20 episodes

That's What They Say is a weekly segment on Michigan Public that explores our changing language. Each week University of Michigan English Professor Anne Curzan will discuss why we say what we say with Michigan Public Weekend Edition host Rebecca Kruth.

That's What They Say Anne Curzan, Rebecca Kruth

    • Education

That's What They Say is a weekly segment on Michigan Public that explores our changing language. Each week University of Michigan English Professor Anne Curzan will discuss why we say what we say with Michigan Public Weekend Edition host Rebecca Kruth.

    TWTS: Learning new slang is good "for the plot"

    TWTS: Learning new slang is good "for the plot"

    As we live our lives, there's some new slang words that can help us narrate it as we go. That is, if we're in a demographic that allows us to use slang credibly.

    • 5 min
    TWTS: Whether "or not" belongs in "whether or not" or not

    TWTS: Whether "or not" belongs in "whether or not" or not

    We don’t all agree on whether or not we should correct the phrasing "whether or not."

    • 5 min
    TWTS: Going forth and back on "back and forth"

    TWTS: Going forth and back on "back and forth"

    We can talk about sending emails back and forth. But why does it sound odd to talk about sending them forth and back?

    • 4 min
    TWTS: You can tuna fish, but you may not need the "fish"

    TWTS: You can tuna fish, but you may not need the "fish"

    Given that “tuna” is a fish, some may find it unnecessary to call out that fact out in the compound “tuna fish.” For others, “fish” may be an important distinction.

    • 4 min
    TWTS: Prone to be prone

    TWTS: Prone to be prone

    You can be prone to do something, whether you're lying down or not.

    • 5 min
    TWTS: Attend as many "trainings" as you like

    TWTS: Attend as many "trainings" as you like

    There’s evidence of a new peeve arising. This one is focused on “training” as a countable noun.

    • 5 min

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