Lexicon Valley

John McWhorter, a prominent linguistics professor at Columbia University and former host, dives into the dynamics of Black English. He explores the fascinating nuances of understatement and hyperbole, shedding light on the phrase 'it's been a minute' and its cultural significance in the Black community. The conversation also delves into 'the dozens', a playful competition steeped in humor and history. With insights from pop culture, McWhorter emphasizes the importance of understanding the roots of African American English in today’s language landscape.

Mike Vuolo and Bob Garfield interview Richard Tofel on his book Sound the Trumpet: The Making of John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, revealing the startling authorship behind JFK’s most famous words in this long unavailable episode from our archive. Twitter: @lexiconvalleyFacebook: facebook.com/LexiconValleyWebsite: booksmartstudios.com/LexiconValley

Discover how English sounded during the Revolutionary War, shattering the myth of uniform British accents. Explore the flamboyance of General Charles Lee compared to George Washington's practicality. Dive into the evolution of the verb 'do' and its cultural significance, alongside Langston Hughes' poetic expressions. Learn about the shifting perceptions of verb forms and the dynamic nature of English throughout history, all enriched by fascinating historical references that shape our language today.

The discussion kicks off with the evolution of English phrases, highlighting how expressions transform over time. Unpacking the layered meanings of prepositions, particularly the word 'over,' reveals its rich history and versatility. The complexities of idiomatic expressions showcase the intricacies of language and the challenges of learning it. The podcast also delves into German modal particles like 'schon,' emphasizing how context shapes meaning, before wrapping up with a musical piece that illustrates the art of nuance.

Dive into the fascinating evolution of pronouns, exploring the rich history of 'thou' and its misrepresentation in pop culture. Discover how the term 'man' has transformed over time, highlighting its implications for identity. The conversation also touches on the modern journey of language, from 'yeet' to gender-neutral pronouns, capturing the interplay between linguistic changes and cultural expression in music. Engage with thought-provoking ideas about the complexities of pronoun usage today!

Discover the intriguing similarities between Thai and English words like fire and die, revealing fascinating linguistic connections. Explore the unexpected etymological links between 'king' and 'rabbit' across several languages, showcasing the quirks of language evolution. Dive into the concept of convergent evolution with hilarious musical ties, celebrating nature’s diversity. Unravel the rich history of language transformation and unique Appalachian expressions, highlighting cultural influences that shape how we communicate.

Words like thence and thither are all but obsolete in English, but they were actually quite useful! John explains. Twitter: @lexiconvalley Facebook: facebook.com/LexiconValley Website: booksmartstudios.com/LexiconValley

Do you know the difference between a rabbit and a hare? And what then is a bunny? Follow John through the etymological warrens of these several words. Twitter: @lexiconvalley Facebook: facebook.com/LexiconValley Website: booksmartstudios.com/LexiconValley

It may seem apparent how we got from busyness to business, but the origins of the word “busy” itself are shrouded in mystery. John explains. Twitter: @lexiconvalley Facebook: facebook.com/LexiconValley Website: booksmartstudios.com/LexiconValley

As a daily listener to WNYC Public Radio in New York City, John has noticed that a certain announcer frequently mispronounces words on air. He has thoughts. Twitter: @lexiconvalley Facebook: facebook.com/LexiconValley Website: booksmartstudios.com/LexiconValley