SUMMARYWhat do the words marathon, paisley, and bikini have in common? They're all words that derive from the names of places. Martha and Grant talk toponyms. Also, what's the difference between a nerd and a geek? Why do some Marines greet each other with the word "Yambo"? And what do you call the crust that forms at the corners of your eyes after a night's ... Show More
May 19
Bean Counting - 19 May 2025
In the 1920’s, Americans were warned of a new danger sweeping across the country. This menace that harmed people’s health, ruined minds, and threatened marriages. The culprit? The national obsession with a new form of entertainment: crossword puzzles. Plus: why are accountants re ... Show More
53m 45s
Nov 2024
Word and Tomato Salad (Words, Words, Words 30)
If tomatoes are a fruit, why can't you put them in a fruit salad? Somewhat more importantly, did you know cashews aren't nuts? And most importantly of all, what does any of this have to do with the theory of translation? Today I'm responding to a question about the difference bet ... Show More
30m 54s
Jul 2024
Your English Five a Day #37.4
E323: 🎙️ Welcome to The English Like a Native Podcast, your go-to resource for expanding your English vocabulary! I'm your host, Anna, and I'm bringing you Week 37, Day 4 of Your English Five a Day. Each weekday, we delve into five new vocabulary items, exploring their meanings, ... Show More
13m 41s
Dec 2023
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 Ameri ... Show More
14m 19s
Sep 2024
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!" We learn about words like "brilliant" and "ginger" that have crossed the pond, some words you might think came from Britain (but didn't), wh ... Show More
28m 46s
Jul 2023
Valerie Fridland (on linguistics)
Valerie Fridland (Like, Literally, Dude) is a professor, sociolinguist, and author. Valerie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why people dislike the word "moist" so much, how accents are a part of social identity, and where modern English developed from. Valerie and Dax talk a ... Show More
1h 59m
Aug 2024
Your English Five a Day #40.4
E341: 🎙️ Welcome to the English Like a Native Podcast with me, your host, Anna! This is Week 40, Day 4 of Your English Five a Day, and we are laser-focused on boosting your active vocabulary and enhancing your English listening skills every weekday, from Monday to Friday.
👆🏽 T ... Show More
20m 13s
Jun 2024
'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."The "words for walking" se ... Show More
16m 18s