In a nautical context, the word heave refers to the action of a ship rising or lifting with the waves. The past tense is hove, and if a boat hove into view, it slowly came into sight, as if gradually appearing on the horizon. This is part of a...
Paul in Camden, Maine, has adopted a new pup, and the dog’s exuberant face-licking has Paul wondering about the many meanings of the word lick, which include getting his licks in and takes a licking, which refers to the act of forcefully beating...
After moving from Indiana to Arkansas, Shannon noted that people in her new hometown use the adjective proud to mean “glad,” as in “I’m so proud you came for a visit.” In addition to describing someone “full of pride,” the word proud has meant...
The multipurpose phrase bless your heart is heard often in the southern United States. Although it sounds polite and solicitous, it often has a cutting edge to it. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “”Bless Your Heart,” A Cutting...
Do people call you by a nickname without asking? A caller named Elizabeth is baffled when people she’s just met insist on calling her Liz. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Unsolicited Nicknames” Hello, you have A Way with Words...
If John Wayne asked you to fetch his possibles, what would you go looking for? This term simply means one’s personal belongings, and is found in Western novels and movies. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Your Possibles” Hello, you...