How does something like "lit" make it into our lexicon, and why are teenagers using it in conversation? Ever hear someone say "spill the tea" and not understood what they meant? In Words in the Middle, we explore how popular culture mixes with language and becomes #trendy.
Whewwww, well! It's been a while. I'm back, for today, with a poem by Aracelis Girmay as we approach Election Day. Music: "Of My Dreams" by Sean Angus Winston. Follow the pod on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email: wordsinthemiddle@gmail.com. See a word or a phrase on social media that we've discussed? Hit it with a #WITMpod! Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
Laura sat down with Mitch, who was born in 1919, to discuss popular words and phrases over the last 100 years in this two-part podcast. Follow the pod on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email: wordsinthemiddle@gmail.com. See a word or a phrase on social media that we've discussed? Hit it with a #WITMpod! Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
Laura, her family, and her friends share some words/phrases/slang that have got to go in 2020. Cheers to a new decade, and goodbye to so many antiquated, overused linguistic choices. Follow the pod on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email: wordsinthemiddle@gmail.com. See a word or a phrase on social media that we've discussed? Hit it with a #WITMpod! Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
Can't we all just get along? Laura (a millennial) and her dad (a Baby Boomer) discuss the popular phrase "ok boomer" with the help of Nina (a Gen Z-er). A lot is learned about about the Baby Boomer generation, as well as what younger generations have brought to the table (think: nearly all social media platforms). Follow the pod on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email: wordsinthemiddle@gmail.com. See a word or a phrase on social media that we've discussed? Hit it with a #WITMpod! Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
Laura and Joe discuss what "F's in the chat" means with Alec's help. This was a student-led episode with a phrase I've never heard before, and because I don't game, will likely never use. Follow the pod on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email: wordsinthemiddle@gmail.com. See a word or a phrase on social media that we've discussed? Hit it with a #WITMpod! Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
With the help of Lily, Laura and Lizzie discuss what it means to be a VSCO Girl. We love our Birkenstocks, though, and we have zero problems with our students being hydrated and comfortable in their oversized t-shirts. Remember leggings, Uggs, a fleece, and a Starbucks? Let the girls live!
Laura shares her highlights from linguist Gretchen McCulloch's new book, Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language. Highlights include: young women being linguistic leaders (
Laura talks to high school teacher James Callahan about his Generation Z Dictionary that has over 24 million impressions, half a million likes, and over 150,000 retweets.Follow the show on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email: wordsinthemiddle@gmail.comSee a word or phrase we've discussed on social media/in real life? Hit it with a #WITMpod!Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
Laura plays a little game with her two brothers testing their knowledge on popular initialisms. Side note: Dan and Jeff were recorded while on our family vacation in a large kitchen space versus a small, enclosed space; please excuse any moments that have less than excellent sound quality during the interview.
Laura and Niles discuss white girls and "sis", the impact of language & how it's received, and how the black community creates culture (for the rest of us).Follow the show on Instagram (@wordsinthemiddle) and Twitter (@WITMpod). Shoot me an email! wordsinthemiddle@gmail.comSee a word or phrase we've discussed in social media/in real life? Hit it with a #WITMpod!Or, if you're really feelin' it, throw me a 5 star review.
Keep your ears & eyes open on words, phrases, & emojis making their way up the ranks.
Jen almost gets it right & Mo low key loves English class.
Stacey spills on "breh" and "gucci". Laura used to play the baritone.
Kevin really likes the Civil War. Also, Taylor Swift's "Me" performance vs. Beyonce's "Homecoming".
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