A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
Hosted by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.
Hot Dog Cold Turkey - 29 May 2017
51 minutes Posted May 28, 2017 at 8:59 pm.
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Show notes

Why do we call a frankfurter a "hot dog"? It seems an unsettling 19th-century rumor is to blame. Also, if someone quits something abruptly, why do we say they quit "cold turkey"? This term's roots may lie in the history of boxing. Plus, a transgender listener with nieces and nephews is looking for a gender-neutral term for the sibling of one's parent. Finally, the words "barber" and "doctor" don't necessarily mean what you think. They can both be weather words, referring to very different types of wind.  

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