Dude! We’re used to hearing the word “dude” applied to guys. But increasingly, young women use the word “dude” to address each other. Grant and Martha talk about linguistic research about the meaning and uses of...
Carol in Denton, Texas, wonders whether a drawer can hold six pairs of socks or six pair. Pairs is by far the more common plural in standard use, especially when counting separate sets. But six pair of socks is also heard, particularly when the...
The old Yiddish word bupkis, referring to something of little or no value, has of late been split up for dramatic effect. As in, “that’s worth all of a bup and a kis!” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
“Don’t be frontin’!” Naomi, a college student in Denton, Texas, asks about fronting, slang for putting on a false front, bluffing, or pretending to be something you’re not. The verb traces back to 1800s pickpocket slang, where a “front” distracted...
The sign over the checkout lane says 15 Items or Less. A listener is adamant that it should say 15 Items or Fewer. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Fewer vs. Less” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hello, this is David...
The word zarf means “a metal cupholder,” but a Scrabble enthusiast says other players always challenge his use of that word. He wants to know its origin. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Zarf Origin” Hello...