Word Matters
A podcast by Merriam-Webster, New England Public Media - Wednesdays
102 Episodes
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Words Named After Real People
Published: 13/10/2021 -
Taking an Ax—or Axe?—to the 'Podium' vs. 'Lectern' Debate
Published: 06/10/2021 -
What's a folk etymology?
Published: 29/09/2021 -
'Possum' or 'Opossum'?
Published: 22/09/2021 -
How We Approach Compound Words
Published: 15/09/2021 -
How Language Evolves (with Grammar Girl)
Published: 08/09/2021 -
The Brothers Merriam: An Introduction
Published: 18/08/2021 -
Who was this Webster guy, anyway?
Published: 11/08/2021 -
All About Subject-Verb Agreement
Published: 04/08/2021 -
The Invention of 'Introvert' (with Science Diction)
Published: 28/07/2021 -
The Political 'Dog Whistle': Loud and Clear
Published: 21/07/2021 -
Is 'vice versa' changing? & More Listener Questions
Published: 14/07/2021 -
The Story of a Trending Word
Published: 07/07/2021 -
A Totally Original History of 'Stereotype'
Published: 30/06/2021 -
Is it 'pled' or 'pleaded'?
Published: 23/06/2021 -
What is a word's 'first known use'?
Published: 16/06/2021 -
Different Words for the Same Thing
Published: 09/06/2021 -
The Words We Mispronounce
Published: 02/06/2021 -
The Language of Spy and Detective Stories
Published: 26/05/2021 -
Is it 'further' or 'farther'?
Published: 19/05/2021
Word Matters is a show for readers, writers, and anyone who's curious about the English language. Join Merriam-Webster editors as they challenge supposed grammar rules, reveal the surprising origins behind words, tackle common questions, and generally geek out about the beautiful nightmare that is our language.
