How do languages change and grow? Does every language acquire new words in the same way? Martha and Grant focus on how that process happens in English and Spanish. Plus, the stories behind the Spanish word "gringo" and the old instruction to elementary school students to sit "Indian Style." Finally, the English equivalents of German sayings provide clever wa ... Show More
Today
Deep Fried Air (Rebroadcast) - 24 November 2025
Eels, orts, and Wordle! Sweden awarded its most prestigious literary award to a book about . . . eels. The Book of Eels reveals the mysterious life cycle of this sea creature and its significance for famous figures from Aristotle to Sigmund Freud. Plus, what's an ort? It's the ... Show More
53m 45s
Nov 17
No Bones - 17 November 2025
Whippoorwills, bob whites, and chickadees. How do we decide the names of birds and what to call their calls? Plus, the last syllables of Arkansas and Kansas are pronounced differently, but they come from the same etymological root. And: What’s the best word to describe your relat ... Show More
53m 45s
Aug 2024
Eggcorns, Malapropismos, y la Etimología Popular - Eggcorns, Malapropisms and Popular Etymology
<p>Join us as we share a lighthearted conversation about eggcorns, malapropisms, and folk etymology. We explore how linguistic slip-ups—like confusing "Alzheimer's disease" with "old-timers disease" or "in one fell swoop" with "in one foul ... Show More
28m 34s
May 2025
¿Jalas o qué? Cómo Aceptar o Rechazar Propuestas en Español | You In or What? How to Accept or Reject Proposals in Spanish
<p>Saying “yes” or “no” in Mexico isn’t as simple as it sounds. In this episode, we unpack the social and cultural nuances behind these everyday responses, especially when someone offers you food, help, or an invitation. Whether you’re learning Spanish or planning a visit, this e ... Show More
17m 38s
May 2025
Colores Que No Sabías Que Necesitabas en Español - Colors You Didn't Know You Needed in Spanish
<p>While choosing wallpaper and curtain rods for our new home studio, we came across color names like “royal blue” and “matte nickel,” sparking a fun conversation about how color terms vary in English and Spanish. From “colorado” to “rosa mexicano,” we unpack the emotional, cultu ... Show More
28m 4s
Jul 2025
El Chingonario - The Chingonary
<p>We’re breaking down the many colorful, confusing, and creative ways chingar shows up in everyday Mexican Spanish. From expressions like chingón, chingadera, and chingadazo to more obscure gems like chingaquedito, we cover the meanings, the contexts, and why they matter. Whethe ... Show More
33m 54s
Feb 2025
Números Grandes en Español - Large Numbers in Spanish
<p>Have you ever stumbled upon the differences between “cien” and “ciento”? In this episode, we’ll clarify the difference between the two, we'll dive into irregular hundreds, and show you how to tackle thousands effortlessly. Plus, we’ll uncover the surprising distinctions a ... Show More
24m 19s