Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

1111. This week, we look at the phrase "near miss" and why this seemingly illogical term actually makes sense. Then, in honor of National Dog Day, we look at how 16 different dog breeds got their names, including why a dachshund is a "badger dog," a poodle is a "puddle dog," and a mastiff is a "tame dog."The "near miss" segment was by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Holly HutchingsAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook. Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publishing world. Jane shares her best tips for getting started, what to write about, and how to get new subscribers — offering advice that can help any writer create a platform that lasts.This episode was originally a bonus episode released in May for people who support the show, the Grammarpaloozians. If you'd like to support the show, and get ad-free podcasts and bonuses right away, visit quickanddirtytips.com/bonus for more information. Jane Friedman's website Jane's book, "The Business of Being a Writer"🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Holly HutchingsAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

1109. This week, we look at why kids and video gamers talk about "versing" someone. Then, we look at the linguistics of placeholder words like "whatchamacallit" and "thingamajig," including some fun international examples and the now-obsolete word "whiblin."The "thingamajig" segment was by Ursula Kania, a Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Liverpool. It originally appeared on The Conversation and appears here through a Creative Commons license.🔗 Share your familect recording in a WhatsApp chat.🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter.🔗 Take our advertising survey. 🔗 Get the edited transcript.🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. 🔗 Join Grammarpalooza. Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts or Subtext. Learn more about the difference. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Dan FeierabendDirector of Podcast: Holly HutchingsAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Video: Nat Hoopes| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook.Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky.

Heddwen Newton, an English teacher and translator in Germany, dives into the fascinating world of untranslatable Dutch words and their intricate meanings. She discusses the looming threat of AI on the translation industry, addressing job security concerns and how machine translation is reshaping professional roles. Heddwen also shares her literary insights, recommending captivating reads like 'Ella Minnow P' by Mark Dunn, blending the art of language with the world of literature.

Dive into the fascinating world of double possessives, like "a friend of Mignon's." Discover their grammatical quirks and how they enhance clarity in writing. Explore words that wear multiple hats, such as 'beetle' as both insect and tool. Uncover the nautical origins of 'scuttlebutt' and the concept of contranyms, revealing the rich tapestry of language history. Plus, enjoy a listener's funny familect story that celebrates personal expressions, connecting everyone through the power of words.

Fiona McPherson, a senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, joins the conversation to introduce playful new entries including 'beer muscles' and 'waka jumpers.' She explains how these terms reflect cultural trends and highlight the evolution of language. The discussion touches on the dictionary's effort to document global English, embracing diverse colloquialisms. Listeners are treated to engaging book recommendations, rounding out a delightful exploration of language and literature.

Discover how the pronouns we choose can reflect our mental states, especially during tough times like breakups or collective traumas. Delve into the fascinating history of the Latin alphabet, tracing its roots from Egyptian hieroglyphs to modern letters. Enjoy a humorous tale about a mix-up with the word 'Tabagogox,' illustrating the quirky language that emerges in families and communities. This exploration sheds light on how language shapes our emotions and connections.

Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words" and author, dives into the enchanting world of language. She introduces the concept of 'spark words,' igniting passion in language lovers. The discussion traverses fascinating etymologies, including the surprising links between 'panic' and ancient Greek roots. Barnette also reveals the whimsical history behind terms like 'flashlight' and explores how cultural narratives shape language, celebrating its evolution and playful nature.

Delve into the fascinating histories of phrases like 'heat wave' and 'cold snap,' and explore quirky idioms such as 'raining cats and dogs.' Discover how reading, especially fiction, enhances language skills and can lead to greater socioeconomic success. Plus, enjoy a humorous tale about the term 'rogering' and join the fun by sharing your own family dialects. This engaging discussion highlights the relationship between language, literature, and personal connections.

Anne Greene, the author of "Writing Science in Plain English" and a scientific writing educator, joins the conversation to explore the significance of using plain language in science. She discusses how simpler words enhance readability and comprehension. Greene emphasizes the power of storytelling in scientific communication, advocating for vivid action verbs and concrete nouns to engage readers. The discussion reveals a shift in students' preferences towards clarity, making a case for accessible writing that connects with diverse audiences.