Podcasts about Vocabulary

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 21, 2025 is: bodacious • boh-DAY-shuss • adjective Bodacious is used as an informal synonym of remarkable and noteworthy, as well as sexy and voluptuous. In some dialects of the Southern and Midland US, bodacious is used by its oldest meaning: "outright, unmistakable." // The bodacious decor of the boutique hotel is intended to appeal to the young and the hip. See the entry > Examples: "There's no need to lug in a 6-foot specimen tree to add bodacious botanicals into your home, because even the smallest planters can make a big impact when intentionally pairing striking foliage with a unique vessel." — Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 Did you know? Some of our readers may know bodacious as a word that figured prominently in the lingo of the 1989 film Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Others may recall the term's frequent use in the long-running "Snuffy Smith" comic strip. Neither the creators of the comic strip nor the movie can claim to have coined bodacious, which began appearing in print in the mid-1800s, but both surely contributed to its popularity. The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but it is most likely a blend of bold and audacious, and it may be linked to boldacious, a now-rare British dialect term meaning "brazen" or "impudent."

Today, we're gonna talk about one of the biggest goals that English learners have — and that is: building vocabulary. You've probably felt this before — like, “Ugh, I want to express myself, but I just don't have the words!” Or maybe you're reading something and keep thinking, “I know this word… I've seen it before… but what does it mean again?” Well, first of all — that's totally normal. And second — I've got you. In this English lesson podcast, I'm gonna give you simple, practical tips that'll help you grow your vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed or bored. Join my Podcast Learner's Study Group here: https://learn.myhappyenglish.com/transcriptVisit my website for over 3,000 free English lessons: https://www.myhappyenglish.com/

In today's episode, you will listen to an actual conversation between English teachers. They will provide you with tips and tricks that will help you master today's topic. As you listen, take notes and try to see which tip is your favorite. After this lesson, you will have more confidence in your ability to speak English fluently.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

In this Mandarin Chinese Vocabulary Builder video, I break down the Chinese translation of What Do You Do With An Idea?

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 20, 2025 is: resurrection • rez-uh-REK-shun • noun In Christian theology, Resurrection (typically capitalized in this use) refers to the event in which Jesus Christ returned to life after his death. In general contexts, resurrection refers to the act of causing something that had ended or been forgotten or lost to exist again, to be used again, etc. // Church members look forward to celebrating the Resurrection every Easter. // The community applauded the resurrection of the commuter rail system. See the entry > Examples: “Some of their efforts to follow Scripture were wonderfully zany. To wrest the death and resurrection of Jesus away from both pagan fertility rituals and Hallmark, they outlawed Easter egg hunts. ... She smashed chocolate Easter bunnies with a meat tenderizer and ripped the heads off marshmallow Peeps, while the boys gleefully gobbled the ruined remnants of consumer culture.” — Eliza Griswold, Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church, 2024 Did you know? The word resurrection first arose in English in the 14th century, coming from the Anglo-French word resurreccioun, which in turn comes from the Late Latin verb resurgere, meaning “to rise from the dead.” Originally, the word was used in Christian contexts to refer to the rising of Christ from the dead or to the festival celebrating this rising (now known as Easter). Perhaps showing the influence of the Late Latin verb resurgere's Latin forerunner, which could mean “to rise again” (as from a recumbent position) as well as “to spring up again after being cut” (used of plants), resurrection soon began to be used more generally in the senses of “resurgence” or “revival.” It even forms part of the name of the resurrection fern, an iconic fern of the southern United States often seen growing on the limbs of live oak trees. The fern is so named due to the fact that in dry weather it curls up, turns brown, and appears dead, only to be “brought back to life” when exposed to moisture.

In this episode, discover essential techniques for giving detailed and natural English answers using the 5W method (Who, What, When, Where, Why). Learn how to transform basic responses into rich, comprehensive answers that showcase your English fluency. We'll explore 20 common English questions and their model answers, plus master the art of expanding short sentences into longer, more detailed expressions.Throughout the lesson, you'll also build your vocabulary with 10 must-know intermediate and advanced English words, complete with practical examples. Whether you're preparing for English conversations, interviews, or everyday communication, these strategies will help you express yourself more confidently and naturally in English.This episode is perfect for intermediate to advanced English learners who want to:Master the art of giving detailed answers in EnglishLearn to use the 5W method effectivelyExpand their vocabulary with practical examplesSound more natural and fluent in English conversationsIf you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Join Professional English Level 1. Save $100 off the normal price. Offer expires April 20th at midnight. Improve your English for: Meetings Interviews Presentations Small talk More Go here to get the special deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 19, 2025 is: fastidious • fass-TID-ee-us • adjective Someone described as fastidious is extremely or overly careful about how they do something. Fastidious may also describe someone who is difficult to please, or someone who always wants to be clean, neat, etc. // Our parents taught us to be fastidious in keeping our rooms clean, making sure to dust every surface and sweep out every corner. // He's a fastidious dresser whose fashion choices seem to anticipate the newest trends. See the entry > Examples: "Becoming Led Zeppelin, filmmaker Bernard MacMahon's new documentary about the band, certainly succeeds at taking Led Zeppelin seriously, in ways that might disappoint some viewers but that I found both compelling and refreshing. Becoming Led Zeppelin doesn't hide that it's an authorized biopic … but the film is so fastidious and detail-oriented that it never feels like hagiography." — Jack Hamilton, Slate, 11 Feb. 2025 Did you know? If you presume that the adjective fastidious bears some relation to fast, not so fast. Fastidious comes from Latin fastidium, meaning "aversion" or "disgust." Fastidium is believed to be a combination of fastus, meaning "arrogance," and taedium, "irksomeness" or "disgust." (Taedium is also the source of tedium and tedious.) In keeping with its Latin roots, fastidious once meant "haughty," "disgusting," and "disagreeable," but the word is now most often applied to people who are very meticulous or overly difficult to please, or to work which reflects a demanding or precise attitude. Our own fastidiousness requires us to point out that the familiar adjective fast comes not from Latin, but from Old English.

This podcast explores a series of question about sight vocabulary, its role in reading development, and how it is best dealt with in the classroom.

Are you ready to dive into the world of money? In this episode, we're breaking down common Persian expressions related to money, spending, saving, and everything in between. Whether you're a savvy saver or a bit of a spender, you're sure to learn something new. Let's get started!If Podgap helps you with learning the Persian language, share it with your friends. That would mean a lot to us. We can be in touch by podgapp@gmail.com.By subscribing to us at www.patreon.com/podgap you will get access to Persian Transcription, Glossary & Worksheet of all the episodes that are published.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 18, 2025 is: collaborate • kuh-LAB-uh-rayt • verb To collaborate is to work with another person or group in order to do or achieve something. Collaborate can also be used disapprovingly to mean "to cooperate with or willingly assist an enemy of one's country and especially an enemy who occupies it during a war." // Several research teams from various countries collaborated closely on the project. // They were suspected of collaborating with enemy forces. See the entry > Examples: "Forever 21 collaborated with photographer Henry R. Jones II for the reveal of its Black History Month unisex collection. The 17-piece display delivers deeply personal pieces intimately connected to Jones' artistic journey. Known for his striking photography and poetry, Jones extends a unique invitation to the viewer, allowing them to immerse themselves in the intricate layers of his art." — Kenyatta Victoria, Essence, 1 May 2024 Did you know? The Latin prefix com-, meaning "with, together, or jointly," is a bit of a chameleon—it has a habit of changing its appearance depending on what it's next to. For example, if the word it precedes begins with l, com- becomes col-. In the case of collaborate, com- teamed up with the verb laborare ("to labor") to form the Late Latin word collaborare ("to labor together"). Be careful not to confuse collaborate with corroborate, another com- relative. This word was formed when com- (this time shape-shifting to cor-) joined forces with the Latin word robur ("strength"). Together, by way of the Latin verb corroborare, they created the meaning "to support or help prove (a statement, theory, etc.) by providing information or evidence," which carried over into the English word corroborate.

In today's episode, you will learn a series of vocabulary words that are connected to a specific topic. This lesson will help you improve your ability to speak English fluently about a specific topic. It will also help you feel more confident in your English abilities.5 Vocabulary WordsActivism (noun): The practice of taking action to promote or oppose social, political, or environmental causes. Example Sentences: Activism played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and social justice.She is involved in climate change activism and participates in local environmental protests.The rise of digital activism has made it easier for people to support causes online.Discrimination (noun): Unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age.Example Sentences: Discrimination in the workplace can affect employees' morale and productivity.The law aims to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation.She spoke out against racial discrimination and advocated for equal rights.Advocacy (noun): The active support or promotion of a cause or policy.Example Sentences: Her advocacy for mental health awareness has made a significant impact in her community.Advocacy groups often work to influence legislation and public opinion.He dedicated his career to the advocacy of educational reform.Inequality (noun): The state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities.Example Sentences: Economic inequality is a major concern in discussions about social justice.The organization aims to address racial inequality through various outreach programs.She researched the effects of gender inequality in the workplace.Empowerment (noun): The process of giving individuals or groups the power and confidence to control their own lives and make decisions.Example Sentences: Women's empowerment is essential for achieving gender equality and social progress.The community program focuses on the empowerment of young people through education and skills training.Empowerment of marginalized groups can lead to greater participation in political and social activities.A Paragraph using the 5 vocabulary wordsUnderstanding American social issues and movements is essential for ESL learners to fully comprehend the nation's cultural and historical tapestry. By examining topics like discrimination, inequality, and activism, students gain a deeper awareness of the challenges faced by different groups and the efforts made to address them. This knowledge fosters empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of empowerment. Through active engagement with these issues, you can develop a strong foundation for advocacy and contribute to a more just and equitable society.If you want to sign up for the free daily English vocabulary newsletter, go towww.dailyenglishvocabulary.com

Welcome to season 8 of FYI. This season instead of tackling topics we'll discover the most common verbs in the English language! I know English can be TRYING but never stop TRYING. We'll TRY out your mastery of TRY on this week's episode of FYI! The Living in Clarity Podcast, with Fish & Coach Do you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showJOIN our curious community for tons of EXCLUSIVE BONUS content: early access bonus content PDF resources weekly group classes monthly private classes direct access to me in chat group many more benefits Additional FREE content!

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 17, 2025 is: uncouth • un-KOOTH • adjective Uncouth describes things, such as language or behavior, that are impolite or socially unacceptable. A person may also be described as uncouth if they are behaving in a rude way. // Stacy realized it would be uncouth to show up to the party without a gift, so she picked up a bottle of wine on the way. See the entry > Examples: “Perhaps people deride those who buy books solely for how they look because it reminds them that despite their primary love of literature, they still appreciate a beautiful cover. It's not of primary importance but liking how something looks in your home matters to some extent, even if it feels uncouth to acknowledge.” — Chiara Dello Joio, LitHub.com, 24 Jan. 2023 Did you know? Old English speakers used the word cūth to describe things that were familiar to them, and uncūth for the strange and mysterious. These words passed through Middle English into modern English with different spellings but the same meanings. While couth eventually dropped out of use, uncouth soldiered on. In Captain Singleton by English novelist Daniel Defoe, for example, the author refers to “a strange noise more uncouth than any they had ever heard,” while Shakespeare wrote of an “uncouth forest” in As You Like It. This “unfamiliar” sense of uncouth, however, joined couth in becoming, well, unfamiliar to most English users, giving way to the now-common meanings, “rude” and “lacking polish or grace.” The adjective couth in use today, meaning “sophisticated” or “polished,” arose at the turn of the 20th century, not from the earlier couth, but as a back-formation of uncouth, joining the ranks of other “uncommon opposites” such as kempt and gruntled.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 16, 2025 is: adversity • ad-VER-suh-tee • noun Adversity refers to a difficult situation or condition, or to a state of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune. // The soldiers were honored for acting with courage in the face of adversity. // The team overcame many adversities on their way to summiting the mountain. See the entry > Examples: “To foster self-reliance, colleges should focus on supports that empower students to face challenges. ... Instead of lowering demands to accommodate discomfort, institutions can create frameworks that help students cope, adapt and ultimately thrive in the face of adversity.” — Steven Mintz, Inside Higher Ed, 11 Mar. 2025 Did you know? The world, alas, is full of adversity of all kinds, from misfortune to outright calamity. But while we—being humble lexicographers, not sagacious philosophers—cannot explain the source of such adversity, we can explain the source of the word adversity. If you've ever faced adversity and felt like fate, the world, or something else was turned against you, it will not surprise you that adversity traces back to the Latin verb advertere, meaning “to turn toward, direct,” itself a combination of the verb vertere, “to turn,” and the prefix ad-, “to.” The past participle of advertere is adversus, meaning “turned toward, facing, opposed,” which eventually led (via a couple languages in between) to the Middle English word adversite, meaning “opposition, hostility, misfortune, or hardship,” and the adversity we know today.

In today's episode, you will listen to an actual English class where Teacher Tiffani will teach new words, expressions, and English fluency tips to her English students. As you listen, you will gain confidence in your own ability to use the new terms and apply the new fluency tips. After this lesson, you will have more confidence in your ability to speak English fluently.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 15, 2025 is: pugnacious • pug-NAY-shus • adjective Someone described as pugnacious shows a readiness or desire to fight or argue. // There's one pugnacious member on the committee who won't agree to anything. See the entry > Examples: "While looking through the Perkins telescope [at Saturn] one night, a pugnacious 10-year-old commented, 'Hey! I only see one ring. Rip off!'" — Tom Burns, The Delaware (Ohio) Gazette, 23 Oct. 2024 Did you know? Pugnacious individuals are often looking for a fight. While unpleasant, at least their fists are packing an etymological punch. Pugnacious comes from the Latin verb pugnare (meaning "to fight"), which in turn comes from the Latin word for "fist," pugnus. Another Latin word related to pugnus is pugil, meaning "boxer." Pugil is the source of our word pugilist, which means "fighter" and is used especially of professional boxers. Pugnare has also given us impugn ("to assail by words or arguments"), oppugn ("to fight against"), and repugnant (which is now used primarily in the sense of "exciting distaste or aversion," but which has also meant "characterized by contradictory opposition" and "hostile").

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 14, 2025 is: druthers • DRUH-therz • noun plural Druthers is an informal word that refers to the power or opportunity to choose—in other words, free choice. It is used especially in the phrase if one had one's druthers. // If I had my druthers, I would travel all the time. See the entry > Examples: “If I had my druthers, if I made the sequel to ‘Companion,' it would just be a shot of her on the side of the road, cutting out her tracking chip and then cutting to her on a farm with a couple of million dollars.” — Drew Hancock, quoted in Variety, 1 Feb. 2025 Did you know? Nowadays, you're much more likely to encounter the plural noun druthers than its singular forebear, but that wasn't always the case. Druther, an alteration of “would rather” in some U.S. English dialects, first appeared in writing in the late 1800s. “Any way you druther have it, that is the way I druther have it,” says Huck to Tom in Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer, Detective (a sequel to the more famous Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which also included the word druther). This example of metanalysis (the shifting of a sound from one element of a phrase to another) had been around for some time in everyday speech when Twain put those words in Huck's mouth. By then, in fact, druthers had also become a plural noun, so Tom could reply, “There ain't any druthers about it, Huck Finn; nobody said anything about druthers,” though druthers didn't overtake druther in popularity (at least in print) until the mid-1900s.

In this engaging episode of the Learn Polish Podcast, hosts Roy and Marta delve into the vocabulary and cultural nuances of different types of Polish houses. Starting with the basics, they discuss the meaning of 'dom' and 'blok', and move on to explore the various forms of residential buildings, such as 'wieżowiec' and 'drapacz chmur'. Listeners will gain insights into the linguistic and cultural aspects of housing in Poland, including the differences between blocks of flats, skyscrapers, and more traditional homes like 'bliźniak' and 'dom szeregowy'. The episode also covers important related vocabulary, ensuring that learners not only understand the words but also their practical usage in everyday Polish conversation. Perfect for Polish language enthusiasts and anyone interested in Polish culture, this episode is sure to enrich your understanding of how homes and living spaces are discussed in Poland.   --------- All about Roy / Brain Gym & Virtual Assistants at ⁠https://roycoughlan.com/⁠  ___________________

Una de las cosas que más nos preguntan es un consejo para viajar a México, aqui te compartimos varios que pueden ser útiles y te ayudarán a entender un poco mejor nuestra cultura y a tener un buen encuentro de Español también.Viajes de INMERSIÓN 2025: https://www.howtospanishpodcast.com/immersion-tripTALK TO ANA IA in Langua: https://languatalk.com/try-langua?via=how-to-spanish 20% OFF annual plans with the CODE: HTS20COURSE - MASTER THE PAST TENSE IN SPANISH-- http://howtospanishacademy.thinkific.com/Journal: https://www.howtospanishpodcast.com/journal

In today's episode, you will listen to an actual conversation between English teachers. They will provide you with tips and tricks that will help you master today's topic. As you listen, take notes and try to see which tip is your favorite. After this lesson, you will have more confidence in your ability to speak English fluently.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Send us a textAfter much anticipation since we started this podcast, Stuart Colburn joins us for a special episode focused on Texas! Stuart, a shareholder at Downs & Stanford, P.C., has over 25 years of experience in workers' compensation. He shares his journey into our industry and expertly navigates the evolution of the Texas Workers' Compensation system since the 1980s. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the unique aspects that make Texas' approach distinctly different from those of other states.Stuart is board certified in Workers' Compensation Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and was the founder and first Chair of the State Bar of Texas Workers' Compensation Section. He co-authors the Texas Workers' Compensation Handbook published by LexisNexis and, as a certified lobbyist and frequent Division of Workers' Compensation conference representative, brings valuable policy perspective to the conversation.(Correction: Stuart mentions 2011 as the year Wikipedia and iTunes emerged; however, the correct year is 2001.)NOTE: Stuart shares a slide deck during this episode, which you can see in the video version on our YouTube channel. Resources mentioned in this episode:Texas Workers' Compensation Handbook 2025 EditionTexas Department of Insurance - Workers' Compensation Texas Subsequent Injury FundAmerican Medical Association (AMA) GuidesOfficial Disability Guidelines ODG by MCG National Comp ConferenceStuart Colburn bio¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp

When many of us were growing up, the c-word was the worst thing you could say. Now, it's having a renaissance. How has the most "offensive and hateful” term transformed into a compliment? And why are drag queens, actors and K-pop girlies at the forefront of reclaiming "See You Next Tuesday”?

◆ In this episode, I am talking about a height adjustable desk I bought, using vocabulary and grammar from GENKI 1. (GENKI 1 is a Japanese textbook meant for beginners at JLPT N5 / CEFR A1 level.)   ◆ This story was originally released as Ep.8 on April 9th, 2024. I just re-recorded it and created a listening comprehension exercise, answer key, vocabulary list and transcript for it for Patreon members, which was not available when it was first released.   ◆ You will need to be a subscriber to my Patreon monthly membership to listen to it. The sample audio file is available on my Patreon site.   ◆ Patreon Here are the benefits for my Patreon members : (Note : The benefits you get vary based on the tier you select.) - Podcast episodes  - Vocabulary lists with English translation - Transcripts - Listening comprehension exercises (These are all in Kanji with Furigana.) - Answer keys for the exercises - Photos related to the episodes with captions  - Extra information & fun facts related to the episodes Check out  my Patreon page for more information : patreon.com/JapanesewithMeg   ◆ You are cordially invited to... - leave me a review on Apple Podcast - rate my podcast on Spotify

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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 13, 2025 is: reminisce • rem-uh-NISS • verb To reminisce is to talk, think, or write about things that happened in the past. // After the official reunion dinner, the old friends gathered at a pub to reminisce about their high school days, now long past. See the entry > Examples: “Our parents would reminisce about their past happiness and point to the oversized photographic portrait taken of them at the county fair sometime in the mid-1970s, before we were born.” — Nora Lange, Us Fools, 2024 Did you know? Do you remember, say, the 21st night of September? Fantastic. Earth, Wind, and Fire does, too, on their classic hit from 1978, “September.” More than remember, the band reminisces—that is, they share details and express feelings about what they remember: dancing, a bell ringing, souls singing, et al. Reminisce distinguishes itself from words like remember and recollect by implying a casual recalling of experiences long past, often with a sense of nostalgia. Reminisce and its relatives reminiscence and reminiscent all trace back to the Latin verb reminisci, meaning “remember.” Reminisci in turn shares roots with mens, the Latin word for “mind.”

Are you tired of speaking in short, simple English sentences? In this episode, I'll show you how to level up your English speaking by using the powerful 5W method! You'll learn how to transform basic sentences into detailed, natural-sounding English expressions by incorporating Who, What, When, Where, and Why.We'll explore real-world examples of sentence transformation, from basic statements like "This is Amber" to rich, complex sentences like "Amber is eating lunch at home now because it is Sunday." Plus, I'll share practical exercises using everyday situations that will help you master this technique.You'll also learn essential intermediate and advanced vocabulary words like "transformation," "fluency," and "creative," complete with examples to boost your English comprehension. Whether you're an intermediate learner looking to sound more natural or an advanced student aiming for greater fluency, this episode will give you the tools you need to express yourself more confidently in English.Don't miss this game-changing lesson that will transform how you speak English!If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 12, 2025 is: gustatory • GUSS-tuh-tor-ee • adjective Gustatory describes things that are related to or associated with eating or the sense of taste. // The deli has been widely praised for its astonishing variety of gustatory delights. See the entry > Examples: "For those who have never experienced the gustatory pleasure, these cream puffs consist of freshly baked pastry shells generously covered with powdered sugar and bloated with chilled vanilla pudding that has been pumped into them." — Carl Hamilton, The Cecil Whig (Elkton, Maryland), 12 Feb. 2025 Did you know? Gustatory is a member of a finite set of words that describe the senses with which we encounter our world, the other members being visual, aural, olfactory, and tactile. Like its peers, gustatory has its roots in Latin—in this case, the Latin word gustare, meaning "to taste." Gustare is a direct ancestor of gustatory, gustation, meaning "the act or sensation of tasting," and degustation, meaning "the action or an instance of tasting especially in a series of small portions." More distant relatives of gustare include choose and disgust.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 11, 2025 is: kitsch • KITCH • noun Kitsch refers to something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste and is often cheap or tacky. Kitsch also refers to a tacky or lowbrow quality or condition. // The restaurant is decorated with 1950s furniture and kitsch from old TV shows. // The critic opined that the movie, despite its lofty ambitions, at times descended into kitsch. See the entry > Examples: “If you were dressing yourself in the early 2000s, you might feel some kind of way about Y2K fashion ruling the runways and the sidewalks once again. But if you weren't? It's entirely understandable that mining the annals of recent fashion history—and the vintage shops—would hold a certain appeal. For all its kitsch and camp, Y2K fashion is full of some intriguing gems.” — Boutayna Chokrane and Christina Pérez, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025 Did you know? Have you ever browsed through a flea market or thrift shop? If so, chances are you're well-acquainted with kitsch, the various bits and bobs of popular culture—fuzzy dice, plastic flamingos, cartoon-themed plastic lunchboxes, etc.—that enjoy widespread popularity but don't hold much cultural esteem. Or maybe you're a fan of (what some might call) cheesy movies—action movies and rom-coms that score big at the box office but are panned by critics—kitsch often applies to them, too, as well as to “lowbrow” art of all kinds. English users borrowed kitsch in the early 20th century from German; according to scholars the word was popularized by Munich painters and art dealers in the 1860s and 1870s who used it to refer to popular and cheap artwork. The word's earlier origins are found in the German verb kitschen, meaning “to slap something (such as a work of art) together” as well as “to scrape up mud from the street.” Despite these muddy origins and the disapproving tone with which kitsch is often deployed, kitsch is not quite the “dirty” word it once was—kitsch today is as likely to be celebrated as it is to be derided.

In today's episode, you will learn a series of vocabulary words that are connected to a specific topic. This lesson will help you improve your ability to speak English fluently about a specific topic. It will also help you feel more confident in your English abilities.5 Vocabulary WordsAttraction (noun): A feature or place that draws visitors due to its interesting or enjoyable qualities. Example Sentences: Disneyland is a major attraction for families seeking entertainment and adventure.The local zoo is a popular attraction for those interested in wildlife and conservation.Historical tours of the city's old district are a favorite attraction for history enthusiasts.Historical Site (noun phrase): A location that holds historical significance due to past events or historical figures associated with it.Example Sentences: The Gettysburg battlefield is a historical site where a pivotal Civil War battle took place.Visiting historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg offers a glimpse into life during the 18th century.The Liberty Bell is a historical site representing American independence and freedom.Scenic (adjective): Providing or relating to attractive views or landscapes, often associated with natural beauty. Example Sentences: The scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains offers breathtaking views of rugged terrain and wildlife.Many tourists visit the coast for its scenic beaches and picturesque sunsets.The park's scenic overlooks provide excellent spots for photography and enjoying the natural surroundings.Preservation (noun): The act of maintaining and protecting historical sites, landmarks, or natural resources to ensure they remain intact for future generations.Example Sentences: The preservation of historic buildings in downtown is crucial for maintaining the city's heritage.Environmental organizations focus on the preservation of national parks and endangered species.Efforts in the preservation of cultural artifacts help educate the public about past civilizations.Iconic (adjective): Widely recognized and admired as a representative symbol of a particular place or concept.Example Sentences: The Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and Los Angeles.The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic landmark that represents the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.The Chicago Bean, officially known as Cloud Gate, has become an iconic piece of public art in Millennium Park.A Paragraph using the 5 vocabulary wordsThe United States boasts a diverse array of iconic landmarks and tourist destinations that captivate visitors from around the world. From the towering skyscrapers of New York City to the serene beauty of the Grand Canyon, the country offers something for everyone. Historical sites, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial, stand as testaments to America's rich heritage. Preservation efforts ensure that these treasures remain intact for future generations to appreciate. Scenic wonders, including the Pacific Coast Highway and the Rocky Mountains, provide breathtaking backdrops for outdoor adventures. These attractions not only draw millions of tourists each year but also serve as symbols of America's iconic identity and culture.If you want to sign up for the free daily English vocabulary newsletter, go towww.daily

Welcome to season 8 of FYI. This season instead of tackling topics we'll discover the most common verbs in the English language! Let's take a RIDE in my RIDE and explore English. We'll RIDE it out and enjoy the RIDE on this week's episode of FYI! Support the showJOIN our curious community for tons of EXCLUSIVE BONUS content: early access bonus content PDF resources weekly group classes monthly private classes direct access to me in chat group many more benefits Additional FREE content!

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 10, 2025 is: chary • CHAIR-ee • adjective Chary is usually used with about or of to describe someone who is cautious about doing something. // The director is chary about spending money. // I've always been chary of travelling alone. See the entry > Examples: “Overall, Rendell is chary about divulging the selling price of various documents, but he does occasionally reveal some financial details.” — Michael Dirda, The Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2024 Did you know? How did chary, which began as the opposite of cheery, become a synonym of wary? Don't worry, there's no need to be chary—the answer is not dreary. Chary's Middle English predecessor, charri, meant “sorrowful,” a sense that harks back to the Old English word cearig, meaning “troubled, troublesome, taking care,” which ultimately comes from an assumed-but-unattested Germanic word, karō, meaning “sorrow” or “worry,” that is also an ancestor of the word care. It's perhaps unsurprising then, that chary was once used to mean “dear” or “cherished.” Both sorrow and affection have largely faded from chary, and today the word is most often used as a synonym of careful.

In this exciting crossover episode, Chris Nesi teams up with Leena Marie Saleh (The EdTech Guru) for a detailed look into Canva's latest educational innovations unveiled during Canva Create 2025. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, or tech integrator, this episode is packed with transformative features and real classroom applications. Featured Topic: Canva Create 2025 Key Themes and Highlights: Canva Sheets: The Spreadsheet Reimagined A powerful new addition to the Canva suite—Canva Sheets brings AI-infused, visually pleasing spreadsheets to the classroom. Bulk Background Remover: Easily remove backgrounds from dozens of student photos at once. Bulk Create with Images: Mass-produce certificates, report cards, or newsletters by integrating images directly into your sheet. Magic AI Prompts: Skip the formulas—just describe your needs and let AI do the rest (e.g., calculating budgets, charting grades). Magic Insights: Auto-generate graphs, summaries, or positive student comments—great for data storytelling or end-of-year celebrations. Student Access: Available to students in districts where Canva's Magic tools are enabled. The All-in-One Visual Suite Create multi-modal projects within a single file: combine slides, spreadsheets, videos, documents, and websites. Use Case: Teachers can build unit plans with rubrics, grading sheets, lesson videos, and linked resources—all in one shareable design. Student Application: Portfolios that blend writing, multimedia, assessments, and visual elements in a single file. Canva Code No coding experience needed! Generate interactive HTML-based tools like: Flashcard games Vocabulary matching activities Countdown timers Use Cases: Do-Nows & Exit Tickets Interactive experiences (e.g., virtual art exhibits) Includes real-time code editing via voice or chat and seamless integration into other Canva designs. Voiceover and Text-to-Speech Enhancements Record true voiceovers directly in Canva—no more video workarounds. Use AI-generated voices to read text aloud in different accents and languages (e.g., Spanish voice packs Alejandra and Sofia). Ideal for student presentations, podcasts, and accessibility support. AI-Powered Speaker Notes Auto-generate speaking points from your presentation slides. Great for prepping lessons, webinars, or class presentations on the fly. Assignments Hub Instantly generate quizzes from highlighted text in a lesson or document. New classwork dashboard allows for real-time monitoring of student progress (especially for educators without an LMS like Google Classroom). Scrollables (a.k.a. Scrollytelling) Create animated, interactive timelines or diagrams that engage students through scroll-triggered movement and transitions.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 9, 2025 is: vouchsafe • vowch-SAYF • verb Vouchsafe is a formal and old-fashioned word meaning "to give (something) to someone as a promise or a privilege." // He vouchsafed the secret to only a few of his closest allies. See the entry > Examples: "[Arthur] Conan Doyle (1859-1930) wrote several horribly chilling tales of the supernatural, although this might surprise readers who only know his Sherlock Holmes stories. When there are eerie goings-on in the Holmes yarns, a rational explanation is inevitably vouchsafed, à la Scooby-Doo." — Jake Kerridge, The Daily Telegraph (London), 20 Dec. 2023 Did you know? Shakespeare fans are well acquainted with vouchsafe, which in its Middle English form vouchen sauf meant "to grant, consent, or deign." The word, which was borrowed with its present meaning from Anglo-French in the 14th century, pops up fairly frequently in the Bard's work—60 times, to be exact. "Vouchsafe me yet your picture for my love," beseeches Proteus of Silvia in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. "Vouchsafe me raiment, bed, and food," King Lear begs his daughter Regan. But you needn't turn to Shakespeare to find vouchsafe; today's writers still find it to be a perfectly useful word.

Recorded May 2024. ~~~FRONTL|NE Newsletter: https://thelineoffire.org/newsletterDonate: https://thelineoffire.org/donate-one-timeX: https://twitter.com/DrMichaelLBrownYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LFTVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichaelbrownFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASKDrBrownWebsite: https://thelineoffire.orgRadio Broadcast from The Line of Fire

In today's episode, you will listen to an actual English class where Teacher Tiffani will teach new words, expressions, and English fluency tips to her English students. As you listen, you will gain confidence in your own ability to use the new terms and apply the new fluency tips. After this lesson, you will have more confidence in your ability to speak English fluently.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Language Learning Collections - Book 5, Part 4 Title: LibriVox Language Learning Collections - Volume 5 Overview: This collection is part of an initiative to create a language learning resource at LibriVox. The LibriVox Language Learning Collections contain readings from various language learning books, grammars, primers, phrasebooks, dictionaries, readers, and even other works which contain information on various languages, recount experiences of language learning and encountering new languages, or provide guides for correct pronunciation, writing or discourse in a language. These works could describe English or any other language whatsoever, from Latin to Sumerian, Chinese to Wampanoag, Esperanto to Swahili (etc.). Published: Various Series: LibriVox Language Learning Collections List: LibriVox Language Learning Collections, Language #17 Author: Various Genre: Language Learning, Education, Foreign Language, Culture, Vocabulary, Linguistics Episode: Language Learning Collections - Book 5, Part 4 Book: 5 Volume: 5 Part: 4 of 4 Episodes Part: 6 Length Part: 52:59 Episodes Volume: 20 Length Volume: 9:58:41 Episodes Book: 20 Length Book: 9:58:41 Narrator: Collaborative Language: Multilingual Rated: Guidance Suggested Edition: Unabridged Audiobook Keywords: Language, Linguistics, Education, Language Learning, Foreign Language, Culture, English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, German, Latin Hashtags: #freeaudiobooks #audiobook #mustread #readingbooks #audiblebooks #favoritebooks #free #booklist #audible #freeaudiobook #Language #Linguistics #Education #LanguageLearning #ForeignLanguage #Culture #English #Spanish #French #Chinese #Arabic #Russian #Japanese #Portuguese #German #Latin Credits: All LibriVox Recordings are in the Public Domain. Wikipedia (c) Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. WOMBO Dream. Nicholas James Bridgewater.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 8, 2025 is: apparatchik • ah-puh-RAH-chik • noun Apparatchik is used disapprovingly to refer to a blindly devoted official, follower, or member of an organization, such as a corporation or political party. // This generation of graduates wants more out of life than to become establishment apparatchiks. See the entry > Examples: "Played by What We Do in the Shadows' Matt Berry, Shazbor is a faithful party apparatchik and staunch defender of his country's traditions ..." — Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025 Did you know? The apparat in apparatchik (a term English speakers borrowed from Russian) essentially means "party machine," with machine referring to a highly organized political group under the leadership of a boss or small group of individuals: apparatchik originally referred to someone functioning as a cog in the system of the Communist Party. The term is not a flattering one, and its negative connotations reflect the perception of some Communists as obedient drones in the great Party machine. In current use, however, a person doesn't have to be a member of the Communist Party to be called an apparatchik; they just have to be someone who mindlessly follows orders in an organization or bureaucracy.

All links: ⁠⁠https://www.youtoocanlearnthai.com⁠⁠***Unlock exclusive & ad-free episodes:Anchor/Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/learnthai/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (available in 30+ countries)Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/youtoocanlearnthai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (recommended for listeners in Thailand)Detailed tutorial: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n-tZKW76sT7ULyvOVdH7_3NcPpbWmXRAzIZp7T0_rUM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***Transcripts and FAQs: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qG1rvNaTFbjtVlYt7x5RxtUT3fFpuHfN_KAmpVuONsw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***Books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://viewauthor.at/khrunan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Thai alphabet and activity books)Free audio flashcards for basic Thai vocabulary: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://quizlet.com/youtoocanlearnthai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***Merch (t-shirts and phone grips):USA: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EZF44ILW1L5N⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/14ESIQA0SZ5LL⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Germany: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.de/hz/wishlist/ls/219DDRPHY347Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/youtoocanlearnthai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/c/YoutoocanlearnThai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***เขาใหญ่เป็นอุทยานแห่งชาติแห่งแรกของไทยและเป็นมรดกโลกทางธรรมชาติมีสัตว์ ต้นไม้ และดอกไม้ที่หายากจำนวนมากเช่น มีนกมากกว่าสองร้อยแปดสิบชนิดเขาใหญ่จึงมีชื่อเสียงในกลุ่มนักดูนกจากทั่วโลกค่ะ***เขาใหญ่  เป็น  อุทยาน  แห่ง  ชาติ  แห่ง  แรก  ของ  ไทยและ  เป็น  มรดก  โลก  ทาง  ธรรมชาติมี  สัตว์  ต้นไม้  และ  ดอกไม้  ที่  หา  ยาก  จำนวน  มากเช่น  มี  นก  มากกว่า  สอง  ร้อย  แปด  สิบ  ชนิดเขาใหญ่  จึง  มี  ชื่อเสียง  ใน  กลุ่ม  นัก  ดู  นก  จาก  ทั่วโลก  ค่ะ***เขาใหญ่เป็นอุทยานแห่งชาติแห่งแรกของไทยKhao Yai is Thailand's first national park.และเป็นมรดกโลกทางธรรมชาติAnd it is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. มีสัตว์ ต้นไม้ และดอกไม้ที่หายากจำนวนมากIt is home to many rare animals, trees, and flowers. เช่น มีนกมากกว่าสองร้อยแปดสิบชนิดFor example, there are more than 280 species of birds. เขาใหญ่จึงมีชื่อเสียงในกลุ่มนักดูนกจากทั่วโลกค่ะKhao Yai is therefore popular with birdwatchers from around the world. 

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 7, 2025 is: malleable • MAL-ee-uh-bul • adjective Something described as malleable is capable of being stretched or bent into different shapes, or capable of being easily changed or influenced. // Let the cookie dough thaw until it becomes malleable enough to thinly roll. // Students' minds are malleable and they need positive influences and guidance. See the entry > Examples: "She begins by sculpting with malleable French clays to create her figures, then she makes a mold." — Fina Badolato, The Rochester (New York) Democrat and Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2022 Did you know? Language is constantly evolving; the meanings, spellings, and pronunciations of words are reshaped over time. Take, for example, the Latin noun malleus, meaning "hammer." This word was adapted to create the Latin verb malleare, meaning "to hammer," which led eventually to the English adjective malleable. Malleable originally meant "capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer," and over time adopted the broader sense "capable of being shaped, altered, or controlled." If you guessed that maul and mallet, other English words for specific types of hammers, are also modeled from malleus, you have hit the nail on the head.

Estamos celebrando 100 Mil suscriptores en Youtube. Ha sido un camino largo y estamos agradecidos a todos por su apoyo, así que hablamos de personas, y compañías que han tenido un camino largo al éxito y lo comparamos con el camino del aprendizaje de españolTALK TO ANA IA in Langua: https://languatalk.com/try-langua?via=how-to-spanish 20% OFF annual plans with the CODE: HTS20COURSE - MASTER THE PAST TENSE IN SPANISH-- http://howtospanishacademy.thinkific.com/Journal: https://www.howtospanishpodcast.com/journal

In today's episode, you will listen to an actual conversation between English teachers. They will provide you with tips and tricks that will help you master today's topic. As you listen, take notes and try to see which tip is your favorite. After this lesson, you will have more confidence in your ability to speak English fluently.If you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 6, 2025 is: impresario • im-pruh-SAHR-ee-oh • noun An impresario is a person who manages, puts on, or sponsors a performance or other entertainment, such as a concert, play, or sporting event. // The former heavyweight retired from the ring and later became a boxing impresario. See the entry > Examples: “When he stepped on stage during a comedy open mic at Castle Street spot The Barzarre in June of 2022, Louis Maynor, better known as Louis Tee, was mainly known as a producer, a hip-hop impresario who'd been staging shows and concerts around Wilmington since the late 1990s.” — John Staton, The Wilmington (North Carolina) Star-News, 21 Dec. 2023 Did you know? Concerts, music festivals, television series, professional wrestling matches—these are quite the undertakings. Luckily, there's a word for the impressive individuals responsible for organizing and overseeing such productions: impresario. In the 1700s, English borrowed impresario directly from Italian, whose noun impresa means “undertaking.” (A close relative is the English word emprise, “an adventurous, daring, or chivalric enterprise,” which, like impresario, traces back to the Latin verb prehendere, meaning “to seize.”) At first English speakers used impresario as the Italians did, to refer to opera company managers, though today it is used much more broadly. It should be noted that, despite their apparent similarities, impress and impresario are not related. Impress is a descendant of the Latin verb pressare, a form of the word premere, meaning “to press.”

This episode is about the bizarre and funny questions that people input into Google. I explore and answer some of these questions, explaining some vocabulary. The result is an engaging and intellectually light-hearted discussion involving the usual mix of rambling, and English teaching. The episode covers a range of topics, from personal health, sex and relationships to broader existential and practical issues, with some diverse and absurd moments. The language style is a mix of informal slang and neutral high-frequency vocabulary related to personal matters and common problems. I hope you enjoy it! PDF available with a full transcript and vocabulary list.

In this enlightening episode, I break down my step-by-step method for teaching English fluency using the powerful 5Ws technique (Who, What, When, Where, Why). I'll walk you through a progressive 6-day learning approach that transforms basic sentences into rich, detailed expressions. You'll discover how to build confidence through structured practice.I'll also share essential vocabulary at both intermediate and advanced levels, complete with real-world examples that will enhance your communication skills. Whether you're an English learner or teacher, this episode provides practical tools and techniques for achieving natural, flowing English conversation.Key takeaways include:The systematic 5Ws approach to sentence buildingProgressive learning techniques for natural English expressionEssential vocabulary for intermediate and advanced learnersPractical examples and implementationsStep-by-step sentence transformation strategiesIf you want to sign up for the free English email newsletter, go to https://speakenglishwithtiffani.com/newsletter

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 5, 2025 is: benign • bih-NYNE • adjective Benign describes something that does not cause harm or damage. In medical contexts it is used to describe something that does not threaten life or health (as in "a benign tumor"). Additional meanings include "mild and pleasant" (as in "benign weather conditions") and "showing kindness and gentleness" (as in "a benign outlook"). // The project required that we manage some inconvenient but ultimately benign conditions. See the entry > Examples: "'The era of innocent tourism—where it was seen as a benign and universally positive force—ended around 2015,' says Justin Francis, co-founder of Responsible Travel, a UK-based travel agency specialising in ethical tourism. 'In Europe and America, protests against overtourism are growing. People are realising their vacations can leave lasting impacts on others' homes.'" — Tarang Mohnot, BBC, 18 Feb. 2025 Did you know? Benign traces back to the Latin adjective benignus, which was formed from bene, meaning "well," and the verb gignere, "to beget"—that is, "to produce or create." Gignere is also the root of such English words as genius and germ, and even shares distant ancestry with kin. The meanings of benign range from describing an absence of danger or harm to that which shows kindness or is gracious or wholesome.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 4, 2025 is: hew • HYOO • verb Hew is commonly used with to to mean "to conform to or adhere to (something)." Hew on its own has several meanings having to do with cutting or shaping with a sharp tool, such as an ax. Both hewed and hewn are past participles of hew. // The senator has always hewed closely to the party line. // The explorers hewed logs for building cabins. See the entry > Examples: "The play hewed closely to the original script, with a few splashes of local color." — Chelsea Edgar, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025 Did you know? Without context, the contrasting meanings of hew may seem arbitrary. What does shaping something with an ax have to do with conforming or adhering to something? If you're not a lumberjack, that's okay, we'll explain. The connection lies in the woodworking phrase "hew to the line," where line refers to the mark along the length of a log indicating where to chop in order to shape a beam. "Hewing to the line," literally, is cutting along the mark—adhering to it—until the side of the log is squared. In the 1800s, "hew to the line" was used figuratively as half of the idiom "hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may," to advise someone to stay true to a course of action, whatever the consequences may be. Over time the latter half of the phrase has been, well, hewn off.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for April 3, 2025 is: snark • SNAHRK • noun Snark is an informal word that refers to an attitude or expression of mocking irreverence and sarcasm. // The stand-up comedian's set was full of snark about current events, which had the audience rolling in the aisles. See the entry > Examples: “With snark and whimsy, [Zelda] Williams and the screenwriter Diablo Cody … put a playfully macabre spin on the Frankenstein legend that doubles as a subversive exploration of the universal desire to be loved and understood.” — Erik Piepenburg, The New York Times, 16 Aug. 2024 Did you know? Credit for snark is often given to Lewis Carroll, on the basis of his having written a poem with this word in the title, back in the 1870s. The modern snark, however, is a back-formation (“a word formed by subtraction of a real or supposed affix from an already existing longer word”), a class of words that includes burgle and back-stab. It comes from taking the longer word snarky and subtracting the -y. Snarky emerged in English around the turn of the 20th century, initially with the meaning of “snappish, crotchety,” and then later took on the sense of “sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner.” The noun snark is a much more recent addition to the language, arising in the 1990s. It was preceded by the verb snark, “to make an irreverent or sarcastic comment, to say something snarky,” which dates to the late 1980s.