Sneaky contract lingo, advice for writing well, and preserving a dying language. Say you’re scrolling through an online transaction where you’re asked to read the “Terms and Conditions.” Do you actually read them or just check the...
Someone who’s cheap or just likes to complain that they don’t have much money are said to be poormouthing. This expression goes back to at least the 1850’s, and originated in the American South, although now it’s more...
This year, we did what we set out to do. First, we made great radio. Second, we drew big crowds to support a literacy nonprofit in Dallas. We did it again to support community college scholarships in San Diego. Third, we read thousands of emails...
When you pick up a book of poems, how many do you read in one sitting? Some people devour several in a row, while others savor them much more slowly. Plus, it’s a problem faced by politicians and public speakers: When you have to stand in...
The Blind Tiger was a speakeasy during prohibition, perhaps so named because patrons would hand over money to peek at a fictitious blind animal, but also receive illegal booze as part of the bargain. The terms blind tiger and blind pig eventually...
The saying, “you’ve got more excuses than Carter’s got pills,” or “more money than Carter’s got pills,” refers to the very successful product known as Carter’s Little Liver Pills. They were heavily marketed...