A thought-provoking tweet from Lauren (@Elloryn) in Atlanta, Georgia, suggests replacing the words “I’m sorry” with “Thank you.” Instead of saying “Sorry I was late,” try saying “Thank you for waiting for me.” It’s a subtle change, but it powerfully...
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...
Quiz Guy John Chaneski invites us to a party to meet all of his dear “aunties” — as in the “auntie” who makes sure your oily hair doesn’t mess up the furniture. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Auntie Word Quiz” You’re listening to...
Puzzle Person John Chaneski proffers problems pertaining to the letter P. What alliterative term, for example, also means “wet blanket”? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “P Word Quiz” You’re listening to A Way with Words, the show...
To “summer and winter” about a matter is an old expression that means “to carry on at great length” about it. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “To Summer and Winter” I came across this old Scots expression. It’s a verb, to summer...
Let’s say an expression you use really bothers your friends or coworkers. Maybe you end sentences with whatnot or etcetera, or you use um as a placeholder, and you want to stop doing it. Here’s a tip: Enlist someone you trust, and have them police...
