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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Abso-Bloomin-Lutely (Rebroadcast) - 15 January 2024
Niblings and Nieflings (Rebroadcast) - 8 January 2024
Book Moth - 1 January 2024
Kite in a Phonebooth (Rebroadcast) - 25 December 2023
Takes All Kinds - 18 December 2023
Strawberry Moon (Rebroadcast) - 11 December 2023
Highway Robbery - 4 December 2023
Spill the Tea (Rebroadcast) - 27 November 2023
Strong Coffee - 13 November 2023
Keep Your Powder Dry (Rebroadcast) - 6 November 2023
One-Armed Paper Hanger (Rebroadcast) - 30 October 2023
Hair on Your Tongue (Rebroadcast) - 23 October 2023
Train of Thought (Rebroadcast) - 16 October 2023
Space Cadet (Rebroadcast) - 9 October 2023
Howling Fantods (Rebroadcast) - 2 October 2023
Pizza Bones - 25 September 2023
Bottled Sunshine (Rebroadcast) - 18 September 2023
Endless Summer - 11 September 2023
Care Package (Rebroadcast) - 4 September 2023
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Just Dumb Enough Podcast
Voices of Misery Podcast
House of Whimsical Terror
Stuff You Should Know
Timcast IRL