The term callow goes back to Old English calu, meaning “bald.” The original sense of callow referred to young birds lacking feathers on their heads, then referred to a young man’s down cheek, and eventually came to mean...
What is the term for that big inflatable play area you see at the park, or in your neighbor’s yard? Is it a bouncy house? A jump? Grant asks listeners what they call this modern pumped-up playpen. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript...
In youth slang, totes is short for “totally.” Grant talks about new, lengthened version of this slang shortening. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Totes” Martha, you know about the trend of young people...
Memorial Day good wishes to you and the remembered. Here's another newsletter from "A Way with Words." Did you miss us? There was no newsletter last week, so now we have two brand-spanking-new episodes to share. This past...
KLM n.— «It is also in Toronto that you see KLM airplanes taxiing right in the middle of town. In the evening they go to sleep in their hangers, like any other aircraft, just that they are quite different. Apparently, KLM is the term for...
This week’s Slang This! contestant is asked to guess the meanings of the slang terms gauge and head-up. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Gauge and Head-Up” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m...