Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor at the University of Nevada, dives into the fascinating origins of American English, revealing how Native American words and Noah Webster's reforms shaped its identity. She explores the quirks of phrasal verbs alongside insightful tips for distinguishing them from other verb forms. Listeners enjoy a humorous family anecdote about the term 'kaka naka', highlighting how personal language evolves. The discussion is a delightful mix of history and humor, celebrating the quirks that make American English unique.

Samantha Enslen, an entrepreneur who recently bought a hometown newspaper, and her co-owner Greg Enslen, an advocate for community journalism, dive into the vibrant world of local news. They discuss refreshing outdated systems and widening news coverage to engage readers. The duo tackles the balance between print and digital content, the hurdles of ad sales, and the role of AI in journalism. Their passion for hyper-local reporting shines through, highlighting the importance of authentic stories and community ties.

Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publisher known for her work in magical realism and folklore, joins the discussion to illuminate the differences between 'which' and 'that.' She offers practical tips that make complex grammar rules more digestible. The conversation takes a delightful turn as they explore creative walking-related vocabulary like 'perambulate' and 'sashay,' enriching your understanding of language through whimsical examples and etymology. It's a charming blend of grammar, language, and lively storytelling.

Dr. Sonja Lanehart discusses the rich history of African American English and the making of a new dictionary. They explore words like 'kitchen' and 'Aunt Hagar's Children,' the importance of black newspapers, and word submissions. The cultural significance of 'kitchen' for black women is highlighted, along with hidden stories in African American English and word evolution. Stay tuned for future segments on language evolution and fun walking-related terms.

Writer and editor Samantha Enslen discusses the nuances of using parentheses, dashes, and commas in writing. She also explores the history of words like 'kerfuffle' and 'hoopla' used to describe chaos. The podcast touches on the unique familect technique of 'nicing' for consoling loved ones.

Listen to a fascinating interview with 'Dune' author Kevin J. Anderson and narrator Scott Brick as they discuss navigating Frank Herbert's vocabulary, cultural influences in 'Dune' names, and creating a pronunciation guide. Discover insights on the language challenges and quirky history of 'Dune'.

Exploring the strategic use of sign language in 'Dune' for covert communication. Dive into the historical and linguistic evolution of words for 'father'. Discover linguistic humor from TV shows and unique family words shared by listeners.

Guest Ben Zimmer explores the early history and lasting impact of crossword puzzles. He talks about the crossword craze in the 1920s, the modern crossword scene, competitions, digital tools, and the future of puzzle constructors.

Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor at the University of Nevada in Reno, dives into the intriguing origins of the word 'dog,' tracing its evolution and playful uses like 'hot dog.' She introduces the 'audience of one' concept, highlighting how focusing on a single imagined reader can enhance writing clarity and engagement. The discussion also touches on the dynamic nature of language, using engaging anecdotes and idiomatic expressions to illustrate how meanings transform over time.

Author Paul Anthony Jones discusses why English lacks gender like Spanish and French, the hardest languages to learn, and the history behind why Q is always followed by U. They also explore the evolution of grammatical gender, the significance of the letter Q in English, the influence of gestures in language, and the possibility of a separate US edition of his book.