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Let the Currents of Chaos Carry You to the Port of Prosperity Jan. 09, 2026
Do you have a favorite movie? Is it "Citizen Kane"? Over the last seven decades, critics and filmmak... Read More
Shrewdly, These Words Have Improved Their Meanings Jan. 07, 2026
Five hundred years ago, if I had called one of my students "a shrewd lad with dogged ambition," he m... Read More
Then and Now, Money Talks Dec. 31, 2025
Some words are on the money. When the word "farm" entered English during the 1200s, for instance, it... Read More
Looking for a New Year's Resolution? Exorcise the Spirit of Ghosting Dec. 30, 2025
This has happened to you. It happened after a business meeting — perhaps several — that ... Read More
'Tis the Season for Reflecting Beyond your Reflection Dec. 24, 2025
Have you looked in the mirror lately? If you want to be a better person, maybe you should. No one li... Read More
Origin of 1920s Term Triggers Flapdoodle Dec. 24, 2025
As 2025, the centennial year of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, comes to a close, let's e... Read More
Reviewing the Jive of Two-Oh-Two-Five Dec. 17, 2025
Our language this year was hardly a heaven; In parlance of teens, it was 'no cap' '6-7.' Cliches wer... Read More
Why Antisemitism Is Not Just a Jewish Problem Dec. 16, 2025
"What is going on with Australia?" my wife asked. It's a good question. The horrific Bondi Beach sho... Read More
Don't Avoid Emotional Pain -- Manage it Instead Dec. 12, 2025
Ever had a coworker sabotage your project at work? Has an underperforming employee lost you a client... Read More
Murder on the 'Orientate' Express Dec. 10, 2025
Q: Is "orientate" a valid word? I always thought it was just "orient," but I hear people say things ... Read More
Let's Reclaim Our Democracy by Marginalizing Extremism Dec. 05, 2025
After the recent government shutdown, many of us are questioning — and not for the first time ... Read More
It's a 'Word'-erful Life Dec. 03, 2025
Many of us enjoy Frank Capra's classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" each holiday season. But we some... Read More
When Words End in 'O,' Their Plurals Spell Woe Nov. 26, 2025
When Vice President Dan Quayle "corrected" a student's spelling of "potato" to "potatoe" back in 199... Read More
Giving Thanks for the Present Creates a Brighter Future Nov. 25, 2025
"What is the difference between optimism and hope?" she asked. I answered without hesitation: "It's ... Read More
Don't Sabotage Your Message by Mangling Your Meaning Nov. 21, 2025
We all know them — those iconic song lyrics so entrenched in popular culture that virtually ev... Read More
'Yule' Love These New Books About Words Nov. 19, 2025
Stuff your stockings this holiday season with these lively new books about language. Jess Zafarris r... Read More
Self-Esteem Isn't Given -- It's Earned Nov. 14, 2025
"What do you see as your greatest asset as a teacher?" A dozen eyes bored into me from different poi... Read More
Step Relatives Are a 'Step' Above Nov. 12, 2025
Q: I'm curious about the origin of "step" in "stepfather," "stepson," et al. — M.J.D., Baton R... Read More
Remember the Past to Promote a Successful Future Nov. 07, 2025
"Well, it's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go, cat, go!" Back when Elv... Read More
Do Apostrophes Depart for the Holidays? Nov. 05, 2025
This month, we observe Veterans Day ... or should that be "Veterans' Day" or even "Veteran's Day"? I... Read More
