879. Are people from Liverpool really called "Liverpudlians"? Where does the name "Tar Heel" come from? We have the answers to some of the most interesting questions about demonyms: the names for people from specific places. Also, has anyone ever criticized you for using the word "healthy" instead of "healthful"? We explain why that happens. And finally, we' ... Show More
Yesterday
The sinful fork (and other dinner-table surprises)
<p>1136. This week, we go full Thanksgiving, talking about the origin of butter knives, forks, and more. You'll love all the tidbits you can share with your family or friends during dinner.</p><p>🔗 <strong>Share your familect recording via </strong><a href="https://www.speakpipe ... Show More
14m 49s
Nov 20
Why print dictionaries still matter, with Peter Sokolowski
<p>1135. This week, we talk with Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, about the new print 12th Collegiate Dictionary. We look at why print still matters, how the dictionary used lookup data to decide which words to drop (least looked-up compounds), and the import ... Show More
35m 31s
Nov 18
Personification in language and AI. Dictums, maxims, and proverbs. Expensitive.
<p>1134. This week, we look at the poetic power of personification (the language quirk that gives human traits to nonhuman things) and why style guides advise against using it for AI. Then, we look at the different names for common sayings, defining a proverb and breaking down th ... Show More
17m 26s
Jan 2024
279. Indian Mutiny, the Cat-O’-Nine-Tails, and Mercury Poisoning: The Surprising Origins of English Idioms! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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What do the 1857 Indian Mutiny, a brutal punishment feared by sai ... Show More
21m 38s
Mar 2024
286. Who is Responsible for the Most Deaths in History?: The Story of Thomas Midgely Jr! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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Today I want to tell you the story of Thomas Midgely Jr. He was a scientist, engineer, and incredibly successful inventor. His creations revolu ... Show More
30m 51s
Oct 2022
What It Means to be a Protector with Actress Angelica Ross
Justin, Jamey and Liz sit down with award winning trans actress and activist Angelica Ross (POSE, AHS) to discuss what it means to be protected, who needs protection and what it looks like to be a true protector in a divided world. Through an array of brave commentary, Angelica s ... Show More
1h 19m