A listener wonders why his girlfriend remarks “hubba-hubba” when he’s dressing up for the night. The flirty call had its heyday in the 1940s, when World War II soldiers would see a pretty lady walking down the street. Although no one’s sure of the...
“Imitation is the sincerest form of television,” said the radio comedian Fred Allen. Listeners are invited to share their favorite modern proverbs like this one, as well as their favorite classics. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Will Rogers was a master of paraprosdokians. Martha shares a favorite, as well as one from comedian Mitch Hedberg. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Paraprosdokian Quotes” We’re going to have more paraprosdokians, those statements...
Reverend William Archibald Spooner was known for transposing sounds, like raising a glass “to our queer old dean” instead of “to our dear old queen.” A caller shares some favorite spoonerisms. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
After passing by an establishment featuring adult entertainment, an Asheville, N.C., man began wondering: When did the word adult come to refer to “material not suitable for children”? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Adult...
License-plate bingo, anyone? Quiz Guy John Chaneski offers a radio version. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “License-Plate Bingo” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Grant Barrett. And I’m Martha Barnette. And we’re joined...
