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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Moon Palace - 17 August 2020
Space Cadet (Rebroadcast) - 10 August 2020
Howling Fantods (Rebroadcast) - 3 August 2020
Cherry Bombs (#1551)
Bottled Sunshine (Rebroadcast) - 20 July 2020
Queen Bee - 13 July 2020
Cootie Shot (Rebroadcast) - 6 July 2020
Navel Gazing - 29 June 2020
Ding Ding Man (Rebroadcast) - 22 June 2020
Take Tea for the Fever (Rebroadcast) - 15 June 2020
Yak Shaving - 8 June 2020
Sun Dog (Rebroadcast) - 1 June 2020
Oh For Cute (Rebroadcast) - 25 May 2020
Coinkydink (Rebroadcast) - 18 May 2020
Up Your Alley (Rebroadcast) - 11 May 2020
Piping Hot (Rebroadcast) - 4 May 2020
Mimeographs and Dittos (Rebroadcast) - 27 April 2020
Cabin Fever - 20 April 2020
Chopped Liver (Rebroadcast) - 13 April 2020
Singing Sand - 6 April 2020
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