The world of politics tops this week’s language headlines, including an explanation of the Bradley effect, and the ongoing debate over bilingual education. Also, what does the word fubsy mean? Grant has the answer and reports about a new...
Truman Show delusion n.— «The Truman Show delusion, or Truman Syndrome, has drawn attention in recent months, in the United States and Britain, as psychiatrists in both countries describe a small but growing number of psychotic patients...
Grant has the latest headlines from the world of language, including the debate over the name of the home of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Is Beijing pronounced bay-JING or bay-ZHING? Also, a recent court decision concerning an offense that’s...
Grant dishes up the latest language headlines from around the world, including names so weird they sparked legal action. Two New Zealand parents really did name their daughter “Talula Does the Hula From Hawaii.” Also, what’s wrong...
jigger n.— «A railcar ride is not like a trip on any comfy old commuter train. That is actually one reason the railroads once used railcars, which are also called speeders, jiggers or putt-putts.» —“Putt-Putting Along the...
speeder n.— «A railcar ride is not like a trip on any comfy old commuter train. That is actually one reason the railroads once used railcars, which are also called speeders, jiggers or putt-putts.» —“Putt-Putting Along the...