The word budget derives from French bougette, “leather bag.” An old phrase in English to open one’s budget, meant “to speak one’s mind.” The word purse is related to French bourse, a word for the stock market. This is part of a complete episode...
Patricia in Crescent City, California, grew up hearing fussbudget, so fussbucket for a teething child sounded both wrong but oddly sensible. Fussbudget, meaning someone ill-tempered, overly critical, or full of fuss, goes back at least to 1870. The...
Get out your skinny jeans and pass the PBR! Martha and Grant discuss the definition of the word hipster. Also, what happens when you pull a brodie? And why do we describe something cheap or poorly made as cheesy? Also, sawbucks, shoestring budgets...
You’re struggling to live on a budget. Are you trying to make ends meet or make ends meat? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Make Ends Meet” Hi, you have A Way with Words. Hi, how are you? I’m doing well...
white tablecloth restaurant n.— Note: An upscale or expensive restaurant, as opposed to a casual or fast-food restaurant. «I’m able to do coupons and help people who are on tight budgets who still want to go out to eat. It’s the Ruth...

