Our conversation about slang terms for traveling on foot, such as going with Pat and Charlie, inspired Kevin in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to share some more he learned from his wife Arely, who is from Honduras. There voy al puro once, literally means “I’m just going 11,” and suggests that the speaker will go on foot because of the numeral’s resemblance to a pair of legs. Voy a puro pincel is also used, a pincel being a very fine paintbrush, indicating that, just as painting with a tiny brush takes a long time, traveling a puro pincel will take a long time as well. This is part of a complete episode.
A Delaware listener wonders about her grandparents’ use of the phrase I beg your pardon, which sounds a bit old-fashioned to her and her peers. Her grandparents were prim and proper, and used this expression whenever they felt slighted or...
Subscribe to the fantastic A Way with Words newsletter! Martha and Grant send occasional messages with language headlines, event announcements, linguistic tidbits, and episode reminders. It’s a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening with the show.