Two-Word Rhyme Quiz

You’re listening to A Way with Words, the show about language and how we use it.

I’m Martha Barnette.

And I’m Grant Barrett, and we’re joined by our quiz guy, direct from New York, John Chaneski.

Hi, John.

Hey, Grant. Hey, Martha. It’s great to be back.

What is up?

It’s time to take off, you hosers.

Remember that a takeoff is what we call when I remove the first letter of a word, making another word.

Okay.

Got it?

Yeah.

I’ll give you a sentence that clues both words.

For example, I might say, I’d like to try that ice cream, but you didn’t give me enough.

Now, the answer would be an ample sample.

Now, they don’t necessarily make a phrase like that.

I just need you to give me both words.

And often the words will rhyme, but not all the time.

Okay.

All right, here we go.

Let’s try.

I’m taking a course at school to learn how to be a proper Irish girl.

Class, lass?

Yes, class and lass.

Let’s try this one.

I’m on a plane and spreading the idea of alternative facts all over the country.

Flying lying.

Yes, flying lying.

I’ve got a report due very soon, so I’m running down to the office supply store to pick up my copies.

Gosh, racing, pacing, jogging.

Oh, pages.

Ages, pages, no.

Paper, paper, caper.

Arvin Sprinting Printing.

Yes, Sprinting Printing.

Very good.

I’ve found a book with very large pages,

But it just seems to be a miscellaneous collection of things.

That is class.

I’m thinking Hodgepodge, but that’s not right.

Folio Oleo.

Yes, Folio Oleo, nicely done.

Speaking of reading material,

The latest edition of my favorite magazine

Uses a kind of paper that’s so thin you can almost see through it.

Onion skin.

Issue tissue.

Yes, very good.

Back in the day, you would be put to death for rustling cattle,

But those laws have all been amended.

Hanged and changed?

Yes, hanged and changed.

Very nice pronunciation change, yeah.

When I interview someone for a position at my company, I insist on a letter of recommendation, but that’s just how I like to do it.

My reference preference.

Ooh, nice.

Yes, very nicely done.

As I climbed the ladder and rolled into my berth, my boyfriend headed to the dining car for a late meal.

Mounted.

Climb the ladder.

Rose.

Upper.

What do you call that?

Upper Supper.

Upper Supper, yes.

Way to go.

Very nicely done, you guys.

Very good on the takeoffs.

Oh, is it all?

Well, that’s it for now.

That was a good dozen.

I appreciate that.

But I’m going to take off myself right now.

I’ll see you later.

Thanks, John.

Really appreciate it.

Bye, guys.

Bye.

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