A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Society & Culture
The word filibuster has a long and colorful history, going back to the days when pirates roamed the high seas. Today it refers to hijacking a piece of legislation. Plus, the language of yoga teachers: When doing a guided meditation, you may hear your instructor speaking in a kind of continuous present, with phrases like sitting comfortably and breathing deeply instead of simple imperatives to sit comfortably and breathe deeply. These are participles with a purpose, and linguists have a term for it: the politeness progressive. Finally, why can’t you have your cake and eat it, too? Also: Book it!, the language of falconry, acronames, how to pronounce brooch, broach the subject, at loggerheads, a brain-teasing game for science fans and another one for gardeners, the many meanings of hickey, and more. And hey, don’t go visiting with one arm as long as the other!
Read full show notes, hear hundreds of free episodes, send your thoughts and questions, and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org/contact. Be a part of the show: call 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; worldwide, call or text/SMS +1 (619) 800-4443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Twitter @wayword. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.
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Bug in Your Ear (Rebroadcast) - 27 May 2024
The Black Dog (Rebroadcast) - 20 May 2024
Animal Crackers - 13 May 2024
Beside Myself (Rebroadcast) - 6 May 2024
Skookum (Rebroadcast) - 29 April 2024
Electric Soup - 22 April 2024
Life of Riley (Rebroadcast) - 15 April 2024
Blue Dolphin - 8 April 2024
Off the Turnip Truck (Rebroadcast) - 1 April 2024
Gilded Age - 25 March 2024
Loaded For Bear (Rebroadcast) - 18 March 2024
Bronx Cheer - 11 March 2024
Mrs. Astor's Horse (Rebroadcast) - 4 March 2024
Ghost Runner - 26 February 2024
At First Blush (Rebroadcast) - 19 February 2024
Sweet Spot - 12 February 2024
Gift Horse (Rebroadcast) - 5 February 2024
Had the Radish (Rebroadcast) - 29 January 2024
Orange Pigs - 22 January 2024
Abso-Bloomin-Lutely (Rebroadcast) - 15 January 2024
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