If you hate how people misuse words like "literally" and "awesome," at least you can learn that there's a name for that kind of misuse: semantic bleaching. Also, have you ever considered using World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV to learn a language? Research says maybe you should!
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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
Oct 2022
How chess has evolved over centuries | Learn English phrase 'tailor made'
<p>"</p> <p>One of the most famous strategy games in human history, chess spread around the world over 1,000 years ago. Though the rules have changed a little, the biggest change has come with the advent of computers and their victory over human champions. Plus, learn the English ... Show More
21m 27s
Mar 2023
Mario mania as Super Nintendo World opens at Universal Studios | Learn English phrasal verb 'team up'
<p>"</p> <p>Super Mario Brothers was one of the first games available on the original Nintendo video game console, and it went on to become one of the most popular video games of all time. Now, it's reborn as a theme park at Universal Studios in Tokyo and Hollywood. Plus, learn t ... Show More
22m 28s
Feb 2023
Netflix password rules: how much pain & how much gain? | Learn English phrasal verb 'grow up'
<p>"</p> <p>As Netflix plans to roll out its new policies on password sharing, it faces a balancing act between two priorities: getting password-sharing viewers to pay up, while also not angering legitimate users. The authentication rules will work for the average household, but ... Show More
26m 41s