In South Africa, a jocular rhyme that means “Thank you” is Dankie op ‘n plankie — literally, “Thank you on a board” or “Thank you on a plank.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Dankie op ‘n Plankie” If you’re ever in South Africa...
Quincy from Bozeman, Montana, wonders how burritos came to be named with a Spanish word that means “little donkey.” In Spanish, the meaning of burro has also extended from “donkey” to “sawhorse.” In the case of the tortilla-wrapped comfort food...
The 1948 book A Rocket in My Pocket: The Rhymes and Chants of Young Americans includes a funny rhyme about a donkey who mistakes a zebra for a felonious mule. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Felonious Mule” Here’s another little...
Elainey from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, says her friend called her a clothes horse. Her friend meant it as a compliment, but Elainey has always understood the expression to be a dig that implies someone is too preoccupied with their appearance? This...
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...
What do you say when someone stands between you and the television? Some people say, “Were you drinking muddy water?” Another option: “I can’t see through your bay window!” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Drinking Muddy Water” We...