In certain parts of the South, a small, impromptu gift is variously known by the sibilant synonyms sirsee, surcy, searcy, or circe. A South Carolina woman who’s heard the word all her life is baffled as to where it came from. This is part of a...
Uh-oh. Your credit card’s missing. As you frantically search for it, your mind fast-forwards through the bad things that could happen if it’s been stolen. Then, to your enormous relief, you find the card. Is there a specific word for the...
take the number 11 bus v. phr.— «“Taking the No. 11 bus” is slang for walking, with the 1’s representing your own two legs.» —“10 things you might not know about…“ by Mark Jacob Chicago Tribune Nov. 30...
Why do we say someone’s “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed”? Your chipper, chattering hosts are ready with the sciurine answer. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed” Hello, you have...
Is the expression beck and call or beckon call? What’s a beck? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Beck and Call” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hello, this is Mara Spring. I’m calling from Wisconsin. Hi...
Keith in San Diego grew up in South Louisiana saying get down to mean getting out of a car, as in asking passengers whether everyone is getting down. In Cajun country, that use is likely a calque, a direct translation from French, where descendre...