Ronna from Jackson, Wyoming, asks about the word suffrage, meaning “the right to vote.” It goes back to the Latin word suffragium, which in ancient Rome meant a “voting tablet,” but beyond that, this word’s origins are murky. In the U.S., women...
Why do we vote at a polling place? Pol in Middle English simply meant head, and polls are the place where heads are counted. The Middle English word for head also gives us get polliwog, a young frog with a wiggly head, and tadpole, those toads and...
During the health care debate in Congress, there was lots of talk about an “up-or-down vote.” A Montana listener finds this expression annoying. What’s wrong with plain old “vote”? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Up or Down Vote”...
Moonbats and wingnuts and sleepovers, oh my! Martha and Grant discuss political slang making the rounds during this election year. Also: Is it duct tape or duck tape? And what are you supposed to put in a jockey box?
ghost voting n.— «The mailer focuses on a practice called ghost voting, a widespread practice of voting for fellow members in the Texas House.» —“Political Ads: How Trustworthy Are They?” by Nancy Wilson KEYE-TV (Austin, Texas) Sept. 30, 2008...
BOPSA n.— «In media terms, however, this isn’t the most riveting television. In fact, they have a name for it. It’s called “BOPSA” (Bunch Of People Sitting Around). In this case, sitting around and voting for our next president.» —“Keeping An Eye...