A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
793 episodes
3 days ago
Fun conversation with callers from all over about new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, linguistics, dialects, word games, books, literature, writing, and more.
Be on the show with author/journalist Martha Barnette and linguist/lexicographer Grant Barrett. Share your thoughts, questions, and stories: https://waywordradio.org/contact or words@waywordradio.org.
In the US and Canada, call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free 24/7.
Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp, 16198004443.
From everywhere, call or text +1 (619) 800-4443.
Past episodes, show notes, full search, more: https://waywordradio.org.
A Way with Words is listener-supported! https://waywordradio.org/donate ❤️
Listen without ads here! https://awww.supportingcast.fm
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Fun conversation with callers from all over about new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, linguistics, dialects, word games, books, literature, writing, and more.
Be on the show with author/journalist Martha Barnette and linguist/lexicographer Grant Barrett. Share your thoughts, questions, and stories: https://waywordradio.org/contact or words@waywordradio.org.
In the US and Canada, call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free 24/7.
Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp, 16198004443.
From everywhere, call or text +1 (619) 800-4443.
Past episodes, show notes, full search, more: https://waywordradio.org.
A Way with Words is listener-supported! https://waywordradio.org/donate ❤️
Listen without ads here! https://awww.supportingcast.fm
A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
53 minutes
1 month ago
Brass Tacks - 29 September 2025
Why would some Spanish speakers use adaptations of certain English words when perfectly good Spanish words for the same thing already exist? Plus, handy terms in a dictionary of the Sussex dialect from 150 years ago: Back then, a dezzick was “a day’s work” and January butter was another term for “mud.” And: you can’t judge a book by its cover, but the outer sides of its pages may impress you. A new trend in publishing features colorful patterns and images that look gorgeous when the book is closed. These decorations are called spredges, from the words “sprayed” and “edges.” Also: brass tacks, beevers, a punning puzzle for cinephiles, shmutzing, lonche, go chalk, archaic names for ladybugs, close-toe vs. close-toed vs. closed-toe, denominalization, mucksig, God Almighty’s cow, and more.
Hear hundreds of free episodes and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org. Be a part of the show: call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; elsewhere in the world, call or text +1 619 800 4443. Send voice notes or messages via WhatsApp 16198004443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.
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A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Fun conversation with callers from all over about new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, linguistics, dialects, word games, books, literature, writing, and more.
Be on the show with author/journalist Martha Barnette and linguist/lexicographer Grant Barrett. Share your thoughts, questions, and stories: https://waywordradio.org/contact or words@waywordradio.org.
In the US and Canada, call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free 24/7.
Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp, 16198004443.
From everywhere, call or text +1 (619) 800-4443.
Past episodes, show notes, full search, more: https://waywordradio.org.
A Way with Words is listener-supported! https://waywordradio.org/donate ❤️
Listen without ads here! https://awww.supportingcast.fm