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A fun radio show and podcast about language examined through family, history, and culture.

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Its Head Popped Off

Posted by grantbarrett on October 2, 2015 · Add Comment

There’s an old children’s ditty that goes, “Mama had a baby and its head popped off,” which you sing while popping the top off of a dandelion or similar flower. This is part of a complete episode.

Creasies

Posted by grantbarrett on September 28, 2013 · Add Comment

In parts of the American South, a can of creasies is a can of watercress salad, also known as salad greens. This is part of a complete episode.

Rest On Your Laurels

Posted by grantbarrett on October 8, 2011 · Add Comment

If you’ve accomplished something, go ahead and rest on your laurels. Martha traces this idiom back to Ancient Greece, where victors were crowned with a wreath of bay leaves from the bay laurel tree. In the 16th Century, to retire on one’s laurels referred to “resting after an accomplishment.” Like many inherited idioms, it’s often [...]

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Its Head Popped Off

Creasies

Rest On Your Laurels