Why is it that what you say to your family and what they hear are different? If you say “no,” your child hears “maybe,” and if you say “maybe,” she hears “ask again and again,” and “yes” is just around the corner.” Grant and Martha discuss ways that...
When somebody cuts you off in traffic do you feel all stabby? Grant discusses this slang term. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Feeling All Stabby” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Martha Barnette, along with Grant Barrett...
Quiz Guy Greg Pliska drops in with a word game called “False Opposites.” They’re pairs of words whose prefixes, suffixes, and other elements make them appear to be opposites, even though they’re not. For example, what seeming opposites might be...
Indian country n.— «As an embeded journalist in Afghanistan last winter, I traveled hundreds of miles with soldiers through what they refer to as “indian country”—hostile regions teeming with Taliban sympathizers in black turbans.» —“Does Bush Feel...
chicken cutlet n.— «A product called Intrigue, silicone-filled “breast enhancers,” fits in a bra, heats up to body temperature and promises increased cup size. (One drawback: The enhancers look and feel like raw chicken cutlets.)» —“New Breast...
Tingle table n.— «The engineers devised a new, improved Tingle table.…To get a feel for working at a Tingle table, imagine you are a giant at a baseball stadium in Lilliput. As you sit at home plate looking out toward center-field, about 25 trays...
