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Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing and feed your love of the English language. Whether English is your first language or your second language, these grammar, punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer. Grammar Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast.
- 1068 - Are you "pantless" or "pantsless"? Who (or what) is Beetlejuice?
1028. This week, we look at the weird situation when you want to add a suffix (such as "-less") to a plural-only noun such as "pants" or "scissors" — with a fun detour for some pants-related idioms. Then, with a new "Beetlejuice" in theaters, we look at the fascinating origin of the name and its role in mythology throughout the ages.
Tue, 5 Nov 2024 - 17min - 1067 - How linguists solve crimes, with Natalie Schilling
1027. This week, I talk with forensic linguist Natalie Schilling about how people's language gives them away — in manifestos, ransom notes, text messages, and more.
Thu, 31 Oct 2024 - 34min - 1066 - From Guy Fawkes to Guido Fawkes. Tales from the crypt (and catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries). Taquitos
1026. This week, we look at the origins of words for men, including the ancient roots of "man," the surprising evolution of the word "guy" from being an insult to just another word, and how "guido" took a different route. Then, for some Halloween fun, we look at the difference between crypts, catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries, with an emphasis on their fascinating origins and some famous examples.
Tue, 29 Oct 2024 - 16min - 1065 - The language of meetings, with Jim Slaughter
1025. Have you ever wondered where meeting terms like “quorum” or “proxy” come from? In this episode, Jim Slaughter looks at the linguistic origins and historical contexts of these and other common parliamentary words. We discuss the evolution of words like “bylaws,” why minutes aren't related to time, how “filibuster” is connected to pirates, and why “majority” is often misunderstood.
Thu, 24 Oct 2024 - 26min - 1064 - Why don't we say 'I'm smarter than YOU'RE'? The language of fear. Catherineisms.
1024. It often sounds weird if you try to end a sentence with a contraction like "you're" and "I'm." We look at why! Then, get ready for Halloween with the language of fear.
Tue, 22 Oct 2024 - 17min - 1063 - Feeling stuck? Anne Lamott's here to kickstart your writing!
1023. I felt like I could write anything after this discussion with Anne Lamott about painful first drafts, beating perfectionism, and the one thing she'd change in "Bird by Bird."
Thu, 17 Oct 2024 - 37min - 1062 - Quack! What's a lame duck? A German punctuation kerfuffle.
1022. This week, we look at election terms like “president-elect” and “lame duck” and how they're used during a U.S. presidential transition. Then, I dig into my favorite kind of hot grammar news: people in Germany are angry about apostrophes!
Tue, 15 Oct 2024 - 17min - 1061 - Can AI really write? A no-nonsense discussion, with Christopher Penn
1021. This week, Christopher Penn talks about the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing and editing. We look at common misconceptions about how AI works and best practices for writing prompts. We also talk about privacy concerns, bias, fact-checking, and our concerns for the future. Whether you use these tools daily, tried them a long time ago and decided they aren't for you, or are just curious, you'll find something of interest.
Thu, 10 Oct 2024 - 39min - 1060 - How to talk like a chef. The Michigander controversy. Jakey.
1020. This week, we shed light on quirky restaurant slang like “kill it” and “Chef Mike.” Then, we tackle the long-standing debate over what to call residents of Michigan — "Michiganders" or "Michiganians" — and what Abraham Lincoln has to do with it.
Tue, 8 Oct 2024 - 18min - 1059 - How writers navigate failure and find success, with Jonathan Small
1019. This week, Jonathan Small, author of "Write About Now," shares what he's learned about the common struggles writers face throughout their careers. His book highlights stories from bestselling authors about their beginnings, the risks they took, and how they handled early rejection. I was especially surprised by the stories of shockingly bold decisions that launched more than one successful author's career. If you've ever wondered how authors get a foot in the door or get through failure, this episode is for you.
Thu, 3 Oct 2024 - 28min - 1058 - From game boards to boardrooms. Commas with participial phrases. Gritties.
1018. This week, we look at the meanings of the word "board," including the differences between board games, table games, and table-top games. We also look at the punctuation of participial phrases, helping you understand when to use commas in sentences like "She yelled at me, making me cry" versus "She is the lady making me cry."
Tue, 1 Oct 2024 - 13min - 1057 - From 'gobsmacked' to 'ginger': The British invasion of American English, with Ben Yagoda
1017. How did British words find their way into American English? Author Ben Yagoda shares insights with us from his new book "Gobsmacked!"
Thu, 26 Sep 2024 - 28min - 1056 - Why some verb sets are so odd (like 'go/went'). Corporate euphemisms. Goggy.
1016. This week, we look at why some verbs are so irregular their forms don't even seem related, like "go" and "went." Then, we look at the surprising finding that corporate euphemisms are worse than annoying — they can also hurt a company's stock price.
Tue, 24 Sep 2024 - 16min - 1055 - What's new in the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), with Russell Harper and Mary Laur
1015. A rare chance to hear directly from the editors of the Chicago Manual of Style! The CMOS (pronounced "sea moss") is updated every seven years, and this year's update is a big one! I talked with two of the editors about the major changes, how the decisions get made, and the history of the CMOS.
Thu, 19 Sep 2024 - 51min - 1054 - Do words like 'mandate' and 'cockamamie' come from words for men? Grammatical doppelgangers. A pair of teeth.
1014. We debunk misconceptions about gendered language, tracing the etymology of words like "cockamamie" and "gynecology." We also look at the flexibility of English grammar, examining how common words like "that" and "up" can function as different parts of speech in various contexts.
Tue, 17 Sep 2024 - 16min - 1053 - What fiction writers know about avoiding stereotypes, with Alex Temblador
1013. How can fiction writers create diverse, authentic characters without relying on stereotypes? Alex Temblador, author of "Writing An Identity Not Your Own," tackles this question and more. Learn about the importance of community engagement in research, the pitfalls of overemphasizing certain character traits, and techniques for editing with an eye toward inclusivity. Temblador also shares her own experience applying these principles to her novel "Half Outlaw," offering a practical look at writing across identities.
Thu, 12 Sep 2024 - 34min - 1052 - 'Tea' or 'chai'? Why we misspeak. Fellatone.
1012. Most words are different in different languages, but water from steeped leaves has only two main names: tea and chai. We look at why! Also, if you've ever mixed up words, like calling a butterfly a "flutterby," you'll love learning about what these slips of the tongue tell us about how we form sentences.
Tue, 10 Sep 2024 - 13min - 1051 - The language of liars. 'Legendary,' 'famous,' or 'notorious'? Fish shapes.
1011. This week, we look at language patterns that may indicate someone is lying, such as how often they say "um" and the diversity of the words they use. Then we tease out the difference between being legendary, famous, infamous, and notorious.
Tue, 3 Sep 2024 - 14min - 1050 - Cat Idioms. 'Summerween' and other blends. Bankery
1010. We'd never be accused of belling the cat, but we did let our curiosity get the best of us when sniffing around common cat-related idioms. Plus, little did we know that we're already in Augtober and Summerween! Grab a pumpkin-spiced treat and come on an adventure through the looking glass to learn about portmanteau words.
Tue, 27 Aug 2024 - 16min - 1049 - Apostrophes have always been confusing. 'First' or 'firstly'? Trudy!
1009. If you think apostrophes are confusing today, wait until you hear how people used them 100s of years ago! Ammon Shea has some wild stories. Plus, should you use "first," "second," and "third" or "firstly," "secondly," and "thirdly"?
Tue, 20 Aug 2024 - 15min - 1048 - When to use 'the' before a noun. Why rhymes help us remember. Opening a lime.
1008. We look at why you have to use "the" before some nouns and not others, and then we dive into the science behind why rhymes stick in our memory and how they can even influence our beliefs.
Tue, 13 Aug 2024 - 18min - 1047 - Why singers lose their accents. Why the 'I before E' rule is weird.
1007. Why do Adele and Susan Boyle sound American when they sing? We have answers. Plus, with all the talk about "weird" lately, we think it's time to examine the old "I before E except after C" rule that has so many exceptions it's hardly a rule at all — until you add W for "weird."
Tue, 6 Aug 2024 - 18min - 1046 - Why 'I' takes plural verbs. Making names that end in S, like Harris and Biles, possessive. Marinate.
1006. We look at why the pronoun "I" seems to take plural verbs, and then we talk about a grammar topic that's in the news: how to make names that end in S (like Harris and Biles) possessive.
Tue, 30 Jul 2024 - 14min - 1045 - A brief history of English (aka when they spoke French in England). Killer death meat.
1005. You asked, so I have a brief history of English from invading Germanic tribes to the Modern English era. We talk about Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, the Tyndale Bible, the printing press, and more.
Tue, 23 Jul 2024 - 19min - 1044 - The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin
1004. This week, Karen Yin, author of "The Conscious Style Guide," discusses the concept of conscious language and its importance in promoting equity and respect. We explore the differences between conscious language and political correctness, the evolution of the singular "they," and how to navigate language change. Karen also shares insights on addressing language mishaps, the importance of context in language use, and how to approach controversial terms and phrases.
Thu, 18 Jul 2024 - 42min - 1043 - How to write about zero. Are your emails accidentally rude? PAPST.
1003. This week, we look at zero — what a weird number! It has two plurals, sometimes you use the word and sometimes you use the numeral, and it gave rise to a bunch of idioms in the World War II era. Then we turn our attention to email. Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings. We explain why and how to avoid them.
Tue, 16 Jul 2024 - 17min - 1042 - AI: Friend or foe? A conversation with Martha Brockenbrough
1002. This week, Mignon talks with author Martha Brockenbrough about the good and bad sides of using artificial intelligence for writing and education, including ethical concerns about using AI-generated content, strategies for teaching writing in the age of AI, and the potential effects on teachers' jobs.
Thu, 11 Jul 2024 - 22min - 1041 - The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies
1001. This week, we explore the often-overlooked rules for ordering adjectives in English and when to use commas between them. Then, spurred by a recent shout-out at a Taylor Swift concert in Australia, we look at the rise of the phrase "yeah-nah" (and its American cousin "yeah-no").
Tue, 9 Jul 2024 - 17min - 1040 - Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy
1000. In this special 1000th episode, I take the hot seat to answer your questions. Hear what made the first year of the podcast so wild, what I wish I had done differently, what mistakes I still make, how I still find topics after all these episodes, and the title of my secret dream show (hint: it involves penguins!). It's a celebration of language, learning, and the loyal listeners who made it all possible.
Thu, 4 Jul 2024 - 25min - 1039 - The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka.
999. This week, we look at what shaped early American English, from Native American words to Noah Webster's spelling reforms. Then, we explore phrasal verbs, looking at their grammatical peculiarities and some tips to distinguish them from other types of verbs.
Tue, 2 Jul 2024 - 19min - 1038 - Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen
998. This week, I talked with Samantha and Greg Enslen, who recently purchased their hometown newspaper, the "Tippecanoe Gazette" in Tipp City, Ohio. Sam and Greg shared how they are making it work, from updating antiquated systems to expanding news coverage and readership. We also discussed balancing print and digital content, the challenges of ad sales and subscriptions, their commitment to hyper-local reporting, their thoughts on AI in journalism, and the colorful stories that make small-town news so much fun. Whether you're an aspiring journalist or are simply curious about the future of local news, you'll be inspired by the Enslens' dedication to keeping community journalism alive.
Thu, 27 Jun 2024 - 46min - 1037 - 'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit.
997. This week, I help you learn (and remember!) the difference between "which" and "that" with practical tips and examples about cupcakes. Then, we take a linguistic stroll through walking-related terms, including "perambulate," "sashay," and "traipse."
Tue, 25 Jun 2024 - 16min - 1036 - The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart
994. This week, you'll learn about the rich linguistic history of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart, an advisor to the Oxford Dictionary of African American English. We talked about what goes into making an entirely new dictionary and about some of the first entries, including "kitchen," "Aunt Hagar's Children," and "do rag."
Thu, 20 Jun 2024 - 39min - 1035 - The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing.
995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the history of words for describing a big fuss — "kerfuffle," "hullabaloo," "hoopla," and more.
Tue, 18 Jun 2024 - 18min - 1034 - Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick
994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challenges in the "Dune" series. Learn how Kevin and Scott navigated Frank Herbert's original vocabulary, stayed true to the cultural influences of the names and terms, and created an extensive pronunciation guide. Whether you're a longtime fan or are new to the series, you'll love Kevin and Scott's stories about the language of "Dune" and its quirky history.
Thu, 13 Jun 2024 - 44min - 1033 - The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee
993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communication. Then, we look at the many words for 'father' and their historical and linguistic significance, from early baby talk to more formal terms for adults.
Tue, 11 Jun 2024 - 16min - 1032 - The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer
992. It's been 100 years since the crossword puzzle took America by storm in 1924. This week, Ben Zimmer tells us the little-known story of how this humble word game launched major publishing empires and examines the public's polarized reactions at the time.
Thu, 6 Jun 2024 - 27min - 1031 - From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge.
991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hair of the dog." Then we go through the "audience of one" concept, which involves tailoring content to a single, imagined recipient; and we look at how this approach can make your writing more understandable and engaging.
Tue, 4 Jun 2024 - 20min - 1030 - Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones
990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q is always followed by a U? We have the answers to those questions and more this week from Paul Anthony Jones, author of "Why is this a question?"
Thu, 30 May 2024 - 29min - 1029 - What is a Word? Target moments.
989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at how things like plurals, compound words, and contractions make defining the word "word" a tricky exercise.
Tue, 28 May 2024 - 18min - 1028 - How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski
988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published during World War II for distribution among the troops. We look at the special problems of wartime publishing, the collaborative efforts among publishers, and the lasting influence of these books on the publishing landscape.
Thu, 23 May 2024 - 26min - 1027 - Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill.
987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not OK) to do so. Plus, we talk about the medial S, a strange F-like letter that makes an S-sound and shows up in old documents. We look at how it came to be, its role in English typography, and what made it finally go away.
Tue, 21 May 2024 - 16min - 1026 - Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner
986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools like Zapier. You'll also learn about starting and growing a freelance business, including how to figure out what to charge, how to make ends meet at the beginning, and how to handle time management once your business starts to succeed.
Thu, 16 May 2024 - 31min - 1025 - We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"!
985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the phrase "whim-wham for a goose's bridle." Plus, I have a quick tip about when to capitalize "mom" and "dad."
Tue, 14 May 2024 - 15min - 1024 - Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions
984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" and "broth," "street" and "boulevard," "maze" and "labyrinth" and more with Eli Burnstein, author of "The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions." Confusion about colors got him started on this path, but along the way, he gained insights into language, culture, and the subtle differences that shape meanings.
Thu, 9 May 2024 - 26min - 1023 - Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys
983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who stick to traditional meanings and descriptivists who accept new usages and what you should do with these words in your own writing. Plus, we learn how using "we" versus "I" alters perceptions of leadership, inclusivity, and status.
Tue, 7 May 2024 - 17min - 1022 - Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen
982. Delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets of Old English animal names, from "walking weaver" for spider to the ominous "unland" for a whale's deceptive island.
Thu, 2 May 2024 - 30min - 1021 - When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers.
981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to include in your writing so you're handling this kind of information credibly and professionally. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of animal terminology, including the histories and nuances behind words such as "critter," "varmint," and "beast."
Tue, 30 Apr 2024 - 17min - 1020 - Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan
980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad.
Thu, 25 Apr 2024 - 33min - 1019 - The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket.
979. Explore the fascinating origins of punctuation and how it evolved to shape written language. Plus, learn techniques to untangle confusing noun clusters and bring clarity to your writing.
Tue, 23 Apr 2024 - 16min - 1018 - How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg
978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. (Grammar Girl Conversations)
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 - 19min - 1017 - Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy
977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky origins, regional differences, and wordy friends like "kitty-corner."
Tue, 16 Apr 2024 - 13min - 1016 - Pet-Speak: From Meowlogisms to Zoomies. 'Imply' or 'Infer'?
976. This week, we dive into the "cativerse" and explore the vocabulary, grammar, and spelling habits of our furry friends. Plus, don't get tripped up by "imply" versus "infer." In the second segment, we dive into the definitions, origins, and proper usage of these often-confused words.
Tue, 9 Apr 2024 - 19min - 1015 - You love to read. Could you narrate?
975. This week, I learned all about audiobook narration from David H. Lawrence XVII, who is launching a new program called "Narrate Your Own Book." If you've ever dreamed of being a narrator — or wondered what it's like — this episode is for you!
Tue, 2 Apr 2024 - 24min - 1014 - Memory, Aging, and the Lingering 'Anyways'
974. How does aging affect our ability to understand language? From the challenges of processing complex sentences to the resilience you get from a rich vocabulary, we look at how our language skills change over time. Plus, looking into why people say "anyways" led me to some interesting historical tidbits.
Tue, 26 Mar 2024 - 17min - 1013 - A nuclear win at the Oscars. CamelCase. One clo.
973. "Oppenheimer" leads us to wonder about the "nucular" pronunciation of "nuclear." And why do people have that second capital letter in the middle of MySpace, OutKast, and PowerPoint (and is it grammatically correct)?
Tue, 19 Mar 2024 - 16min - 1012 - From grunts to grammar. The Irish 'after doing.' The winning NGD poem!
972. How did humans evolve from grunting ancestors to masters of language and poetry? This week, we explore fascinating theories on the origins of human language, including the laugh-inducing Bow-Wow and Pooh-Pooh theories. We also delve into Irish-English calques for St. Patrick's Day (and in response to a question from a Grammarpaloozian) and celebrate Leslie F. Miller's winning limerick from the National Grammar Day contest.
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 13min - 1011 - Where did our language start?
971. Linguists have traced modern languages like English and Sanskrit back thousands of years to a single Proto-Indo-European source. This week, we explore their detective work and the debates around the origins of the ancestral tongue.
Tue, 5 Mar 2024 - 21min - 1010 - 'Addictive' or 'addicting'? Types of nouns. Folley
970. We answer a listener question about the difference between "addictive" and "addicting," and then we look at how to write compound nouns: did you visit a coffeehouse or a coffee house?
Tue, 27 Feb 2024 - 14min - 1009 - Tracing the origins of Miami's new English. Why it's not a 'gumballs' machine. Embassy Sweets.
969. From "wolkenkratzer" in German to "flea market" in English, direct translations called calques show how languages borrow from each other. This week, we look at how these translations are changing English in Miami and Spanish in Louisiana. Plus, we look at the difference between "gumball machine" and "gumballs machine" and how it might explain Joe Alwyn's Tortured Man Chat.
Tue, 20 Feb 2024 - 19min - 1008 - Taylor Swift Doesn't Need Your Grammatical Approval. In Love. Foil Lump Surprise.
968. We explain why Taylor Swift's album title doesn't need an apostrophe and how the preposition "in" signals passion.
Tue, 13 Feb 2024 - 13min - 1007 - 'A' versus 'an.' 'Larruping' rides again. Euonyms. Flavoring.
967. Should you say "a honor" or "an honor"? It's trickier than you think! We explore why articles depend on sounds and regional variations, the difference between "thee" and "thuh," and your stories about delicious phrasings.
Tue, 6 Feb 2024 - 12min - 1006 - From 'hwhat' to 'what': Tracing a letter's disappearing act. Barkhouse.
966. We explore the rise and fall of the letter H: Debates over its name ("haitch" or "aitch"?) and why a once-prestigious pronunciation like "hwhat" now seems old-fashioned.
Tue, 30 Jan 2024 - 17min - 1005 - The listener show! (canceled, think, lettuce, funnily, episode numbers, at about, mangos, musgos)
965. It's a listener question extravaganza! I answer your questions about "canceled," "another think/thing coming," zero plurals such as "fish," the way I reference verbs, episode numbers, "at about," mangos versus green peppers, and musgos.
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 - 19min - 1004 - Technology changes how we write. Who was the first Goody Two Shoes?
964. From Nietzsche's writing ball to word processors and beyond, we look at how technology can change the way people write. Plus, we unpack the origin of the phrase "Goody Two Shoes" — it didn't start out as an insult.
Tue, 16 Jan 2024 - 16min - 1003 - More than fluff: Understanding 'needless' words. Larruping. Chicken surprise.
963. Strunk and White said to omit needless words, but sometimes "redundant" words can serve a meaningful purpose. Plus, we have the story behind larruping food.
Tue, 9 Jan 2024 - 11min - 1002 - The psychology (and language) of time. Commas are like people on the subway. Fox chores.
962. We explore why phrases like "time flies" and "fast approaching" reveal deeper perspectives on time — is it us moving or the event? Plus, you may think you know how to use commas, but just like people, they can be more complex than they appear at first glance.
Tue, 2 Jan 2024 - 15min - 1001 - A rizzy word-of-the-year chat (with Jess Zafarris)
961. Prompting, hallucinating, and more! Jess Zafarris, author of "Words from Hell," joins me for a word-of-the-year chat. Hang out with us as we look at how dictionaries are handling new words and meanings that have cropped up around emerging technologies in 2023.
Tue, 26 Dec 2023 - 22min - 1000 - Why English has silent letters. Dayjamas.
960. Some English letters are seen but not heard. In fact, more than half the letters in our alphabet are sometimes silent. We look at the many reasons we have these silent letters that make spelling such a challenge, but that also tell fascinating stories about the history of our language.
Tue, 26 Dec 2023 - 19min - 999 - The special sauce of human language. Gotten. NATO alphabet. A1 sauce.
959. Learn why human language goes beyond basic communication to allow spontaneous creativity, expression of identity, and leadership in linguistic change — things animals and chatbots can't quite achieve. Plus, I answer a British listener's question about the confusing way Americans use the word "gotten."
Tue, 19 Dec 2023 - 14min - 998 - What's the difference between Hispanic, Chicano, Latino, Latinx, and Latine? Can something 'grow' smaller? Musko.
958. We trace the history, usage, and meaning behind identifiers such as "Hispanic," "Chicano," "Latino," "Latina," "Latinx," and "Latine." Plus, we look at whether metaphors like "grow the business" and "grow smaller" are trendy jargon you should avoid or just regular figurative language.
Tue, 12 Dec 2023 - 18min - 997 - When does a house become a mansion? Giving someone house.
957. We trace the linguistic history behind "house" and "mansion" to uncover how these two humble words for dwellings grew apart, with "mansion" gaining airs — all because of the Norman invasion. Plus, we look at why someone might ask if a potential suitor "gave you any house."
Tue, 5 Dec 2023 - 12min - 996 - From metal type to metaphor: printing terms that extended their reach. The positive 'anymore.' Gigglemare.
956. How did terms like "stereotype," "boilerplate," and "typecast" make the leap from specialist printing vocabulary to widespread figurative language? We trace the etymology of these and other expressions. Plus, the story of positive "anymore."
Tue, 28 Nov 2023 - 17min - 995 - Why is Black Friday black? The NATO alphabet. Byeloveyou.
955. This week, we're looking at the history behind "Black Friday" and other black idioms, plus what happens when the NATO alphabet goes rogue for comedy.
Tue, 21 Nov 2023 - 17min - 994 - The science of the plot twist. Irregardless. Spug.
954. "Irregardless" isn’t going away anytime soon. Take a deep breath while we dig into this hated word’s history. And then, do you love a good plot twist? In honor of National Novel Writing Month, we look at the psychology of surprises in fiction.
Tue, 14 Nov 2023 - 17min - 993 - Omnishambles! Military slang across the pond (interview with Ben Yagoda)
953. In honor of Veterans Day, Ben Yagoda tells us tales of military words that marched from the British lexicon to American English and influence the way we speak today. "Omnishambles," "gadget," "boffin" and more! We'll dispel some posh myths, and you'll be gobsmacked by the linguistic invasion.
Tue, 7 Nov 2023 - 32min - 992 - Cliches. Organic. Bully pulpit. Fimfy.
952. What is the boundary between idioms, slang, and clichés—and should we give "adulting" a break? We also trace the 700-year history of "organic," from bodily organs to natural growth, and ask whether using a bully pulpit makes someone a bad person.
Tue, 31 Oct 2023 - 19min - 991 - The dark histories behind your favorite scary words, with Jess Zafarris
951. What's the difference between terror and horror? Why was the word for "bear" so scary that it is lost to history? Jess Zafarris, author of "Words from Hell," goes through these stories and more in a scary, spooky etymology romp to help us get ready for Halloween.
Tue, 24 Oct 2023 - 35min - 990 - Namesake. Commentate. Sprigly
950. Nowthen, a town with an odd little name, helps us understand the word "namesake," and then I have some surprising poll results about the much-hated verb "commentate."
Tue, 17 Oct 2023 - 13min - 989 - How to write great topic sentences. Fanilects. Throwawayable.
949. Topic sentences aren't just for students! We have real-life, grown-up examples to help you write better business proposals, blog posts, and more. Plus, we have fun looking at fanilects and weird words such as "unputdownable," "throwawayable," and "untalkaboutable."
Tue, 10 Oct 2023 - 15min - 988 - When 'nice' was bad and 'bully' was good. Is 'preorder' redundant? High-intensity transformer.
948. Would you believe "bully" once meant "lover" and "nice" meant "ignorant"? Join me as we explore the surprising twists in the histories of common words, including the words "amok" and "bimbo." Plus, why you should preorder books to help authors succeed even though some people find it illogical.
Tue, 3 Oct 2023 - 16min - 987 - Think faster and talk smarter. Tips from Matt Abrahams that will make you a better writer and speaker
947. Do you wish you could think on your feet faster? Well, Stanford business professor and communication expert Matt Abrahams has insights on having great off-the-cuff conversations that are also surprisingly helpful for writers. Matt shares the secrets of chunking when you're writing, tailoring your message for different audiences, and using structures to guide your thinking. Also, as a comfortable speaker but nervous writer, Matt shares his tips on how to get that difficult first draft down on the page. I found his new book, "Think Faster, Talk Smarter," to be incredibly helpful, so I knew I had to get him to share his expertise with you!
Tue, 26 Sep 2023 - 21min - 986 - Did Disney nail the pronunciation of 'Caribbean'? How to write equations. Chuther.
946. It's Talk Like a Pirate Day, which brings to mind "Pirates of the Caribbean," but you can actually pronounce "Caribbean" at least two different ways. Did Disney get it right or wrong? We turn to history for the answer and discover a second fascinating linguistics story along the way! Plus, we answer a listener's question about how to write equations.
Tue, 19 Sep 2023 - 13min - 985 - Asking experts about language (interview with Steve Kleinedler, former executive editor of the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel)
945. What was the famous Usage Panel from the American Heritage Dictionary and how did the panel's opinions influence dictionary entries? Steve Kleinedler, who managed the Usage Panel for many years, joins us this week with all kinds of fascinating inside-the-dictionary stories.
Tue, 12 Sep 2023 - 33min - 984 - When you shouldn't 'write tight.' 'Behead' versus 'decapitate.' YesHony.
944. Today, we untangle the often confusing web of writing styles. We'll explore the benefits of loose writing in fiction, creative writing, and academic writing, and how you can vary your sentence length to create a rhythm that resonates with your readers. Plus, we use the difference between "behead" and "decapitate" as a sneaky way to talk about the "be-" and "de-" prefixes in a way every word nerd will love.
Tue, 5 Sep 2023 - 16min - 983 - Say hwat?! 'Anxious' versus 'eager.' Pink stein.
943. Join us for a fascinating romp through the evolution of phrases like "you know," "right?" and "I mean" from Beowulf's time to today. Plus, we look at how people's feelings about using "anxious" to mean "eager" are changing, and how that can affect your writing.
Tue, 29 Aug 2023 - 14min - 982 - The wonders of the 'a-' prefix in English. 'Personal' versus 'personnel.'
942. We’re diving deep into the chameleon-like nature of the "a-" prefix, tracing its journey from Latin, where it often started out as "ad-," to its function as a preposition in French, and its transformative role in Greek that gifts English words like "atypical" and "asymmetrical." You'll be wowed by the versatility of the seemingly humble "a-" prefix as we unveil its covert presence in words like "atom" and its power in creating modern English words like "asexual." Then, we explore the difference between the words "personal" and "personnel" and give you a tip for getting the spelling right every time.
Tue, 22 Aug 2023 - 18min - 981 - Hilarious typos (and how to avoid them). Why do we 'take' a walk?
941. Whether you've been betrayed by autocorrect or your own fingers, we've all made typos. But we have tricks you may not have thought of for fighting back. Plus, we look at why we say we "take" a walk and "give" a presentation, even though we aren't taking or giving anything.
Tue, 15 Aug 2023 - 16min - 980 - Have you ridden an acoustic bike lately? Write it tight.
940. Pork bacon, manual transmissions, and acoustic guitars: retronyms help us describe the original form of something that has now become a class. But sometimes, retronyms go even further. This week, we discover surprising ways "acoustic" is filling this role. Plus, learn what makes your writing "tight."
Tue, 8 Aug 2023 - 17min - 979 - Did you know that on US Army bases, soldiers get a tattoo every day? Keep writing.
939. When I say the word "tattoo," you probably think of body art, but "tattoo" has another meaning that's related to a famous Edinburgh festival that is happening this month. Plus, we look at why you should never stop writing (and reading).
Tue, 1 Aug 2023 - 13min - 978 - People have ~feelings~ about the exclamation point (Florence Hazrat interview)
938. Love it or hate it, the exclamation point has been on the red carpet lately because we're using it more. But it also has a fascinating history: the man who invented it was trying to fix a problem that annoyed him. This interview with Florence Hazrat is bursting with fascinating tidbits.
Tue, 25 Jul 2023 - 34min - 977 - 15 years of podcasting with Money Girl and Nutrition Diva
In this special bonus episode, I sat down with Laura Adams and Monica Reinagel, who host Money Girl and Nutrition Diva here on the Quick and Dirty Tips network, to celebrate their 15th anniversaries and discuss how much podcasting has changed in this decade and a half. Thanks to Laura and Monica for joining me — and if you're new to Quick and Dirty Tips, make sure you check out Money Girl and Nutrition Diva for the best financial and nutrition advice in audio!
Fri, 21 Jul 2023 - 33min - 976 - 'Less' versus 'fewer.' Fun names for fingers. Scunscreen.
937. Never be confused about when to use "less" and "fewer" again. Plus, have you ever wondered why our thumb is called a thumb? Or why the "rule of thumb" is so controversial? We look at the origins of these terms and more, and also touch on the many interesting names for fingers in various languages.
Tue, 18 Jul 2023 - 16min - 975 - 'Inspirational' or 'aspirational'? The surprising dangers of ChatGPT. Spaghetto.
936. Have you ever wondered about the nuanced differences between "aspirational" and "inspirational"? Today, we look at a newer, more cynical meaning of "aspirational." Plus, you've probably heard all about the promise of ChatGPT. Well, we dig into stories of people who were trying to save time, but got in trouble instead.
Tue, 11 Jul 2023 - 18min - 974 - Phrasal verb mysteries and minced oath origins. Night water.
935. Ever been puzzled by the difference between "slow down" and "slow up"? Curious about how they can possibly mean the same thing (or do they)? We answer a burning listener question about why prepositions can be so darn tricky in English. Join us also as we delve into the fascinating world of minced oaths, examining intriguing words like "zounds" and "gadzooks."
Tue, 4 Jul 2023 - 17min - 973 - Unlocking the mystery of 'ever words' and Latin abbreviations. Juna.
934. Ever wondered why "whyever" isn't as popular as "wherever," "however," or "whenever"? Join me as we delve into the world of "-ever" words and their curious usage. We explore the relationship between words like "forever" and "never," and reveal how the "-ever" suffix can intensify meaning. Plus, find out why watching British TV might lead you to use "whyever." But that's not all. This week, we tackle a burning listener question: how do you pronounce Latin abbreviations like "et al."? Should you say the abbreviation or the full phrase? And what about other common Latin abbreviations such as "ibid" and "circa"? Tune in to learn the ins and outs of these tricky linguistic tidbits, and impress your friends with your newfound pronunciation prowess!
Tue, 27 Jun 2023 - 13min - 972 - Why words can suddenly look unrecognizable. Learn to love the full stop. Marley.
933. Have you ever looked at a word, and it didn't seem like a real word anymore? It's a specific thing that happens in your brain called semantic satiation, and we have the fascinating ins and outs. Plus, we extol the merits of the full stop.
Tue, 20 Jun 2023 - 17min - 971 - Imagine life as a fiction editor (interview with Amy Schneider, author of the Chicago Guide to Copy Editing Fiction)
932. Have you ever thought it would be fun to be a fiction editor? "The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction" by Amy Schneider gives you the inside scoop on what that job actually entails. Join us to learn about the specific challenges (and joys) of editing fiction.
Tue, 13 Jun 2023 - 29min - 970 - Darth Vader and the word 'father.' Comparatives and superlatives. Pritinear.
931. Darth Vader wasn't the best father (understatement!), but his name is a wonderful jumping off point to discuss the origin of the word "father." Plus, we explain why I said he wasn't the "best" father and not that he wasn't the "better" father.
Tue, 6 Jun 2023 - 18min - 969 - TV changes how you use language. When to use (and not use) 'more' and 'most'
930. How YOU doin? Today we’re going to MacGyver up some fun memories and tips. And then we'll look at the rules about using "more" and "most" or "-er" and "-est." It'll be a yowlie howlie good time!
Tue, 30 May 2023 - 15min
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