A custard wind may sound delicious, but it’s actually a type of cold easterly wind along the northeast coast of England. This expression is likely an adaptation of coastward wind. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Serve Me Up a...
The dialectal word jimmycane denotes a “strong, destructive wind.” The origin of jimmycane is uncertain, although it may be an adaptation of hurricane. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Jimmycane, Another Word For Hurricane” Hello...
How windy is it? Ask in Australia and, you might get a snarky answer that involves a description of a hen trying hard to lay an egg. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “How Windy is it in Australia?” Next time somebody asks you how...
What’s the best way for someone busy to learn lots of new words quickly for a test like the GRE? Looking up their origins can help. Or, record yourself reading the words and definitions and play them back while you’re doing other chores. • Book...
A cool wind or a wind that brings good health is sometimes called a doctor, such as the Fremantle Doctor of Western Australia. A barber wind is a harsh wind so cold and wet it can freeze a person’s hair and beard. This is part of a complete episode...
Brickfielder, simoom, and haboob are types of winds. Others include snow eater and chinook. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Names of the Wind” You’re listening to A Way with Words, a show about language and how we use it. I’m...