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A Way with Words, public radio's lively language call-in show, hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett.
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To talk to us about something other than a language question, see our contact page.

Do you have a bar bet to win about the origin of an idiom? Do you disagree with your spouse about the pronunciation of a word? Do you have an opinion about slang, old or new? Are you puzzled by one of grandma’s favorite sayings? Do you think a teacher or professor gave you bad writing advice? Do you have a definition but can’t think of the word? Then ask your question on the air!

Toll-free in the U.S. and Canada: (877) WAY–WORD or (877) 929-9673. Direct on-air email hotline: words@waywordradio.org. Call us from anywhere in the world via Skype: waywordradio. You can also reach us via a local numbers in London, England, at +44 20 7193 2113, and in Mexico City, Mexico, at +52 55 8421 9771.

Everyone’s invited: no matter what age, what country, what profession, or what education, we’re all learners here. Martha and Grant invite you to call them to get your language dilemma resolved.

You don’t have to wait for the program time: call us or write to us 24 hours a day. We’ll be sure to let you know if we’re able to help you on the air.

These are the sorts of questions we’ve answered in the past:

  • Why do we say dressed to the nines?
  • Is it to who or to whom? Is it lie or lay? How much do those rules matter?
  • Is there a better term for a senior citizen?
  • Did anyone else’s grandpa ever say: That’s as screwed up as a soup sandwich!?
  • How should you pronounce tortilla and burrito—like a Spanish-speaker or an English-speaker?
  • Do people with head injuries really sometimes speak in new foreign accents?
  • Is the word picnic racist? Is it politically incorrect to say gypped?
  • Should English be the country’s official language?
  • If you’re an unmarried adult, what do you call someone you’re romantically involved with? Lover? S.O.? Partner? Do terms like boyfriend or girlfriend still work if you’re over 40?

Please note that while we do read or listen to all messages, we cannot always reply to everyone. If you just can’t wait, post your question to our discussion forum. One of your fellow fans might just have the answer. You can also visit our recommended resources page, where you’ll find books and web sites that can lead you to an answer.