Mary in Charlotte, North Carolina, says that her parents used to refer to the time before she was born as back when you were chasing flies in Egypt, the equivalent of when you were just a twinkle in your mama’s eye or twinkle in your...
Language enthusiasts, rejoice! Jonathon Green’s extraordinary Green’s Dictionary of Slang is now available online. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Green’s Dictionary of Slang” You’re listening...
Nanty narking, also found with nante, was 19th-century British slang for great fun. Lexicographer Jonathan Green suggests that nark may come from an older sense meaning to annoy, while nanty points to nothing, as in Italian niente. The result means...
Slang lovers, rejoice! Parts of Green’s Dictionary of Slang are being posted online, including an impressive timeline tracking slang involving alcohol. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Green’s Dictionary of Slang...