A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Society & Culture
In Japan, if you want to order a corndog, you ask for an Amerikan doggu (アメリカンドッグ). These types of coinages are called wasei-eigo , or “Japanese-made English,” and there are lots of them. Plus, there’s an atmospheric optical phenomenon that looks somewhat like the aurora borealis, but has a much friendlier name. Scientists refer to these ribbons of color as … Steve. And: need a synonym for the word “conspicuous”? There’s always kenspeckle . Also, nitnoy , faire la grasse matinée , sunday-to-meeting , sana, sana, colita de rana, a codebreaker who solves a years-long mystery, a brain teaser about action-packed metaphors, ghostie , gander’s arch , fluffle , 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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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
Moon Palace - 17 August 2020
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