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A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
Language
Etymology
Idioms
Language Evolution
Linguistics
Language Change
Regional Dialects
English Language
Cultural Expressions
Slang
Expressions
Colloquialisms
Cocktail
American English
Dialect
Regional Expressions
Literature
Tongue Twisters
Family Expressions
English Language Usage

Fun conversation with callers from all over about new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, linguistics, dialects, word games, books, literature, writing, and more. Be on the show with author/journalist Martha Barnette and linguist/lexicographer Grant Barrett. Share your thoughts, questions, and stories: waywordradio.org/contact or words@waywordradio.org. In the US... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes994Founded21 years ago
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Society & CultureEducationLanguage Learning

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Artwork for A Way with Words

Latest Episodes

A remarkable new documentary explores the world of amateur A remarkable new documentary explores the world of amateur and professional mermaiding and the language bubbling up within it. Some mermaiding enthusiasts greet each other with a friendly “Sh... more

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Recent Guests

Lisa Rose Riley
Episode: Alligator Mouth (Rebroadcast) - 19 October 2026
John Chinesky
Quiz Guy
A Way with Words
Episode: Spinning Cookies (Rebroadcast) - 5 October 2026
Sue Karnam
Caller from Kilmarnock, Virginia
Episode: Just Skylarking (Rebroadcast) - 28 September 2026
John Janoski
Quiz master on the program
A Way with Words
Episode: Carpe Diem - 21 September 2026
Cindy Evans
Caller from Henderson, Kentucky
Henderson, Kentucky United States
Episode: By a Landslide (Rebroadcast) - 27 July 2026
Irv Teitelbaum
Caller from Montreal, Quebec
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Episode: By a Landslide (Rebroadcast) - 27 July 2026
John Chonesky
Quiz guy, quizmaster on the show
A Way with Words
Episode: Flash in the Pan - 22 June 2026
Daniel Mendelsohn
Author, critic, and essayist discussed in the book segment
Bard College (via discussion)
Episode: Flash in the Pan - 22 June 2026
Jacob B.
Caller from Frankfort, Kentucky
Episode: In the Ballpark (Rebroadcast) - 15 June 2026

Hosts

Grant Barrett
Linguist and lexicographer, co-host known for guiding word-origin discussions and language quizzes.
Martha Barnette
Lifelong language enthusiast and co-host who facilitates audience interaction, calls, and storytelling around words and phrases.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 3k ratings
  • So fun!

    Really fun show. So interesting to learn about the history and use of words and phrases. makes me think about all the funny sayings in my family! Great listen for roadtrips.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Momaha9
    United Statesa month ago
  • Awesome

    Love the show. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    IlliniGuy1234
    United States4 months ago
  • Fun and Educational

    I always look forward to each new show. It’s fun to listen to with an early morning cup of coffee. Thank you Grant and Martha!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JyllLittle
    United States6 months ago
  • Lifts my mood

    With so much going on, this show helps calm my spirit and lifts my mood.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JackfruitYardie
    United States6 months ago
  • Loved it !

    I had the pleasure of serving Martha at my restaurant tonight! Martha and Martha’s partner were so amazing! They let me know about this show, so I listened, fittingly, to the ‘Cocktail’ episode after work. I loved it! Can’t wait to listen to more.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Monkeyfriedchicken
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience loves the call-in format and engaging word quizzes.
Listeners praise friendly, approachable hosts who make linguistics entertaining.
Feedback highlights educational yet fun discussions and wide-ranging language topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Alligator Mouth (Rebroadcast) - 19 October 2026
Q: Can you explain Russian naming conventions so readers can follow characters who seem to have several different names?
Russian names may include gendered surnames, patronymics formed from a parent's name, and nicknames that can look quite different from the formal name. The names used also signal familiarity or social distance.
Alligator Mouth (Rebroadcast) - 19 October 2026
Q: Why do Korean speakers use the English word “fighting” as a cheer meaning good luck or go get them?
The hosts describe it as Konglish, an English-derived cheer recorded in Korean by 1972. It may have spread through American media and sports, though a connection to U.S. troops is also possible.
High Jinks (Rebroadcast) - 12 October 2026
Q: What is the origin of “petrichor”?
The term was coined by Australian scientists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Thomas for the smell produced when moisture and raindrops release plant oils and geosmin. Its elements come from Greek words for stone and the mythical fluid in the gods' veins.
High Jinks (Rebroadcast) - 12 October 2026
Q: Where does “gee whiz” come from?
Grant Barrett explains that it likely developed from “gee-whittaker” and related expressions, which are minced oaths that avoid saying a stronger swear word.
Carpe Diem - 21 September 2026
Q: What does Carpe Diem really mean beyond the common interpretation?
It has dual senses: seize the day and harvest or prune the day, which emphasizes both enjoying the moment and tempering expectations about the future.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About A Way with Words

What is A Way with Words about and what kind of topics does it cover?

- A lively, caller-driven show that explores language, etymology, slang, regional expressions, and word histories. Hosts guide discussions with audience questions, quizzes, book segments, and cross-cultural examples from English-speaking communities around the world.

- Strong appeal to word enthusiasts, educators, and professionals in language, lexicography, and communication, with a warm, approachable style and plenty of practical examples for everyday usage.

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Which podcasts are similar to A Way with Words?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Way with Words:

1. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
2. Science Friday
3. Hidden Brain
4. Radiolab
5. Fresh Air

How many episodes of A Way with Words are there?

A Way with Words launched 21 years ago and published 994 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on A Way with Words?

Recent guests on A Way with Words include:

1. Lisa Rose Riley
2. John Chinesky
3. Sue Karnam
4. John Janoski
5. Cindy Evans
6. Irv Teitelbaum
7. John Chonesky
8. Daniel Mendelsohn

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