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 | Language LearningEducationSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Adverbs don’t always get a lot of love, captured powerfully in the writing tip “Abolish the adverbs.”
We scrimp and we save, and we skimp and we still save, which makes one wonder whether scrimping is different from skimping
Cheesemongers sell cheese, and gossipmongers usually start the gossip or spread it, rather than sell it.
Many of us don’t talk about doornails very often, but sometimes we will when things are really, well, dead.
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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 States7 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 | #134 | United States/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #95 |  Denmark/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #111 |  South Africa/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #165 |  Argentina/Education/Language Learning |
Apple Podcasts | #209 |  Sweden/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?
A sharp, approachable take on how English evolves, with a linguistics professor and a public radio host breaking down word origins, usage, and pronunciation. Episodes combine etymology, historical context, and real-world examples to explain why certain phrases, spellings, and sounds shift over time, often tying insights to culture, media, and everyday speech. Noteworthy is the consistent collaboration with a university linguistics expert and the emphasis on practical explanations that listeners can apply to their own speech and writing. Potential listeners include language enthusiasts, writers, educators, and anyone curious about how language changes in real time.
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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. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
2. Science Friday
3. A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
4. Lexicon Valley
5. BirdNote Daily
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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