A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over Highway Robbery - 4 December 2023
Secret signals on the job: Waitresses at some 19th-century restaurants ensured speedy drink service by communicating with a non-verbal code. One server took orders, then placed each customer's cup to indicate exactly what the customer wanted. A second server could then whisk right in and serve the right beverage without asking. Also, the term highway robbery goes back to the 1600s, when armed robbers stopped carriages traveling out of town and ordered occupants to turn over their valuables. And what in the world is a nurdle? Plus, sun grin, John Doe and Richard Roe, a quiz that's twice the fun, too much sugar for a dime, Don't strain your milk, Stand and deliver, Tetrising, Your feet don't fit a limb, and Holy cow!
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