That's What They Say
Anne Curzan, Rebecca HectorFunner, snuck, and LOL are all things that we're hearing people say these days.That's What They Say is a weekly segment on Michigan Public that explores our changing language. University of Michigan English Professor Anne Curzan studies linguistics and the history of the English language. Each week she'll discuss why we say what we say with Michigan Public All Things Considered host Rebecca Hector... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 32 | Founded | 13 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureLanguage LearningEducation | |||
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Latest Episodes
If I say I’m gonna do it, I don’t necessarily mean I’m headed out the door right now to do it.
2025 had lots of people talking about sixes and sevens, but not in the loose ends kind of way.
Next time you’re hanging out with friends, you can debate just how slangy the phrasal verb ‘hang out’ is.
This may be one of the only times that throw pillows, golf, and curling all get wrapped into the same discussion.
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- Exact same
Love the show! I often find myself saying, “yes!” to a question someone asks that I could have asked!My puzzlement is about why people say “exact same” instead of just using one or the other to pinpoint the exact same thing!! Thank you!
Apple Podcasts5dewell!
United States6 months ago - Kiddo- makes me cringe
You used the word in your piece- “ Kiddo” strikes me as condescending; I truly wish it would go away!
I’m a retired first grade teacher, and I’ve witnessed the rise in its usage among parents as well as colleagues.
I hope it’s a fad in our language that eventually fades!
Love your podcast.
Apple Podcasts5Nan Lee BeeUnited Statesa year ago ITS CALLED A NATURE STRIP IN AUSTRALIA!
Podcast Addict5a year agoFoundations531- It’s Oscar Season!
Why do all the Hollywood celebrities use the torturous phrase “I’m appreciative of” instead of “I appreciate” when thanking all the little people during an Oscar acceptance speech?
This reminds me of another passively torturous phrase, “you are so missed”, in place of “we miss you.” I wonder why people adopt such affected phrasing…
Apple Podcasts5EconoPNWUnited States3 years ago - I really appreciate this podcast
I’ve been listening to this podcast for a while now, and wanted to tell the hosts how much I appreciate this program and that there definitely are people like me. I’m not a native English speaker, so whatever word or expression you introduce gives me such a good opportunity to learn something new about English. I’ll keep listening to this podcast for as long as it continues. Thanks for your hardworking!
Apple Podcasts5ももひき小次郎
Japan3 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #181 | United States/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #199 |  Argentina/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #203 |  Finland/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #204 |  South Africa/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #236 |  Brazil/Education/Language Learning |
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Frequently Asked Questions About That's What They Say
What is That's What They Say about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The content investigates the evolving nature of the English language, focusing on contemporary usage, idioms, and expressions. By engaging with listener questions and exploring notable changes in meaning, the hosts analyze various linguistic phenomena, including idioms, word origins, and cultural influences. Listeners can expect intriguing discussions that connect historical language shifts to current trends, emphasizing the joy and complexity of language. The approachable format, combined with the expertise of linguistics professor Anne Curzan, makes it accessible to both language enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
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Which podcasts are similar to That's What They Say?
These podcasts share a similar audience with That's What They Say:
1. A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
2. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
3. Fresh Air
4. My Unsung Hero
5. How To Do Everything
How many episodes of That's What They Say are there?
That's What They Say launched 13 years ago and published 32 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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Recent guests on That's What They Say include:
1. Anne Curzan
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