Ben Zimmer

In this enlightening discussion, linguist Ben Zimmer dives into the roots of the slang term "hella," tracing its Bay Area origins and uncovering early examples from music and yearbooks. He shares fascinating stories of linguistics detective work, including discovering handwritten inscriptions and reuniting a lost yearbook with its owner. Zimmer also sheds light on how the OED updates its records with antedatings, highlighting how language evolves and the unexpected human narratives that emerge from research.

In this engaging discussion, linguist Ben Zimmer, known for his work as a language columnist and crossword constructor, shares his passion for uncovering the hidden histories of words. He reveals fascinating stories behind terms like 'scalawag' and 'jazz,' debunking their origins with surprising twists. The challenges of digitization in research are touched upon, alongside quirky facts about 'Ms.' and 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' Zimmer's insights into collaboration within the linguistic community highlight the detective work behind our everyday language.

Ben Zimmer, a linguist and language columnist, dives into the intriguing 2025 Words of the Year, exploring their cultural significance. He shares insights on 'slop,' reflecting on low-quality, AI-generated content. The playful term '6-7,' a Gen Alpha meme, highlights a new wave of absurdist humor. Zimmer explains 'parasocial' relationships nurtured through media, while 'rage bait' reveals how content aims to provoke outrage. He invites listeners to contribute their own nominations, showcasing the dynamic evolution of language.