A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Society & Culture
The words tough, through, and dough all end in O-U-G-H. So why don't they rhyme? A lively new book addresses the many quirks of English by explaining the history of words and phrases. And: have you ever been in a situation where a group makes a decision to do something, only to discover later that no one really wanted to do that thing in the first place? There's a term for that! Plus, the sounds we make when we're simply passing the time or waiting a few seconds for something to happen. It can sound like a "whoosh" or barely audible humming or even the theme from Jeopardy! Also, toe the line vs. tow the line, Dirty Gertie, one Mississippi vs. one Piccadilly, cardboard dog vs. rubber duck, sand-hundred, beefed it, a rhyming puzzle, and doofus, and more. All that for under a buck three-eighty!
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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Cootie Shot (Rebroadcast) - 28 August 2023
Sticky Wicket - 21 August 2023
Ding Ding Man (Rebroadcast) - 14 August 2023
Gleam in Your Eye - 7 August 2023
Take Tea for the Fever (Rebroadcast) - 31 July 2023
Alligator Mouth - 24 July 2023
Sun Dog (Rebroadcast) - 17 July 2023
High Jinks - 10 July 2023
Oh For Cute (Rebroadcast) - 3 July 2023
Coinkydink (Rebroadcast) - 26 June 2023
Spinning Cookies - 19 June 2023
Up Your Alley (Rebroadcast) - 12 June 2023
Just Skylarking - 5 June 2023
Piping Hot (Rebroadcast) - 29 May 2023
Folding Money - 22 May 2023
Mimeographs and Dittos (Rebroadcast) - 15 May 2023
Takes the Cake - 8 May 2023
Truth and Beauty (Rebroadcast) - 1 May 2023
Dessert Stomach (Rebroadcast) - 24 April 2023
Blessing Box - 17 April 2023
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