Podcasts about grammar girl

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Best podcasts about grammar girl

Latest podcast episodes about grammar girl

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why we say 'near miss.' How dogs got their names. Stupid dog Jackie.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 18:31


1111. This week, we look at the phrase "near miss" and why this seemingly illogical term actually makes sense. Then, in honor of National Dog Day, we look at how 16 different dog breeds got their names, including why a dachshund is a "badger dog," a poodle is a "puddle dog," and a mastiff is a "tame dog."The "near miss" segment was by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
How to build a successful writers' newsletter, with Jane Friedman

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 18:29


1110. This week, we talk with Jane Friedman, an expert on the business of being a writer. We look at how to build a strong email newsletter and why it's a critical tool for authors in today's publishing world. Jane shares her best tips for getting started, what to write about, and how to get new subscribers — offering advice that can help any writer create a platform that lasts.This episode was originally a bonus episode released in May for people who support the show, the Grammarpaloozians. If you'd like to support the show, and get ad-free podcasts and bonuses right away, visit quickanddirtytips.com/bonus for more information. Jane Friedman's website Jane's book, "The Business of Being a Writer"

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
What is 'versing'? ‘Whatchamacallit' and other placeholder words. Chicken.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 13:14


1109. This week, we look at why kids and video gamers talk about "versing" someone. Then, we look at the linguistics of placeholder words like "whatchamacallit" and "thingamajig," including some fun international examples and the now-obsolete word "whiblin."The "thingamajig" segment was by Ursula Kania, a Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Liverpool. It originally appeared on The Conversation and appears here through a Creative Commons license.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
AI's impact on translators, untranslatable Dutch words, and more, with Heddwen Newton

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 19:38


1108. This week, we talk to Heddwen Newton about some of the unique and untranslatable words she's discovered while translating. She shares her thoughts on why the translation profession is being hit hard by AI and the kind of work that is likely to be lost. We also hear her book recommendations, including a novel and a nonfiction book about the history of the Oxford English Dictionary.This episode was originally a bonus episode released in March for people who support the show, the Grammarpaloozians. If you'd like to support the show, and get ad-free podcasts and bonuses right away, visit quickanddirtytips.com/bonus for more information. 

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Double possessives. Words that do double duty. The monkeys aren't working.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 14:53


1107. This week, we look at double possessives, such as "a friend of Mignon's" and whether they are grammatically correct. Then, we look at words that do double duty, from the nautical origins of "scuttlebutt" to "beetle" — which can be both an insect and a tool.The double possessives segment was written by Susan Herman, a retired multidisciplined language analyst, analytic editor, and instructor for the federal government.The words doing double duty segment was written by Karen Lunde. Karen's a career writer and editor who drifted into marketing—which turned out to be creative storytelling in business-casual clothes. These days, she helps solo business owners find the right words to talk about their work. Find her at chanterellemarketingstudio.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
New words: 'beer muscles' & 'waka jumpers,' with Fiona McPherson.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 16:34


1106. We talk with Fiona McPherson, a senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, about the playful words that get added to the OED. We look at the dictionary's ongoing work to expand its coverage of World Englishes, and Fiona shares some of her favorite recent additions, including "waka jumper" from New Zealand politics and "Rolex," a term for a Ugandan street food.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
How pronouns reveal our psychology. How'd we get our alphabet? Tabagogox.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 14:46


1105. This week, we look at how the pronouns you use can be reveal your psychological state — for example, how using "I" versus "we" can signal how you are coping with a breakup or a tragic event. Then, we look at where our alphabet started, from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to the Phoenicians and Romans.The psychology of pronouns segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
‘Spark words' and the hidden history of ‘panic' and ‘Ritalin,' with Martha Barnette

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 32:23


1104. This week with Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words" and author of "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland," we look at the concept of a "spark word" — the word that ignites a love of language. We also look at fascinating etymologies from ancient Greek, including the surprising connections between "Nike" and "fennel," and the origins of "panic" and "Ritalin."Martha Barnette's websiteMartha's book, “Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland”Martha's podcast, "A Way with Words"

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
'Heat wave' vs. 'cold snap.' Why reading stories makes you smarter. Rogering.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 14:15


1103. Why do we talk about "heat waves" but "cold snaps"? This week, we look at the history behind these common weather phrases and other quirky idioms like "raining cats and dogs" and "under the weather." Then, we look at what kind of reading is best for improving your language skills, including research on the benefits of fiction versus nonfiction.The 'heat wave' versus 'cold snap' segment was written by Karen Lunde. Karen's a career writer and editor who drifted into marketing — which turned out to be creative storytelling in business-casual clothes. These days, she helps solo business owners find the right words to talk about their work. Find her at chanterellemarketingstudio.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why plain English matters in science (and everywhere else), with Anne Greene

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 31:57


1102. This week, Anne Greene joins us to talk about the importance of writing in plain English, especially in scientific fields. We look at why short words are easier for our eyes to read and how a well-structured story with characters and action verbs can improve understanding. We also discuss how the historical origins of English words influence our writing today.Anne's book, "Writing Science in Plain English"Free, online Teacher's Guide for "Writing Science in Plain English"

The Wizard of iPhone Speaks (20-22)
Episode 15: Somehow the previous file was corrupt -- this is the correct file

The Wizard of iPhone Speaks (20-22)

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 11:31


Dr. Ming Wang plays the two-string Chinese violin, recorded by iPhone, at the Steinway Piano Studio, used with permission. A token of my appreciation is winging its way to a “clone” of the Grammar Girl for the recent podcast, her content number 1088 “What AI means for writers and editors with Daniel Heuman”The first discovery you make in listening to the podcast is that Danial is not an editor at all -- he's a software developer, by his own admission.Yes, this is an adventure in Losing Control of the language, since he's also a Brit, one could ask:“Who's Language?” Editors started to become an endangered species with the advent of Pagination.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
'Y' plurals. Bill Labov's linguistic legacy. Choo-choo

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 14:53


1101. Do you know when to change a "y" to an "ies" for a plural, and when to just add an "s"? Today, we look at the rules. Then, we look at linguist Bill Labov's famous department store study, which shows how social class relates to speech patterns. The 'y' segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at dragonflyeditorial.com.The segment about Bill Labov was written by Valerie Friedland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
How 'algospeak' is changing language, with Adam Aleksic

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 25:03


1100. This week, we talk with popular online linguist Adam Aleksic, also known as Etymology Nerd. We discuss "algospeak" and how social media algorithms are changing language. We discuss euphemisms like "unalive," the spread of trending words, and how content creators adapt their speech to go viral. Adam Aleksic - The Etymology NerdAdam's book - "Algospeak"

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Pop, soda, or coke? When Q stands alone. Pizza bones.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 15:59


Do you call it "pop," "soda," or "coke"? We look at the interesting history behind these regional names for carbonated beverages. Then, we look at words where you can use a Q without a U, which might help your Scrabble game.The pop, soda or coke segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." It originally appeared in The Conversation and appears here through a Creative Commons license. You can find Valerie at valeriefridland.com.The Q segment was written by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a young mom with two kids and a dog, she founded one of the internet's first writing workshop communities. These days, she facilitates expressive writing workshops, both online and off. Find her at chanterellestorystudio.com. 

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Metaphors and your brain. How figurative language works, with Dr. Vicky Lai

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 19:20


1098. We talk with cognitive scientist Dr. Vicky Lai about how frequently we use metaphors and what happens in our brains when we hear them. We also look at her research on irony and its effect on emotion, and how metaphors relate to cancer outcomes.Dr. Vicky Lai - https://psychology.arizona.edu/person/vicky-lai

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Can you have a million bacons? Martha's Vineyard's unique sound.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 17:06


1097. Do you wonder whether "bacon" can be plural? We look at the difference between countable and uncountable nouns. Then, we look at how the Martha's Vineyard accent developed and what it tells us about language and society.The "countable" segment was written by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a young mom with two kids and a dog, she founded one of the internet's first writing workshop communities. These days, she facilitates expressive writing workshops, both online and off. Find her at chanterellestorystudio.com. The "Martha's segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The surprising history (and politics) of emoji, with Keith Houston

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 28:39


1096. This week, we look at the world of emoji with Keith Houston, author of "Face with Tears of Joy." He discusses the long history of emoji, from ancient origins to early computer character sets, and the formal process of proposing new emoji to the Unicode Consortium. We also look at how emoji can be blends of multiple characters and tell us more about cultural, generational, and political attitudes.Keith Houston - Shadycharacters.co.ukKeith's book - "Face with Tears of Joy"

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Is ‘sick'...good? What we think of posh language and class. Misunderseed

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 17:24


1095. Is “sick” really “good”? This week, we explore how words flip their meanings and why language changes over time. Then, we look at the 1950s idea of "U and Non-U English" and what it tells us about social climbing.The "sick" segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.The "posh" segment was by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The language of children's storytelling, with Doug Fraser

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 19:40


1094. Have you ever wondered about the linguistic techniques behind popular children's podcasts? This week, we talk with Doug Fraser, also known as Dougie Pickles from the "Cozy Critters" podcast, who explains his strategic use of language to soothe and captivate kids. We also hear his insights on what makes successful children's content, including the importance of varied sentence length, the power of word choice and musicality in language.Doug Fraser - https://www.facebook.com/doug.fraser.733Doug's podcast - "Cozy Critters"

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why we drop sounds. ChatGPT is changing how people talk. Kombi

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 17:36


1093. Why do we say “prob'ly” instead of “probably”? This week, we look at elision in everyday speech. Then, we look at a wild study showing that the way people talk is being influenced by AI.The elision segment was by Susan K. Herman, a retired multidisciplined language analyst, editor, and instructor for the federal government.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 31:59


1092. Your accent may be saying more than your words. Sociolinguist Rob Drummond explains how accents shape our identities, how they differ across social classes, and why changing your accent can affect how you're perceived.Rob Drummond - https://bsky.app/profile/robdrummond.bsky.socialRob's book, "You're All Talk"

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Are em dashes really a sign of AI writing? 'Caretaker' vs. 'caregiver'

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 17:04


1091.  Is the em dash a sign of AI writing? I looked at where the idea comes from, and we have the final answer! Then, we look at the difference between "caregiver" and "caretaker."The "'caregiver" and "caretaker'" segment was written by Jim Norrena, MFA, who has been writing and editing for more than thirty-five years. He's the founder of TypoSuction.com, an independent editing/writing service. He's taught grammar and copyediting intensives and professional proofreading workshops at Media Alliance and served as events coordinator for Bay Area Editors' Forum (BAEF). Visit Linkedin.com/in/jimnorrena/ for his complete work history and highlighted projects.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
What your hands are saying (even when you're not thinking about it), with Lauren Gawne

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 29:38


1090. Your hands may be saying more than your words. Lauren Gawne explains how gestures shape communication, how they differ across cultures, and why removing gestures can make your speech less fluent.Lauren Gawne → Superlinguo

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
‘Further' vs. ‘farther.' Why designers use fake Latin. Blondie hot

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 16:03


1089. Do you wonder when you should use "further" or "farther"? We have the answer (where there is one). Then, you've seen lorem ipsum everywhere, but what does it mean? And where did it come from?The "lorem ipsum" segment was written by Jim Norrena, MFA, who has been writing and editing for more than thirty-five years. He's the founder of TypoSuction.com, an independent editing/writing service. He's taught grammar and copyediting intensives and professional proofreading workshops at Media Alliance and served as events coordinator for Bay Area Editors' Forum (BAEF). Visit Linkedin.com/in/jimnorrena/ for his complete work history and highlighted projects.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
What AI means for writers and editors, with Daniel Heuman

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 28:36


1088. He says he hates AI writing, but he's also the CEO of the company behind Draftsmith, an AI editing tool. Today, I talk with Daniel Heuman about editing, AI, energy use, and how tools like DraftSmith try to help without replacing human editors.Draftsmith → draftsmith.ai

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
'The' rules you never learned. Why did Latin die?

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 17:07


1087. You use the word "the" hundreds of times a day, but are you pronouncing it wrong? Today I have the rules I never learned about whether to say “thuh” or “thee.” Then, we look at why Latin died (and why "died" isn't quite the right way to describe it).The "Latin" segment is by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a young mom with two kids and a dog, she founded one of the internet's first writing workshop communities. These days, she facilitates expressive writing workshops, both online and off. Find her at chanterellestorystudio.com

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
​​The publishing world is changing. Jane Friedman tells us how.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 26:45


1086. What does it really take to earn a living as a writer? Jane Friedman explains the multiple paths writers take — from speaking and consulting to newsletters and hybrid publishing—and offers grounded, practical advice for navigating the business of writing in 2025 and beyond.Jane Friedman is the author of "The Business of Being a Writer."

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why 'plz' might be pushing people away. How to write better thank-you notes. Studaloo

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 18:43


1085. Do abbreviations like “plz” and “ty” actually make your texts feel less sincere? New research suggests they might. We explore how shortened words affect how your messages are received — even in romantic conversations. Then, we offer practical tips for writing thoughtful, specific thank-you notes that reflect real gratitude.The texting segment was written by David Fang, a PhD student in marketing at Stanford University. Sam Maglio, an Associate Professor of Marketing and Psychology at the University of Toronto, also contributed to the writing. It originally ran on The Conversation, and appears here through a Creative Commons license.The "thank-you" segment originally ran on the OUP Blog and appears here with permission. Edwin Battistella taught linguistics and writing at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he served as a dean and as interim provost. He is the author of "Do You Make These Mistakes in English?" (OUP, 2009), "Bad Language" (OUP, 2005), and "The Logic of Markedness" (OUP, 1996).

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why simplified spelling nearly took over America (and why it didn't), with Gabe Henry

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 31:06


1084. This week, Gabe Henry talks about his new book, "Enough Is Enuf," and the long, strange quest to simplify English spelling. Learn why the "Chicago Tribune" made simplified spelling its house style for decades and why Roosevelt's attempt to make it law backfired.Find Gabe Henry at http://GabeHenry.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why 'wake' is so confusing. The playful language of vacations.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 18:20


1083. Is it "woke," "woken," or "waked"? We break down why the verb "wake" is one of the trickiest in English, with four competing forms and centuries of change. Then, we lighten things up with a look at vacation vocabulary—from "staycation" to "glamping."The "wake" segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.The "vacation" segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at dragonflyeditorial.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Ambrose Bierce, from ‘The Devil's Dictionary' to disappearing in Mexico, with Jim Norrena

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 30:01


1082. Copy editor Jim Norrena joins us this week for a conversation about Ambrose Bierce, his famous "Devil's Dictionary," and his darkly funny take on the world. We look at Bierce's fascinating (and tragic) life, his legendary wordplay, and his mysterious disappearance in Mexico. Plus, we share our favorite biting definitions and quirky facts about his life. We'd love to have coffee with him, but we'd never forget that he was also a feared literary critic! Jim Norrena, MFA, has been writing and editing for more than thirty-five years. He's the founder and principal editor at TypoSuction.com, an independent editing/writing service. He taught grammar and copyediting intensives and professional proofreading workshops at Media Alliance and served as events coordinator for Bay Area Editors' Forum (BAEF). You can find him on LinkedIn.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why 'epitome' is confusing. Quirky stories behind baby animal names. Alice doors

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 18:43


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 a linguistic safari through the world of baby animal names—and what they tell us about language, culture, and human history.The "baby animal names" segment is by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a young mom with two kids and a dog, she founded one of the internet's first writing workshop communities. These days, she facilitates expressive writing workshops, both online and off. Find her at chanterellestorystudio.com

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
How YouTubers' voices evolve, with Andrew Cheng

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 21:40


1080. Linguist Andrew Cheng explains why people's accents shift over time, especially when they move—and how YouTubers make perfect data subjects. If you've ever cringed at your old voice recordings, this one's for you.Andrew Cheng is a professor of linguistics at the University of Hawaii. You can find him on Bluesky at  LinguistAndrew.NEW: Sign up for my AP Style webinar on June 12: bit.ly/4k1XmpIUse the code MACMIL for $50 off.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
What dictionary labels tell us about words. Why we say 'mama'. DU, STU, and LO.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 17:00


1079. Ever wonder what labels like "informal," "archaic," or "offensive" mean in a dictionary entry? We explain how different dictionaries use labels to describe when, where, and how to use words. Then, we explore why so many babies say "dada" first and why babies say "mama" almost everywhere.The "dictionary labels" segment was written by Susan Herman, a retired U.S. government multidisciplined language analyst, analytic editor, and instructor.The "mama" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.NEW: Sign up for my AP Style webinar on June 12: bit.ly/4k1XmpIUse the code MACMIL for $50 off.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The secret to writing ‘the same but different,' with Mary Robinette Kowal

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 20:26


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 an agent, and how she keeps her career moving forward. Plus, she gave us three great book recommendations (and I've already read and loved one of them!).Find Mary at maryrobinettekowal.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
'Lit' vs. 'lighted.' The mysteries of the dollar sign. Redd up.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 19:04


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 competing theories about the origin of the dollar sign and end with tips about how to use it.The "dollar sign" segment was written by Jim Norrena, MFA, who has been writing and editing for more than thirty-five years. He's the founder and principal editor at TypoSuction.com, an independent editing/writing service. He taught grammar and copyediting intensives and professional proofreading workshops at Media Alliance and served as events coordinator for Bay Area Editors' Forum (BAEF). You can find him on LinkedIn.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn't know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 22:44


1076. Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, looks at how ghostwriting fiction really works, who's hiring ghostwriters, and why AI can't replace human storytelling. We also talked about how ghostwriters negotiate royalties, film rights, and what makes a great collaboration work.Find Dan at GothamGhostwriters.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
'I.e' versus 'e.g.' What Shakespeare actually added to English. Four schnitzels.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 18:01


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 at five common myths about his contributions to the English language, including whether he coined thousands of words and how much Latin he actually knew.The "Shakespeare" segment was by Jonathan Culpeper, a chair professor in English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University, and Mathew Gillings, an assistant professor at the Vienna  University of Economics and Business. It originally appeared in The Conversation and appears here through a Creative Commons license.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
AI and the future of dictionaries, with Erin McKean

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 26:02


1074. Is AI good enough to replace lexicographers? Wordnik founder Erin McKean shares what works, what doesn't, and why the future of dictionaries is far from settled.Find Erin McKean at wordnik.com, dressaday.com, and wordnik@worknik.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Better paragraph breaks. The story behind 'mad money' and 'pin money.' Bruce bad.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 15:52


1073. Today, we have practical tips for writing better paragraphs (and it's not the formulaic topic-sentence structure). Then, we look at the surprising history of phrases like “mad money” and “pin money” and what they show about women's roles and financial independence through time.The "paragraph" segment originally appeared on the OUP Blog, and was written by Edwin Battistella, who taught linguistics and writing at Southern Oregon University. He is the author of Sorry About That: The Language of Public Apology, Do You Make These Mistakes in English?, Bad Language, and The Logic of Markedness.The "mad money" segment is by Karen Lunde, a career writer and editor. In the late '90s, as a young mom with two kids and a dog, she founded one of the internet's first writing workshop communities. These days, she facilitates expressive writing workshops, both online and off. Find her at chanterellestorystudio.com

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The future of editing jobs in the age of AI, with Samantha Enslen

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 17:01


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 work of writers and editors. We talked about real clients, real fears, and hope for the future. Plus, Samantha shares her favorite old-school fiction (spoiler: Agatha Christie strikes again!).Find Samantha Enslen at DragonflyEditorial.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
How to write photo captions. The real difference between ‘immigrate' and ‘emigrate.' Ko Pha-ngan'd

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 16:57


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 between "immigrate" and "emigrate," how the terms are used historically, and why their meanings often depend on perspective.The "photo captions" segment is by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.The "immigration" segment was by Brenda Thomas, a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a variety of topics in the humanities and education.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The hidden techniques behind well-paced fiction, with Joshua Essoe

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 25:35


1070. Fiction editor Joshua Essoe explains the hidden techniques behind pacing in storytelling. Learn how good pacing shapes reader engagement, why well-placed story beats and emotional shifts matter, and how popular films like Memento and Fight Club use pacing to captivate audiences. Joshua also looks at managing flashbacks, using white space strategically, and avoiding common pacing pitfalls in fiction writing.Joshua's "Pacing and Cutting" Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joshuaessoe/guides-to-writing-pacing-and-cutting

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why don't we say the L in 'walk'? Never use 'always.' PABST

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 15:17


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, and why American and British speakers differ. Plus, we look at some of the most dangerous words in the English language: "always" and "never."The "L vocalization" segment is by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Exploring slang, AI ghost words, and language change, with Heddwen Newton

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 31:13


1068. Did Yosemite Sam ever actually say "tarnation"? What's "fridgescaping," and why is it trending? And why is AI filling the internet with nonsense words like “lrtsjerk”? Linguist and translator Heddwen Newton shares her favorite new slang, explains the Mandela Effect, and breaks down how AI-generated content is making language even messier.Find Heddwen Newton at her newsletter, English in Progress.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
What's wrong with ‘"'til"? Why tiny words control conversations. How many cookies?

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 17:25


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 frown on "'til." Then, we uncover the hidden power of interjections—words like "um," "huh," and "mm-hmm"—and how they help us negotiate meaning, keep conversations flowing, and even challenge artificial intelligence.The "interjections" segment was written by Bob Holmes, a science writer living in Edmonton, Canada and who until recently, had no idea how often he uses interjections. The piece originally appeared in Knowable Magazine, a digital publication dedicated to making scientific knowledge accessible to all. And they've produced a special standalone episode of their podcast about interjections, so if you want to learn more, check that out too. You can find their podcast and explore new articles at knowablemagazine.org.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The best punctuation book, period, with June Casagrande

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 25:04


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 Best Punctuation Book, Period," busts punctuation myths, compares style guides, and looks at the surprising complexity of the humble em dash.Find June Casagrande at grammarunderground.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Why we say ‘OK.' How tea shaped English slang. Poetry winner

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 17:29


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 campaign helped it stick. Then, we have some fun with Victorian tea culture and the many idioms it inspired, from Cockney rhyming slang to "scandal broth."The "tea" segment is by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Behind the scenes of Wikipedia: editing, accuracy, and notability, with Jonathan Rick

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 27:38


1064. Is Wikipedia the last refuge on online truth? With AI-generated content and misinformation spreading online, Wikipedia is growing in esteem, but who decides what gets published? How does Wikipedia determine things like credibility and notability? Wikipedia consultant Jonathan Rick gives us the inside scoop on Wikipedia's strict sourcing rules, why some pages get deleted, and how you can become an editor.Jonathan Rick helps people make sense of — and profit from — business communication. Whether through ghostwriting, speaking, or marketing, he helps clients engender buzz, shape public opinion, and become thought leaders.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
How did our holidays become so 'corny'? Why do some words have accent marks in English? Cubby hole

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 15:42


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, we look at the role of accent marks in English — why some words keep them, why others lose them, and what they tell us about language.The "corn" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." You can find her at valeriefridland.com.The "diacritic" segment was written by Karen Lunde, a former Quick & Dirty Tips editor and digital pioneer who's been spinning words into gold since before cat videos ruled the internet. She created one of the first online writing workshops, and she's published thousands of articles on the art of writing. These days, she leads personal narrative writing retreats and helps writers find their voice. Visit her at ChanterelleStoryStudio.com.