Nicole Holliday

Nicole Holliday, an acting associate professor of linguistics at UC Berkeley, and Kelly Elizabeth Wright, an assistant professor at UW-Madison, delve into the controversial C-word. They explain how it has evolved from being a strong swear to a term of empowerment within queer communities, particularly in ballroom culture. The conversation explores its acceptance in digital spaces like TikTok and its implications for female identity and language reclamation. The hosts uncover the complexities of language, culture, and social power through humor and insightful analysis.

Nicole Holliday, Acting Associate Professor of Linguistics at UC Berkeley, dives into the world of AI speech analysis tools. She critiques their ability to measure communication and emotions, revealing them as ineffective 'bossware' with little real insight. The conversation explores ethical concerns around privacy, especially for neurodivergent individuals, and discusses the mystification of language inherent in these technologies. Holliday highlights the potential biases in AI tools and the psychological impact of rating metrics like filler words on individuals during meetings.

Join linguistics professor Nicole Holliday, who explores the nuances of language and identity, alongside professional namer Laurel Sutton, as they dive into listener questions. They discuss the quirky journey of the 'ass intensifier' in casual speech. Get insights into how pharmaceutical names are crafted, revealing the blend of creativity and regulatory challenges behind them. They also tackle the bizarre phenomenon of cow abductions by aliens, tracing its cultural roots and implications, all while keeping the conversation lively and humorous.