logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
7m 4s

Where do some phrases come from?

NEWSTALK
About this episode

Biting the bullet, cats got your tongue and a dime a dozen; these are all regular sayings we often quote, but where do we get them from, and why do some sound so strange?

Dr Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics in UCD joins Kieran to discuss.

Up next
Today
Movies and TV: The Gentlemen, Chad Powers, The Death of Robin Hood
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk joined Ciara and Shane to review the latest TV and movie releases… 
14m 42s
Today
Orange Order announces plans for “limited” parade at Drumcree
The Orange Order has announced plans for a "limited" parade at Drumcree, one of the most contentious parade routes in Northern Ireland.It said the plans had been scaled back and it hoped the parade would be allowed along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road. Instead of 400 people ... Show More
8m 27s
Today
New RTB figures - what do they tell us about housing policies?
The latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board were published today, and they show that rents have risen significantly across the country, with new tenants paying an average of €326 more per month than sitting tenants this year.However, the figures also found that evicti ... Show More
9m 27s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2013
359 GG Do You Tell People to Pound Sand or Pound Salt?
Deciphering crazy English idioms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
5m 10s
Mar 2023
140 - Expression: Cat Got Your Tongue?
It's a ridiculous visual, is it not?! If the cat's got your tongue, you can't talk, you're speechless! And that's pretty much how we use it in English conversation. We often ask someone "Cat got your tongue?" in situations when they can't respond, or they don't respond. Listen to ... Show More
19m 57s
Feb 2022
Why Do We Cringe at 'Pepper and Salt'? Why 'Square' Is Uncool. Quickquish.
"Sticks and stones." "Bride and groom." "Heads or tails." Some word pairs almost always appear in a specific order, and linguists have been investigating why for decades. Plus, after last week's segment about square meals, a listener asked why it's uncool to be a square.| Subscri ... Show More
16 m
Jul 2022
Confused by modern idioms?
We talk about some new expressions that have been introduced to English through the media 
6m 26s
Oct 2012
Where did the crazy cat lady stereotype come from?
<p>Why do we associate cats with crazy old ladies? What's the historical relationship between women and cats, and why do popes hate cats? Could bacteria in cat poop make people crazy? Join Caroline and Cristen as they answer these questions and more.</p><p> </p> Learn more about ... Show More
32m 42s
Sep 2020
Short Stuff: More Phrase Origins
tail spinning
12m 14s
Jul 2024
Passive Aggressive Speak
<p>Do you use these phrases?</p> 
2 m
Mar 2024
The Cat's Meow
Ever heard someone described as "the cat's meow" and wondered what on earth it means? Join us as we explore this quirky idiom, its surprising origins, and how it's used today. Get ready to add some feline flavor to your English! Find the full transcript of this episode and learn ... Show More
2m 17s