A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
793 episodes
2 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
Your Imaginary Boyfriend (Rebroadcast) - 11 August 2025
A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
53 minutes
2 months ago
Your Imaginary Boyfriend (Rebroadcast) - 11 August 2025
We use the term Milky Way for that glowing arc across the sky. But how people picture it varies from culture to culture. In Sweden, that starry band goes by a name that means “Winter Street,” and in Hawaii, a term for the Milky Way translates as “fish jumping in shadows.” And: the history of naming rooms in a house. Some old houses have a room off the kitchen with only a sink and cabinets. It’s not a kitchen, exactly — but what’s it called? Plus, the colorful flag of one European town features a visual pun on its name. It’s a drawing of a hand holding a heart. All that, and head over teacups, humpty-twelve, lowdown, chockablock, overhaul, Desperate Ambrose, honyock, an imaginary boyfriend named Raoul, so mad I could spit nickels, 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