Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan

Apr 25, 2024

Linguist Anne Curzan discusses language evolution, the book 'Says Who?', Apple's marketing tips, Ben Franklin's word preferences, the evolution of 'fun', language norms and decision-making, double negatives in English, language perceptions, and evolving language constructs.

33:32

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Episode guests

Anne Curzan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Language evolution can be playful with words like 'funner' and 'funnest', reflecting modern trends.

Language variation acceptance is promoted by linguists like Anne Kurzan to influence gatekeepers and expand linguistic boundaries.

Deep dives

Anne Kurzan discusses the evolution of the word 'funner' and 'funnest'

The podcast episode features linguist Anne Kurzan discussing the evolution of words like 'funner' and 'funnest'. She explains how the word 'fun' as a noun transitioned to an adjective over time. Kurzan illustrates that 'funner' and 'funnest' emerge as kids apply patterns of one-syllable adjectives. Despite initial resistance, 'funnest' starts appearing in advertising, indicating a gradual shift in acceptability. Kurzan uses the marketing strategy of playfulness to include 'funner' in her book's title, aligning with modern language trends.

Introduction

2min

Analyzing the Evolution of the Word 'Fun' and its Comparatives

3min

Exploring Language Norms and Linguistic Decision-Making

10min

Exploring the Evolution of Language Standards through Double Negatives

4min

Evolution of Language Perceptions and Usage

15min

Fascinating Discussion on Language Usage and Guest's Works

2min

980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad.

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

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