Why do so many people begin their sentences with the word so? This sentence-initial so (as it’s known) can play lots of roles. We’ve talked about it before, too. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “So at the Beginning of Sentences”...
The word titch means “a small amount,” and is most likely just a variant of touch. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “A Titch” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is Kelly calling from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hey, Kelly...
A native French speaker wants clarification about the use of the word precipice in English. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Precipice” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is Philippe. Philippe, where are you calling us from...
Reed in Clintonville, Wisconsin, has long insisted that groceries should have an s sound in the middle, while his Montana-raised wife uses sh, as if it were grosheries. Both pronunciations are widespread. Many usage authorities prefer the s...
If the word consecutively doesn’t feel exciting enough, there’s always hand-running. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Hand-Running” Hello, you have A Way with Words. Hi, my name is Jan Haller. I’m calling from Taos, New Mexico...
Marty from Philadelphia asks when gay shifted from meaning “merry” or “happy” to meaning “homosexual,” and why that particular word took on the newer sense. English borrowed gay from French in the 1300s for “merry” or “jolly,” while late-1800s hobo...