How do social media algorithms shape the way we communicate? A new book argues that the competition for clicks is changing the way we speak and write, from the so-called “YouTube accent” to the surprising evolution of the word preppy. Also: A...
Lorraine in Syracuse, New York, asks for tips for breaking the habit of saying You know. These linguistic self-interruptions are called disfluencies. You’ll improve your speaking by making sure you know your topic well and are clear about what you...
Is English is going to hell in the proverbial handbasket? A Wisconsin grandmother thinks so, particularly because of all the ums and you knows she hears in everyday speech. The hosts discuss these so-called disfluencies, including how to avoid them...
nigglature n.— «Nigglature is fiction usually written by a Black author. (PAUSE for the CAUSE-THONG ON FIRE??? SERIOUSLY?!?!?!) Very often nigglature is self-published.…Nigglature usually involves some poor little girl from the projects, (cause you...
mental-pause n.— «I sold all my scuba diving equipment and now I’m waiting for my new DFX to arrive from a dealer. My wife said I’m going thru Mid-Life- “Mental”-Pause again.» —“Whites DFX Users Classroom Forum: Newbie looking for the right...
pause n.— «Pause is a game that started out in NY in the mid-late 90s.The way its played is if ur speaking and ur about to say something thats gonna sound gay or homo-ish you have to say “pause” b4 you say it or right after b4 anybody else catches...