Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Asking experts about language (interview with Steve Kleinedler, former executive editor of the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel)

Sep 12, 2023

Steve Kleinedler, former executive editor of the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel, shares fascinating stories about the panel's influence on dictionary entries. Topics covered include the panel's composition, the importance of the dictionary's front matter, prescriptivism vs descriptivism, and changing language usage. Find out more about the guest and access show notes.

33:00

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Episode guests

Steve Kleinedler

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The American Heritage Dictionary has a usage panel that influences the dictionary's entries based on the opinions of linguists and experts, reflecting the evolving attitudes towards language usage.

The American Heritage Dictionary provides comprehensive etymologies and word histories, ensuring accurate information about word origins and allowing for a deeper understanding of the English language.

Deep dives

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Introduction

2min

The Composition and Authority of the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel

12min

Exploring the Underused Front Matter of the Dictionary and the Difference Between 'Obsolete' and 'Archaic'

2min

IXL: Interactive Learning Program

6min

Prescriptivism and Descriptivism in Language

15min

Finding the Guest Online and Show Notes

2min

945. What was the famous Usage Panel from the American Heritage Dictionary and how did the panel's opinions influence dictionary entries? Steve Kleinedler, who managed the Usage Panel for many years, joins us this week with all kinds of fascinating inside-the-dictionary stories.

David Skinner article about the history of the American Heritage Dictionary Usage Panel
David Skinner's book "The Story of Ain't"
American Heritage Dictionary Old Tumblr
Steve Kleinedler's book "Is English Changing?"
Steve Kleinedler on Twitter
Kory Stamper's book "Word by Word"
Grammar Girl interview with Kory Stamper

| Transcript: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/steve-kleinedler/transcript

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