Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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!

In this engaging discussion, Keith Houston, author of "Face with Tears of Joy" and creator of the blog Shady Characters, dives into the fascinating world of emoji. He traces their evolution from ancient symbols to modern digital tools, revealing how they reflect cultural, generational, and political attitudes. Houston explains the role of the Unicode Consortium in standardizing emojis and highlights the intricacies of composition and pluralization. The conversation culminates in exploring emoji's journey towards inclusivity and the transformative impact they have on emotional expression today.

Discover how the word 'sick' has flipped to mean 'good' and what this says about language evolution. Explore the historical concept of 'U and Non-U English' to understand class distinctions in vocabulary. Hear insights on how slang shapes meaning over time, showcasing the playful nuances of language. The discussion highlights the impact of societal values on word choices and encourages listeners to share their unique family expressions, revealing the rich tapestry of language and identity.

Doug Fraser, known as Dougie Pickles, is the creator of the acclaimed Cozy Critters podcast. He discusses the linguistic techniques that soothe and captivate young listeners, emphasizing the importance of varied sentence lengths and deliberate word choices. Doug reveals how storytelling in children's media can create emotional connections, engage creativity, and provide comfort, especially through the use of alliteration and rhythmic language. He also shares insights on adapting written content for audio and the charm of storytelling in fostering heart health.