Why do we call our biceps guns? The slang lexicographer Jonathon Green suggests that the metaphor first pops up in baseball around the 1920s, when players referred to their throwing arms as guns. Believe it or not, the early baseball pitchers...
When it comes to language, a listener from Dallas wants to know, as a fellow Texan might put it, “who’s the decider”? Grant explains that nobody makes the rules about language, and everybody does. For those seeking professional...
An interview with slang lexicographer Paul Dickson about drinking language and his book Drunk: the Definitive Drinkers Dictionary.
Grant talks about his daily work as a lexicographer. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Lexicography Work” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Grant Barrett. And I’m Martha Barnette. A while back...
What’s the difference between a lexicographer, a linguist, and a wordsmith? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “People Who Work With Words” Hi, you have A Way with Words. Hello, this is Tori Cosrovi calling from Fort...
Martha and Grant share some favorite Facebook groups: Ambrose Bierce was the baddest-ass lexicographer who ever lived. I judge you when you use poor grammar. What Are A Grammar? People Who Always Have To Spell Their Names For Other People. Of...