Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

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.

1101. Do you know when to change a "y" to an "ies" for a plural, and when to just add an "s"? Today, we look at the rules. Then, we look at linguist Bill Labov's famous department store study, which shows how social class relates to speech patterns. The 'y' segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at dragonflyeditorial.com.The segment about Bill Labov was written by Valerie Friedland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.🔗 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.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Aleksic, also known as Etymology Nerd and author of 'Algo Speak,' dives into the world of 'algospeak' and its impact on modern communication. He explores how social media algorithms encourage linguistic creativity, leading to euphemisms like 'unalive.' The conversation touches on the evolution of slang driven by digital interactions, identity formation through niche trends, and how content creators adapt their language to connect with audiences effectively. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of language and technology.

Discover the lively debate over the terms 'pop,' 'soda,' and 'coke' as you delve into their regional histories. Explore unique words that feature 'Q' without 'U,' boosting your Scrabble strategies. Enjoy a charming story about 'pizza bones,' highlighting how family language evolves. The podcast invites listener engagement, encouraging personal word stories while teasing exciting future content.

Join cognitive scientist Dr. Vicky Lai from the University of Arizona as she unpacks the fascinating world of metaphors in our daily language. Discover how not only do metaphors shape our communication, but they can also influence cognitive processing and even emotional health, particularly in cancer survivors. Dr. Lai discusses the intriguing role of irony in emotional regulation and its power to alleviate negativity. Tune in for a mind-expanding conversation on how figurative language connects to our thoughts and feelings!

Can bacon be plural? Explore the quirky grammar that defines countable versus uncountable nouns. Discover the unique Martha’s Vineyard accent and how it reflects regional identity through socio-economic changes. Dive into the cognitive aspects of linguistics and the personal stories that shape our language experiences. Understand how age and community influence speech patterns, and enjoy delightful tales from listeners that highlight the charm of familects!