We hear the word maverick a lot lately, but where did this term for a stubborn nonconformist come from? Martha tells the story of the Texas politician who inspired the word, and whose grandson apparently coined another familiar English word...
What IS the longest word in the English language? “Antidisestablishmentarianism”? “Floccinaucinihilipilification”? Or “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis,” maybe? Martha and Grant discuss such sesquipedalian contenders for the title of...
precariat n.— «“Precariat” is a new Japanese word combining the English words “precarious,” referring to the insecurity of part-time and contract work, and “proletariat.”» —“‘Precariat’ workers are starting to fight for a little stability” by...
Bahasa Inglonesia n.— «More and more English words are being added to Bahasa Indonesia everyday! If this continues, Bahasa Indonesia will slowly blossom to become Bahasa Inglonesia.» —“‘Bahasa Inglonesia’?” by K.B. Kale Jakarta Post (Indonesia) Dec...
tomdee n.— «Western ideas about sexuality have begun to intermingle, and gay men now tend to identify themselves with the English word “gay,” while many lesbians have adopted the term tomdee—a mix of the English words “tomboy”and “lady.”» —“Jirayut...
hulidap n.— «Hulidap, a combination of Filipino and English words huli (apprehend) and hold-up, is done through a fake arrest in which a supposed suspect is nabbed for drug or any other criminal charge. The arresting police personnel would then...