Is there something inherent in English that makes it the linguistic equivalent of the Borg, dominating and consuming other languages in its path? No, not at all. The answer lies with politics and conquest rather than language itself. Plus: a new...
Quiz Guy John Chaneski’s puzzle is cruciverbalist’s delight: a collection of his favorite crossword clues! For example, what’s the four-letter answer to the clue “First Place”? This is part of a complete episode.
Rod from Dallas, Texas, recalls that when something wasn’t quite right, his favorite aunt, who was born and raised in Arkansas, would exclaim Don’t that just frost ya? This is part of a complete episode.
For this week’s brain-stretching puzzle, our Quiz Guy John Chaneski invents some new sports by changing the first letter of a familiar pastime, then changing the rules. For example, in what new favorite sport are you allowed to punish an error...
Sensuous words and terms of endearment. Think of a beautiful word. Now, is it simply the word’s sound that makes it beautiful? Or does its appeal also depend on meaning? Also, pet names for lovers around the world: You might call your beloved...
You may have heard the advice that to build your vocabulary you should read, read, and then read some more – and make sure to include a wide variety of publications. But what if you just don’t have that kind of time? Martha and Grant...