Gone Pecan - A Way with Words, public radio's lively language show. How did the word gay go from meaning lighthearted to homosexual? Also, why are elementary schools sometimes called grammar schools? Plus, imeldific, gone pecan, random Scrabble words, and the difference between borrow and lend. And the etiquette of striking up conversations with strangers in English pubs: Whatever you do, don’t introduce yourself or try to shake hands. This episode first aired October 6, 2012. Download the MP3. HaverelWhen you’re playing Scrabble or Words with Friends, do you ever try random letters and hope they stick? Grammar SchoolWhy are elementary schools sometimes called grammar schools? Plural of CyclopsWhat’s the plural of cyclops? ImeldificIf something’s gaudy and excessive, Filipinos might call it imeldific. Borrow vs. Fill-in-the-Blank Word PuzzleQuiz Guy John Chaneski has a puzzle called “I Don’t Think So, M-W.”
Does Please Make a Request Optional? Changing Meanings of GayHow did the word gay come to mean both “lighthearted” and “homosexual”? Minnesota Public Radio. NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. Radio 4 - Home - Find and listen to Radio 4 programmes. CBC Radio. 90.3 WCPN ideastream / Northeast Ohio Public Radio, Television and Multiple Media.