Edward in Fargo, North Dakota, wonders about the expression of exasperation, If that doesn’t take the cake, meaning “Well, doesn’t that beat all!” or “Isn’t that a shame!” The origins of this phrase go back...
Marion from Charleston, South Carolina, encountered uff-da after marrying into a Minnesota family on bumper stickers and in everyday talk. The exclamation comes from Norwegian uff da and works as a flexible interjection for surprise, weariness...
What is the best way to talk with a child about losing a pet? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Talking With a Child About Losing a Pet” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is Carol, and I’m calling from St...
A listener in Fargo, North Dakota, ask which is correct: graduated from high school or graduated high school? Increasingly, the former is falling by the wayside. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Graduate School vs. Graduate...
high-touch adj.— «Will banks need to be high-tech to succeed? There’s always going to be what I call the high-touch bank. There’s always going to be the high-tech bank, and banks in between.» —“Banking on technology” by...
gutless clause n.— «Using a seldom used procedure (called for a lack of a better term—the gutless clause), a motion was made to “table” the bill just prior to crossover. The procedure did not allow for a debate or vote on the bill and...