Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing and feed your love of the English language. Whether English is your first language or your second language, these grammar, punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer. Grammar Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast.
Latest episodes
May 14, 2024 • 16min
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"!
Wyoming-based editor Michaela Dunn joins to discuss whimsical words like 'dinkus' and 'gadzook'. They delve into the origins of 'whim-wham for a goose's bridle' and share quick tips on capitalizing 'mom' and 'dad'.
May 9, 2024 • 27min
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions
Author Eli Burnstein discusses the nuances between words like stock and broth, street and boulevard, maze and labyrinth. He shares insights into language, culture, and the subtle differences that shape meanings. From color confusion to urban planning details, the podcast explores a range of interesting topics.
May 7, 2024 • 18min
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys
Retired multidisciplined language person Susan K. Herman discusses 'skunked' words and the debate between traditional vs. new usages in writing. Also, explore how using 'we' vs. 'I' affects perceptions of leadership and inclusivity.
May 2, 2024 • 31min
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen
Medievalist Hana Videen dives into the world of Old English animal names, revealing intriguing translations like 'walking weaver' for spider and 'unland' for a whale's deceptive island. She explores the symbolic significance of dragons, the multicolored nature of panthers, and the hidden runes in Old English texts, providing captivating insights into language and literature.
Apr 30, 2024 • 18min
When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers.
Samantha Enslen explores how to cite AI chatbots like ChatGPT in writing; then, an intriguing linguistic journey through animal terms like 'critter' and 'varmint'.
Apr 25, 2024 • 34min
Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan
Linguist Anne Curzan discusses language evolution, the book 'Says Who?', Apple's marketing tips, Ben Franklin's word preferences, the evolution of 'fun', language norms and decision-making, double negatives in English, language perceptions, and evolving language constructs.
Apr 23, 2024 • 16min
The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket.
Unraveling the origin and evolution of punctuation from ancient times to modern usage. Tips on dealing with complex noun clusters in writing. Exploring the curious saying 'wing wang for a mucket' and strategies to combat invasive insects. Concluding with audience engagement, promotions, and gratitude.
Apr 18, 2024 • 19min
How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg as he discusses mastering communication skills in his new book 'Supercommunicators.' Learn about asking the right questions, matching conversational styles, and understanding the profound impact of effective communication. Discover how to navigate business deals, strengthen relationships, and improve online interactions by becoming a more effective communicator.
Apr 16, 2024 • 14min
Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy
977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky origins, regional differences, and wordy friends like "kitty-corner."| Kitty-corner map: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/articles/kitty-corner-or-catty-corner/| Register for my beginning AP style webinar April 23: bit.ly/ggap2024. Use the code MACMIL for a discount.| Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/ap-update-catawampus/transcript| Please take our advertising survey. It helps! https://podsurvey.com/GRAMMAR| Grammarpalooza (Get texts from Mignon!): https://joinsubtext.com/grammar or text "hello" to (917) 540-0876.| Subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates.| Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses.| Peeve Wars card game. | Grammar Girl books. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.Audio Engineer: Nathan SemesDirector of Podcast: Brannan GoetschiusAdvertising Operations Specialist: Morgan ChristiansonMarketing and Publicity Assistant: Davina TomlinDigital Operations Specialist: Holly Hutchings| Theme music by Catherine Rannus.| Grammar Girl Social Media Links: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon.
Apr 9, 2024 • 20min
Pet-Speak: From Meowlogisms to Zoomies. 'Imply' or 'Infer'?
Susan Herman, a retired U.S. government language analyst, talks about pet-speak and linguistic wonders of pet communication. The podcast explores 'imply' versus 'infer', cativerse vocabulary, and doggo dialects. Delve into online language variation, unique pet habits, and etymological insights on the often-confused words. Fun anecdotes and sponsor ads add to the entertaining discussion.
