Deb in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, says that when her mother was disappointed or annoyed she’d say Wouldn’t that just cork you? The idea here is that in the same way that a cork that stops up a bottle, an unexpected or irritating event metaphorically...
Jackie from Hinsdale, Illinois, grew up hearing a teasing child described as a corker — playful, rambunctious, and only mildly naughty. The word’s slang sense developed from cork as something that stops or settles matters or ends a debate or...
Alouette from Nelson, New Hampshire, grew up using the term hosey in order to claim something, as in I hosey that! The word’s origin is uncertain, although some speculate that hosey derives from holdsie, as in I put a hold on something. Variants...
Craig from Helena, Montana, grew up hearing pop for a carbonated drink and asks where the term comes from. The word apparently refers to the popping sound of a cork or stopper leaving an early fizzy-drink bottle. Soda is tied to soda ash, sodium...
Quiz Guy John Chaneski reprises his popular “Puzzle Hunt” game. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Radio Puzzle Hunt Game” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Martha Barnette. And I’m Grant Barrett, and we’re joined once again...