Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing ‘Ghost words’ and their history. Rules for ‘between’ and ‘among.’ Wilsoning.
Oct 28, 2025
This week, delve into the eerie world of ghost words, including the infamous dictionary blunder involving 'dord.' Explore the fascinating phrases that incorporate 'ghost,' from ghost kitchens to ghost writers. Learn why 'between' is used for distinct items while 'among' pertains to groups. Discover the nuances in walking paths through trees and hear about the quirky term 'wilsoning' from a listener's family. Perfect for word lovers and Halloween enthusiasts alike!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
How Ghost Words Enter Dictionaries
- "Ghost words" are dictionary entries created by mistakes, not real words.
- The example Dord (misread from "D or d") shows how errors can become printed words for years.
Common Ghost Phrases And Meanings
- Mignon lists common ghost phrases like "give up the ghost" and "white as a ghost."
- She connects these idioms to both literal death and broken or absent things.
Transport Uses: Ghost Trains And Flights
- Mignon describes "ghost trains" and "ghost flights" as minimal services kept to avoid official closure.
- She notes ghost flights often fly nearly empty to keep airport slots.
