Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge.

Jun 4, 2024

Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor at the University of Nevada in Reno, dives into the intriguing origins of the word 'dog,' tracing its evolution and playful uses like 'hot dog.' She introduces the 'audience of one' concept, highlighting how focusing on a single imagined reader can enhance writing clarity and engagement. The discussion also touches on the dynamic nature of language, using engaging anecdotes and idiomatic expressions to illustrate how meanings transform over time.

20:29

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Episode guests

Valerie Fridland

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Quick takeaways

The podcast traces the evolution of the word 'dog', illustrating how its meaning has transformed across social contexts over time.

It introduces the 'audience of one' concept, emphasizing the importance of personalizing communication to enhance engagement and relevance.

Deep dives

Origins and Evolution of the Word 'Dog'

The podcast delves into the fascinating etymology of the word 'dog,' tracing its historical usage from Old English to modern times. Initially, the term was associated specifically with aggressive or particular breeds, such as mastiffs, while the generic term used was 'hund.' Over centuries, the meaning morphed, eventually encompassing both the animal and metaphorical uses, including its derogatory application towards certain behaviors, as seen in Shakespeare’s works. This semantic shift highlights how cultural perceptions of dogs have evolved, reflecting a broader trend of words changing in meaning based on social context and usage over time.

Intro

2min

The Evolution of 'Dog': A Linguistic Journey

5min

The Evolution of Language and Helpful Services

2min

The Power of the Audience of One

13min

Exploring Word Origins and Enhancing Communication Skills

2min

991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hair of the dog." Then we go through the "audience of one" concept, which involves tailoring content to a single, imagined recipient; and we look at how this approach can make your writing more understandable and engaging.

The dog segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.

| Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/hotdog/transcript

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