Whether it’s a Rubik’s cube or a round of Wordle, why do so many of us find puzzles irresistible? A new book celebrates the allure and psychological benefits of brain teasers. Plus, powerful language for talking about the chronic...
Noah in Burlington, Vermont, wonders about the catchphrase I’m too cringe for New York, too based for LA. As explained at Know Your Meme, the slang term based is now a positive term popularized by the rapper Lil B, referring to one’s...
Greetings, wanderers, and welcome home. This past weekend on A Way with Words we wrestled with "commentate," "tie me over" vs. "tide me over," long words, and "biweekly" vs. "semiweekly." We also...
This week’s Slang This! contestant, a comic-book illustrator from Providence, R.I., tries to guess the meaning of the expressions “hat-catcher” and “to go shucks.” This is part of a complete episode.
compassion club n.— «McCormick and his girlfriend were arrested while driving from San Diego to Providence to start a “compassion club” for seriously ill people who use marijuana to dull their pain.» —“Drug Arrest Will...
whale n.— «A whale is a mound of snow allowed to settle on a trail to be moved where it’s needed later.» —“On the slopes—Ski areas have a whale of a time despite record warmth” by Mike Szostak Providence...