What do you call the cardboard sleeve that goes over a paper cup to keep your hand from getting too hot? A San Antonio, Texas, listener knows that the technical term for this sleeve is zarf, a word that comes from Arabic, originally denoting an...
Today’s most popular dog names are Max and Bella. In the Middle Ages, though, dogs would answer to names like Amiable. Or Nosewise. Or even … Clench. ? Is the term redneck derogatory? Some folks proudly claim that name. They say it’s high time they...
A Vermonter says he’s sometimes called a stump-jumper. Should he be flattered or insulted? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Stump-Jumper” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is Jim Sheen. How are you? Doing well. How are...
Heigh-ho! It's another newsletter from "A Way with Words," and we've got treats. Climb into our van! There are two minicasts for you, for one thing. What’s the deal with using the two-letter postal code abbreviations for states...
retime v.— «Other programs are on hold; only the Cruze and Chevy Volt are proceeding at cash-strapped GM, while replacements for the 300C and Dodge Charger exist at Chrysler only as design studies for now and a number of vehicles ready to launch...
insiderization n.— «In 1982, Kenichi Ohmae wrote The Mind of the Strategist. He came with his signature buzzword called “insiderization.”…Ohmae, who, according to the Financial Times is Japan’s only management guru, describes “inside-rization” when...