A recent study found that some names crop up more frequently than others in certain professions. The name William is especially common among attorneys–and graphic designers include a higher-than-average number of Jessicas. Plus, picturesque idioms from around the world: What Russians mean when they say someone has “a burning hat,” and what Swedes mean when t ... 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
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
Aug 2024
Eggcorns, Malapropismos, y la Etimología Popular - Eggcorns, Malapropisms and Popular Etymology
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 swoop"—become part of everyday languag ... Show More
28m 34s
Jul 16
Mailbag: Drug Names, Cow Abductions, and the “Ass-Intensifier”
In this episode we’re opening our mailbag to answer three fascinating questions from our listeners. How did “ass,” a word for donkeys and butts, become what linguists call an “intensifier” for just about everything? How do pharmaceuticals get their wacky names? And why do we all ... Show More
48m 1s
Aug 2020
046 – Five American English slang expressions
Hey there English learners, Lori here, your teacher from BetterAtEnglish.com. I've got a different type of episode here for you today. I'm gonna go through some American English slang expressions, some really common ones that you hear all the time if you're watching American Engl ... Show More
11m 34s
Nov 2024
176 - Expression: What Goes Around Comes Around
Hello and welcome to today’s episode! ? Today, we’re diving into a popular expression in English: What goes around comes around.
It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard in movies, TV shows, or even in real life, but what does it really mean? And how can you use it in your everyday co ... Show More
17m 59s