Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers.
Episodes
Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1081. Is an epitome a summary or a shining example? We look at why this word trips people up and how its meaning has changed over time. Then, we take ...
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people’s accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects....
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO.
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1079. Ever wonder what labels like "informal," "archaic," or "offensive" mean in a dictionary entry? We explain how different dictionaries use labels ...
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,’ with Mary Robinette Kowal
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1078. Mary Robinette Kowal talks about going from writing magic-filled Regency romances to Hugo-nominated science fiction, what it's like to work with...
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up.
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1077. Is it “lit” or “lighted”? Both are correct, but we look at how their popularity has switched over time. Then we investigate four of the ...
Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn’t know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who’s hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can’t re...
'I.e.' versus 'e.g.' What Shakespeare actually added to English. Four schnitzels.
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1075. People often confuse "i.e." and "e.g." We'll help you get them right — no Latin required. Then, in honor of Shakespeare’s birthday, we look ...
AI and the future of dictionaries, with Erin McKean
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1074. Is AI good enough to replace lexicographers? Wordnik founder Erin McKean shares what works, what doesn’t, and why the future of dictionaries i...
Better paragraph breaks. The story behind 'mad money' and 'pin money.' Bruce bad.
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1073. Today, we have practical tips for writing better paragraphs (and it's not the formulaic topic-sentence structure). Then, we look at the surprisi...
The future of editing jobs in the age of AI, with Samantha Enslen
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1072. Is AI coming for our jobs—or just the boring parts? This week, Samantha Enslen of Dragonfly Editorial talks about how she sees AI changing the...
How to write photo captions. The real difference between ‘immigrate’ and ‘emigrate.’ Ko Pha-ngan'd
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1071. Is it "Taylor and I" or "Taylor and me"? We explain why photo captions follow their own grammar rules. Then, we explore the subtle difference be...
The hidden techniques behind well-paced fiction, with Joshua Essoe
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1070. Fiction editor Joshua Essoe explains the hidden techniques behind pacing in storytelling. Learn how good pacing shapes reader engagement, why we...
Why don't we say the L in 'walk'? Never use 'always.' PABST
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1069. Have you ever wondered why we have silent L's in words like "walk" and "half"? Those questions lead us to L-vocalization, spelling pronunciation...
Exploring slang, AI ghost words, and language change, with Heddwen Newton
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1068. Did Yosemite Sam ever actually say "tarnation"? What’s "fridgescaping," and why is it trending? And why is AI filling the internet with nonsen...
What’s wrong with "'til"? Why tiny words control conversations. How many cookies?
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1067. Think "'til" is a valid alternative to "until"? Think again! We learn about the difference between "till" and "until" and why many style guides ...
The best punctuation book, period, with June Casagrande
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1066. Do you really need that comma? Should your dashes have spaces? Is there ever just one "right" way to punctuate? June Casagrande, author of "The ...
Why we say ‘OK.’ How tea shaped English slang. Poetry winner
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1065. Is it "OK" or "okay"? We look at the surprising history of one of the world’s most recognized English words and how a 19th-century election ca...
Behind the scenes of Wikipedia: editing, accuracy, and notability, with Jonathan Rick
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1064. Is Wikipedia the last refuge on online truth? With AI-generated content and misinformation spreading online, Wikipedia is growing in esteem, but...
How did our holidays become so 'corny'? Why do some words have accent marks in English? Cubby hole
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1063. Why is it called "corned beef" when there’s no corn involved? We look at how the word "corn" evolved to mean different things over time. Then,...
Why kids can't read (and what we can do about it), with Kate Crist
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1062. Did you know that 21% of U.S. adults struggle with basic literacy? In this eye-opening episode, literacy specialist Kate Crist talks about the l...
The mystery of ‘it’ in English. The most dramatic moments in grammar history. Ghost Town Mad, the song
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1061. Ever wonder why we say "It's raining" even though "it" doesn't refer to anything? We explain the logic behind this quirky English rule. Then, we...
From 'Parasite' to 'Emilia Pérez': How movies shape language, with Andrew Cheng
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1060. Why do villains always have British accents? Why was "Parasite" a game-changer for non-English films? And how is AI secretly shaping the voices ...
Why Americans write 'canceled' but still write 'cancellation.' How printing history gave us 'fine print.' Fluff.
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1059. Ever wonder why Americans use "canceled" with one L but still write "cancellation" with two? We explore how spelling rules, stress patterns, and...
Writing Motivation Hacks, with Mary Robinette Kowal
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1058. If you struggle to sit down and write, you’ll love this conversation with award-winning author and podcaster Mary Robinette Kowal. Learn how t...
Why we misuse ‘literally.’ How ham radio got its name. District
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1057. Why do people use "literally" when they mean "figuratively"? This week, we look at how the meaning of "literally" changed over time. Plus, we lo...
How to be a ghostwriter, with Dan Gerstein
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1056. Ghostwriting is more than just anonymous book writing — it’s a thriving industry. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, shares how w...
Why some holidays have apostrophes. Why Californians say ‘the 405.’ MIGD
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1055. Ever wonder why some holidays have apostrophes while others don’t? We look at Mother’s Day, Veterans Day, and Presidents’ Day. Then, we lo...
Word games and the joy of playing every day, with Lex Friedman
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1054. Ever wonder what goes into designing daily word games? Lex Friedman, creator of Lex.games, shares his journey from puzzle lover to puzzle maker,...
'Toeing' the line. Metonymy versus synecdoche. Ghost town mad
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1053. If you’ve ever hesitated between ‘toe the line’ and ‘tow the line,’ this episode is for you. We look at the phrase's history to clear ...
Wordplay and cartoons: Inside the making of 'AB@C,' with Rob Meyerson and Dan Misdea
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1052. What do “CDB” and “U11 2” have in common? They’re both examples of gramograms! This week, I chat with writer Rob Meyerson and New Yor...
Does 'book-book' make sense? Fun words for jigsaw lovers. Chilly chickens.
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1051. This week, we look at doubled words, like "salad-salad" or "job-job," and what the repetition is actually telling us. Then, in honor of National...
The secret to writing a good memoir, with Wendy Dale
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1050. This week, I talk with Wendy Dale, author of "The Memoir Engineering System," about how to write a compelling memoir. We look at the differenc...
Quotation marks in 1906. Starting stories in the middle. Road trip words.
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1049. I came across a hilarious entry about quotation marks in an old usage guide and had to share it. Then, we look at a technique that can work fo...
'Rebel with a Clause,' the movie, with Ellen Jovin and Brandt Johnson
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1048. Ellen Jovin set up a folding table on the street in all 50 U.S. states to talk with people about grammar, which led to the book "Rebel with a Cl...
From "august" to "August." Why the union is always "strong." Nee nee
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1047. This week, we look at word pairs like "august/August" that change their meaning when capitalized and how you can make your meaning clear. Then, ...
The psychology of fandom, with Jennifer Lynn Barnes
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1046. Jennifer Lynn Barnes, author of the "Inheritance Games" books, discusses how writing from different points of view can help readers connect with...
Does 'Wicked' have a grammar error? What is the 'neck of the woods'? To be Frances
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1045. A listener asked if the song "The Wizard and I" should actually be "The Wizard and Me," so we look at how you can tell. And then we look at inte...
The case of the mystery dialect, with Natalie Schilling
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1044. Today, I'm talking about a strange disappearance that forensic linguist Natalie Schilling worked on that she calls "the case of the mystery dial...
2024 words of the year, with John Kelly
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1043. "Skibidi," "polarization," "brat," "demure," "enshittification," and more. You might get whiplash from the vacillating vibes of all the words th...
Twee pop, bumbershoot, amongst, and more, with Ben Yagoda
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1042. Today, I have the bonus segment from my interview with Ben Yagoda back in September. Ben is the author of the book "Gobsmacked: The British Inva...
'Home' for the holidays. False friends. Hello, Dentist.
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1041. Today, we talk about the word "home" and its meaning beyond just a structure, and then we talk about false friends — words in different langua...
Struggling with AI: Job loss, energy use, and more, with Christopher Penn
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1040. The downsides of AI bother me a lot — job loss, energy use, and the content tsunami. But I also think it's critically important to understand ...
Why people say 'I mean ...' Missing pronouns. Cat-tracted.
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1039. People are saying "I mean" more lately, and we explain what it ... means! Plus, we look at why people leave out pronouns at the beginning of sen...
Why the new CMOS is yellow. Pandemic collectors editions. And more
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1038. Chicago Manual of Style editors Mary Laur and Russell Harper dish on the changes they wanted in CMOS that didn't make it in, why the stylebook i...
Positive 'anymore.' 'Wreaked' or 'wrought'? Seat of your pants. Pecan pie.
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1037. This week, we answer a few questions that have popped up from previous episodes: What's up with the "positive anymore"? What is havoc? Is it wre...
Making your own dictionary, with Erin McKean
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1036. Erin McKean runs an entire online dictionary with the goal of having ALL the English words. But Wordnik is not only huge, it's also filled with ...
Good first sentences. The language of 'Gladiator II.' Bear barber.
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1035. This week, we look at famous and amazing first sentences in novels to understand what makes them so compelling, and then we look at the interest...
How to write about trademarks. Why we say 'thank you.'
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1034. First, we look at how writers should use trademarked terms like "Kleenex" and "Google," including when to capitalize them and how to avoid legal...
Why one creative agency changed its stance on AI
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1033. Last year, Dragonfly Editorial had a "no AI" policy, but since then, they've been experimenting with the technology, and the policy has become m...
Why children learn languages faster than adults. Are band names singular or plural?
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1032. First, we explore why children pick up languages faster than adults. You’ll learn about the critical period when young brains are best at lear...
'Beer' words in the OED, with Fiona McPherson
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1031. This week, Fiona McPherson from the Oxford English Dictionary talks about the latest “beer” words added to the OED, from “boozeroo” to “...
'Hanged' versus 'Hung.' Is 'pair' singular or plural? Fossilized phrases.
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1030. This week, we look at why "hang" has two past-tense forms: "hanged" and "hung." (And why I keep messing them up!) Then we expand on why "pair" c...
The psychology of writing bestsellers, with Jennifer Lynn Barnes
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1029. This week, I talk with Jennifer Lynn Barnes, author of the bestselling "Inheritance Games" series and a former psychology professor, about the p...
Are you "pantless" or "pantsless"? Who (or what) is Beetlejuice?
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1028. This week, we look at the weird situation when you want to add a suffix (such as "-less") to a plural-only noun such as "pants" or "scissors" —...
How linguists solve crimes, with Natalie Schilling
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1027. This week, I talk with forensic linguist Natalie Schilling about how people's language gives them away — in manifestos, ransom notes, text mes...
From Guy Fawkes to Guido Fawkes. Tales from the crypt (and catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries). Taquitos
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1026. This week, we look at the origins of words for men, including the ancient roots of "man," the surprising evolution of the word "guy" from being ...
The language of meetings, with Jim Slaughter
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1025. Have you ever wondered where meeting terms like “quorum” or “proxy” come from? In this episode, Jim Slaughter looks at the linguistic or...
Why don't we say 'I'm smarter than YOU'RE'? The language of fear. Catherineisms.
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1024. It often sounds weird if you try to end a sentence with a contraction like "you're" and "I'm." We look at why! Then, get ready for Halloween wit...
Feeling stuck? Anne Lamott's here to kickstart your writing!
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1023. I felt like I could write anything after this discussion with Anne Lamott about painful first drafts, beating perfectionism, and the one thing...
Quack! What's a lame duck? A German punctuation kerfuffle.
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1022. This week, we look at election terms like “president-elect” and “lame duck” and how they're used during a U.S. presidential transition. ...
Can AI really write? A no-nonsense discussion, with Christopher Penn
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1021. This week, Christopher Penn talks about the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing and editing. We look at common misconceptions about how A...
How to talk like a chef. The Michigander controversy. Jakey.
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1020. This week, we shed light on quirky restaurant slang like “kill it” and “Chef Mike.” Then, we tackle the long-standing debate over what t...
How writers navigate failure and find success, with Jonathan Small
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1019. This week, Jonathan Small, author of "Write About Now," shares what he's learned about the common struggles writers face throughout their career...
From game boards to boardrooms. Commas with participial phrases. Gritties.
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1018. This week, we look at the meanings of the word "board," including the differences between board games, table games, and table-top games. We also...
From 'gobsmacked' to 'ginger': The British invasion of American English, with Ben Yagoda
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1017. How did British words find their way into American English? Author Ben Yagoda shares insights with us from his new book "Gobsmacked!" We learn a...
Why some verb sets are so odd (like 'go/went'). Corporate euphemisms. Goggy.
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1016. This week, we look at why some verbs are so irregular that their forms don't even seem related, like "go" and "went." Then, we look at the surpr...
What's new in the Chicago Manual of Style (18th edition), with Russell Harper and Mary Laur
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1015. The Chicago Manual of Style is updated every seven years, and this year's update is a big one! I talked with two of the editors — Russell Harp...
Do words like 'mandate' and 'cockamamie' come from words for men? Grammatical doppelgangers. A pair of teeth.
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1014. This week, we debunk misconceptions about gendered language, tracing the etymology of words like "cockamamie" and "gynecology." We also look at ...
What fiction writers know about avoiding stereotypes, with Alex Temblador
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1013. How can fiction writers create diverse, authentic characters without relying on stereotypes? Alex Temblador, author of "Writing An Identity Not ...
'Tea' or 'chai'? Why we misspeak. Fellatone.
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1012. Most words are different in different languages, but water from steeped leaves has only two main names: tea and chai. We look at why! Also, if y...
The language of liars. 'Legendary,' 'famous,' or 'notorious'? Fish shapes.
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1011. This week, we look at language patterns that may indicate someone is lying, such as how often they say "um" and the diversity of the words they ...
Cat Idioms. 'Summerween' and other blends. Bankery
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1010. We'd never be accused of belling the cat, but we did let our curiosity get the best of us when sniffing around common cat-related idioms. Plus, ...
Apostrophes have always been confusing. 'First' or 'firstly'? Trudy!
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1009. If you think apostrophes are confusing today, wait until you hear how people used them 100s of years ago! Ammon Shea has some wild stories. Plus...
When to use 'the' before a noun. Why rhymes help us remember. Opening a lime.
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1008. We look at why you have to use "the" before some nouns and not others, and then we dive into the science behind why rhymes stick in our memory a...
Why singers lose their accents. Why the 'I before E' rule is weird.
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1007. Why do Adele and Susan Boyle sound American when they sing? We have answers. Plus, with all the talk about "weird" lately, we think it's time ...
Why 'I' takes plural verbs. Making names that end in S, like Harris and Biles, possessive. Marinate.
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1006. We look at why the pronoun "I" seems to take plural verbs, and then we talk about a grammar topic that's in the news: how to make names that end...
A brief history of English (aka when they spoke French in England). Killer death meat.
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1005. You asked, so I have a brief history of English from invading Germanic tribes to the Modern English era. We talk about Vikings, the Norman Conqu...
The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1004. This week, Karen Yin, author of "The Conscious Style Guide," discusses the concept of conscious language and its importance in promoting equity ...
How to write about zero. Are your emails accidentally rude? PAPST.
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1003. This week, we look at zero — what a weird number! It has two plurals, sometimes you use the word and sometimes you use the numeral, and it gav...
AI: Friend or foe? A conversation with Martha Brockenbrough
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1002. This week, Mignon talks with author Martha Brockenbrough about the good and bad sides of using artificial intelligence for writing and education...
The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1001. This week, we explore the often-overlooked rules for ordering adjectives in English and when to use commas between them. Then, spurred by a rece...
Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1000. In this special 1000th episode, I take the hot seat to answer your questions. Hear what made the first year of the podcast so wild, what I wish ...
The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka.
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
999. This week, we look at what shaped early American English, from Native American words to Noah Webster's spelling reforms. Then, we explore phrasal...
Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
998. This week, I talked with Samantha and Greg Enslen, who recently purchased their hometown newspaper, the "Tippecanoe Gazette" in Tipp City, Ohio. ...
'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit.
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
997. This week, I help you learn (and remember!) the difference between "which" and "that" with practical tips and examples about cupcakes. Then, we t...
The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
996. This week, you'll learn about the rich linguistic history of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart, an advisor to the Oxford Diction...
The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing.
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the ...
Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challen...
The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communicatio...
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
992. What began as a simple word game in 1913 sparked a nationwide craze just a decade later, causing a moral panic and changing American publishing f...
From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge.
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hai...
Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q i...
What is a Word? Target moments.
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at ho...
How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published ...
Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill.
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not OK...
Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating ...
We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"!
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the phr...
Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" or "broth," "street" or "boulevard," "maze" or "labyrinth" and more...
Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who s...
Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
982. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets...