he was growing up in Philadelphia, his dad used the phrase the big mahoff to refer to someone important. This term that means “the big boss” or “the big cheese,” is largely localized to Philadelphia...
Judson from Texas asks about the phrases long suit and strong suit, after seeing long suit used where he would expect “strong suit.” Both come from card games such as bridge and whist: a long suit is a hand with several cards of the same suit, while...
The German word for “mnemonic device” is Eselsbrücke, or literally, “donkey bridge.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Eselsbrücke” We were talking at the top of the show about mnemonic devices. And I love the German word for a...
