The months of September, October, November, and December take their names from Latin words meaning “seven,” “eight,” “nine,” and “ten.” So why don’t their names correspond to where they fall in...
A San Antonio, Texas, listener recalls hearing the term las caniculas to denote a period of 12 days in January where the weather seems to run the gamut of all the kinds of weather that will be experienced in the coming year. This period is also...
Great Googly-Moogly, it's another newsletter from "A Way with Words"! In our latest archive episode: If a woman keeps her own name after marriage, is she "Ms." or "Mrs."? Also,"redd up," "out like...
geek strap n.— «“I myself use a ‘geek strap,’” Ambelang said. “It’s good preventative maintenance for keeping your clothes intact.” A “geek strap,” as Ambelang calls it, is a lower-leg guard specifically designed to prevent shredded...
prosperity gospel n.— «Most practice what is known as the “prosperity gospel,” promoting the idea that God will grant financial wealth to faithful followers. Grassley said some of the ministries have complained that their...
starvation corner n.— «The man is immature, selfish, unloving, faithful and no bargain no matter how you look at it. He has relegated you to a starvation corner.…He gives nothing of himself.» —“‘Good Provider’ Who Gives Nothing...