Word for Word
Word for Word
Macquarie Dictionary
Australian English has many fascinating stories, interesting etymologies, and wonderfully weird slang. The language is constantly evolving as the world around us changes; new words are created, meanings change, and other things get left behind. In Word for Word, we explore the surprising histories behind everyday words and phrases, go behind the scenes with the dictionary editors, and meet some of Australia's most interesting word-lovers, from Scrabble champions to hip-hop artists. Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.
#43 Word of the Year 2021
In this, the final episode of season 6, we join the Word of the Year Committee to discuss which word was crowned the Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year 2021, the selection process and other words from the short list. Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  You can also explore the 'additional links' and definitions below to learn more about our favourite animal phrases. Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Nov 30, 2021
21 min
#42 The 50 Words Project
In this episode of Word for Word, Melissa Kemble and Alison Moore interview Professor Rachel Nordlinger and Associate Professor Nick Thieberger, two linguists from the University of Melbourne about the 50 Words Project, which aims to provide a selection of 50 words in every Indigenous language of Australia.  Visit their website at 50words.online Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  You can also explore the 'additional links' and definitions below to learn more about our favourite animal phrases. Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Oct 18, 2021
19 min
#41 C U Next Tuesday
In this special expletive-laden episode of Word for Word, Melissa Kemble interviews linguist and academic Kate Burridge from Monash University about swearing. Warning, this episode contains A LOT of bad language. Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Oct 5, 2021
19 min
#40 Word Watch
In this episode of Word for Word, we discuss the new words that have caught our attention over the past few months. Consider this a sneak peek of the words that might appear on the Macquarie Word of the Year list shortlist! Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  You can also explore the 'additional links' and definitions below to learn more about our favourite animal phrases. Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Sep 20, 2021
19 min
#39 Animal Slang
In this, the first episode of the new season of Word for Word, the Macquarie team discuss some of the funniest (and rudest) Aussie animal slang. Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  You can also explore the 'additional links' and definitions below to learn more about our favourite animal phrases. Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast  
Sep 6, 2021
19 min
#38 Word of the Decade
In this episode of Word for Word, we are joined by Tiger Webb from the ABC to chat about the inaugural Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Decade. Find our which words have had staying power and which have fallen out of use.  Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it. Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Mar 3, 2021
19 min
#37 Word of the Year 2020
In this episode of Word for Word, we are joined by members of the Word of the Year Committee to discuss which word was crowned the Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year, the selection process and other words from the shortlist Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Dec 4, 2020
34 min
#36 Word Watch
In this episode of our special "in-iso" season, we chat about new words on the team's radar. Our editors discuss the Karen phenomenon and Beyoncé, while Chief Editor Alison Moore explains dictionary headwords and how two words can win Word of the Year. This is a Covid free episode. If you are interested in new words arising from the pandemic, check out episode #35 A Pandemic of new words.  Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast
Jul 22, 2020
22 min
#35 A pandemic of new words
Language around the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve. In this episode of our special "in-iso" season, the team chat about some of the new words that have come into usage as a result of life in the times of COVID.  Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast  
Jul 15, 2020
16 min
#34 The shifting nature of pronunciation
In this special “iso edition” episode, we take a small detour from talking about the virus to chat with Chief Editor Alison Moore about one of her favourite things — pronunciation.  Join us as we explore our language: the ways we use it, the ways we abuse it, and the ways we ultimately change it.  Read more about Word for Word at macquariedictionary.com.au/podcast  
Jun 24, 2020
18 min
Load more