A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Society & Culture
When you had sleepovers as a child, what did you call the makeshift beds you made on the floor? In some places, you call those bedclothes and blankets a pallet. This word comes from an old term for “straw.” And: What’s the story behind the bedtime admonition “Sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite”? Plus, when grownups are talking about sex or money, they may remind each other that “little pitchers have big ears.” It’s a reference to the ear-shaped handle on a jug, and the knack kids have for picking up on adult topics and then spilling that new knowledge elsewhere. Plus, a word game, lick the calf over, lady locks, when clothes become laundry, towhead, build a coffee, and more.
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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At First Blush (Rebroadcast) - 4 January 2021
Gift Horse (Rebroadcast) - 28 December 2020
Like a Boiled Owl - 21 December 2020
Had the Radish (Rebroadcast) - 14 December 2020
Your Two Cents - 7 December 2020
Abso-Bloomin-Lutely (Rebroadcast) - 30 November 2020
Niblings and Nieflings (Rebroadcast) - 23 November 2020
Sock it to Me - 16 November 2020
Kite in a Phonebooth (Rebroadcast) - 9 November 2020
Strawberry Moon (Rebroadcast) - 2 November 2020
Good Vibrations - 26 October 2020
Spill The Tea (Rebroadcast) - 19 October 2020
Mystery Drawer - 12 October 2020
Dirty Laundry (Rebroadcast) - 5 October 2020
Keep Your Powder Dry (Rebroadcast) - 28 September 2020
One Armed Paper Hanger (Rebroadcast) - 21 September 2020
Deviled Eggs - 14 September 2020
Hair On Your Tongue (Rebroadcast) - 7 September 2020
Play It By Ear - 31 August 2020
Train of Thought (Rebroadcast) - 24 August 2020
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