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Michelle McSweeney
Data scientist and linguist who wrote the book OK; manages the data science content team at Brilliant and teaches data visualization at CUNY, with a research background in linguistics and text messaging.
Best podcasts with Michelle McSweeney
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Nov 17, 2025
• 40min
Michelle McSweeney, "OK" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
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Michelle McSweeney, a linguist and data scientist, dives into the fascinating story of the word 'OK.' She traces its origins from a playful 1839 newspaper abbreviation to a global staple of communication. The discussion highlights how technological advancements—from telegraphs to television—shaped the word's evolution. McSweeney also explores the intersection of language and identity in the digital age, revealing how 'OK' became more than just a word, including its controversial uses today. Her insights shed light on our ongoing relationship with language and technology.
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