A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

By A Way with Words

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

9 episodes

All Episodes

Language Variation Reflects Context, Community, and Evolving Norms

Jan 05, 2026

Language rules are fluid, shaped by context, community, and emotion, not rigid definitions. Discover how everyday usage challenges linguistic "correctness" and reveals language's living nature.

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Language's Rich Tapestry: Origins, Evolution, and Cultural Insights

Dec 29, 2025

Discover the surprising origins of everyday phrases, from aerospace engineering's "pushing the envelope" to regional tidying terms, revealing language's dynamic connection to history and culture.

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Language's Dynamic Nature: From Weather Archives to Gig Work

Dec 22, 2025

Craft historical weather archives from crafts, analyze pranks, and distinguish efficacy from real-world effectiveness.

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Horse-Related Origins of the Mixed Drink "Cocktail"

Dec 19, 2025

The word "cocktail" likely originates from horses with docked tails or a trick to make tired horses appear spirited, both suggesting impurity or stimulation.

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Exploring Linguistic Nuance and Cultural Context in Word Evolution

Dec 15, 2025

Language is a living entity, constantly shaped by usage and culture, leading to surprising dual meanings and colorful expressions that reveal our shared human experiences.

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Marblehead Vernacular: Practical Warnings, Social Passwords, and Identity

Dec 11, 2025

Marblehead's unique phrases, like "down bucket," reveal a history of practical warnings and community passwords, distinguishing insiders from outsiders through a shared, evolving lexicon.

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Language's Evolution: From Alchemy to Digital Design

Dec 08, 2025

Discover how historical currency shaped "two bits," early cars became "machines," and digital design mimics physical objects with "skeuomorphs."

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Folk Etymology Reshapes Foreign Place Names Into Familiar Words

Dec 04, 2025

Foreign place names transform into familiar words through folk etymology, reshaping unfamiliar sounds to align with current knowledge and creating unique local identities.

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Exploring Diverse Word Origins and Linguistic Phenomena

Dec 01, 2025

Discover surprising origins of everyday phrases, from "add oil" for encouragement to "sack" in football, revealing language's dynamic evolution.

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