The Allusionist 113. Zaltzology
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Jan 24, 2020 Alie Ward, a comedian and the charming host of "Ologies," joins for a lively exploration of language. They dive into the etymology of quirky words like ‘buxom’ and ‘lacuna,’ unraveling myths and sparking laughter. Alie and her guest discuss why the word ‘moist’ triggers such strong reactions, and the complexities of swearing across cultures. They highlight how understanding these linguistic gems can foster empathy and connect us all. Expect plenty of joy and wit while navigating the delightful quirks of our language!
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Early Language Interest
- Helen Zaltzman became interested in language at age seven while learning French and Latin.
- Noticing similarities between words sparked her curiosity about etymology.
Verbal Dexterity
- Zaltzman developed verbal dexterity early on due to growing up in a verbose household.
- She jokes about being an early reader and needing glasses at a young age.
OED's Word Choices
- Zaltzman believes the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) adds trendy words to spark controversy.
- This is a deliberate strategy for attention, she suggests.