What do you call a firefly in Jamaica? A peenie-wallie or a blinkie. For a lovely use of the first term, check out Valerie Bloom’s poem “Two Seasons.” Better yet, listen to the audio. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Peenie-Wallie”...
Should youngsters learn cursive handwriting in school? Plus, someone can be ruthless, but can that same person be ruthful? Which word refers to something larger, humongous or gargantuan? Also, funny newspaper corrections, a crossword quiz, Texas...
In Jamaica, the youngest child is commonly known as the wash-belly. In addition to being the youngest, the term can also connote that the wash-belly is lazy and spoiled. Frederic Cassidy traces this and other terms in his Dictionary of Jamaican...
This week’s Slang This! contestant tries to guess the meaning of the slang terms “goat’s mouth” and “happy sack.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Goat’s Mouth and Happy Sack” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Grant Barrett...
