Is there something inherent in English that makes it the linguistic equivalent of the Borg, dominating and consuming other languages in its path? No, not at all. The answer lies with politics and conquest rather than language itself. Plus: a new...
An ornithologist says there’s a growing movement to change the name of a pink-footed bird currently called the flesh-footed shearwater. The movement reflects a growing understanding that using flesh-colored for “pink” fails to...
George, an ornithologist, calls from Seattle, Washington, to discuss using of the term flesh-colored to describe something pinkish in color. The Century Dictionary, first published in 1889, defined flesh-color as “The normal color of the skin...
Sitzfleisch, from German words that literally mean “sit-flesh,” refers to perseverance–the ability, in other words, to sit and endure something for a long period of time. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
Do you flesh out a plan or flush out a plan? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Flesh Out vs. Flush Out” Hi, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is Karen from San Diego. Hi, Karen. Hi, Karen. How are you doing? Hi, good...

