If everyone on the planet spoke a single language, wouldn’t that make life a whole lot easier? For that matter, is a common world language even possible? Maybe for a minute or so—until new words and phrases start springing up. Also, did you...
Another riddle: Why is “O” the noisiest of all the vowels? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “The Noisiest Vowel” Martha, why is O the noisiest of all the vowels? The noisiest? It’s in the middle of...
A Texas listener says her infant daughter is soothed by white noise. She’s curious as to why it’s called white noise instead of gray noise. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “White Noise” Hello, you have A Way...
rito n.—Gloss: A clipping of “burrito.” «(804) just got out of a noise viloation because the cop recognized my roomate as his favorite chipotle burrito roller. just another reason I love ritos.» —Texts From Last...
noise floor n.— «If you make your recording too soft, you will mix in too much of what is often referred to as the “noise floor,” the spectrum that all the other sounds inhabit—generally sounds you don’t want.» —“Podcasting...
ghost box n.— «I know it sounds crazy, and I know the ghost box is radio based and all sorts of sounds can come through, so it’s only logical to say that people are making words and sentences out of bits and pieces of radio transmission...