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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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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.
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