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The question of how children acquire language has long intrigued parents and scholars. MIT cognitive scientist Deb Roy recently found a novel way to study what he calls “word birth.” He wired his home with cameras and microphones, and...
Hi, ho! In this week’s episode, we discuss odd words, how children learn to talk, “in my wheelhouse,” “high as Cooter Brown,” and “good leather.” Greg Pliska metagrobolizes us with a quiz based on the 2011...
Is it acceptable to make a brand-new adverb simply by adding an -ly to an adjective? A scientist wants to know, and specifically a term she uses, nuclearly.
molecular condom n.— «For a decade now, scientists have been working to develop an HIV-blocking vaginal gel, a microbicide often called a molecular condom.» —“Better than a Condom?” by Jeneen...
Pig Zero n.— «There is not yet any genetic proof that this particular flu was ever in a pig. […] Now, scientists say, the hunt is on for what is jokingly being called Pig Zero. “No one that I’m aware of has swabbed pigs for this yet...
Davos Man n.— «Political scientist Samuel Huntington who coined the pejorative term “Davos Man” (referring to participants who he viewed as having a false sense of their international identity), famously dismissed the...