The Word Inside a Word: Infixation
We all know about prefixes and suffixes, but what about the "word inside a word"? This fascinating linguistic process, called infixation, shows up for colorful emphasis in English (think "abso-freaking-lutely")…
Tag: connotation
Eggcorns: The Brain’s Creative Errors
Ever heard someone say "for all intensive purposes" or describe a "doggy-dog world"? These aren't just random mistakes; they're "eggcorns"—logically sound errors that reveal the fascinating, creative ways our brains…
Linguistic Passing: The Adopted Accent
Linguistic passing is the conscious act of adopting a new accent, not just to blend in, but to gain social capital or avoid prejudice. This strategic shift in speech reveals…
Five-Star Lies: The Linguistics of Fake Reviews
Ever wondered if that glowing five-star review is too good to be true? This article delves into the fascinating world of forensic linguistics to reveal the subtle linguistic clues—from pronoun…
10 Biases AI Learned From Our Writing
AI models learn language from us, warts and all. From reinforcing gender stereotypes in professions to assuming a Western-centric worldview, the vast library of our writing has baked subtle and…
10 Game Localization Hurdles for 2025
Translating a video game isn't just about swapping words; it's about rebuilding an entire world for a new audience. From untranslatable puns to UI that breaks under the weight of…
Top 10 Linguistics Jobs for 2025
Think a linguistics degree only leads to a career in academia or translation? Think again. This article explores the top 10 booming careers for linguists in 2025, from designing AI…
Lost in Translation: Brand Name Blunders
Ever wonder what happens when a catchy brand name in English means something utterly embarrassing in another language? From cars named after slang for private parts to slogans that sound…
The Accent Ceiling: Does Your Voice Limit Your Pay?
Beyond the glass ceiling lies a more subtle barrier: the accent ceiling. Sociolinguistic and economic research reveals how subconscious bias against non-standard accents isn't just a social slight—it's a measurable…
The Universal Groan: Anatomy of a Dad Joke
The dad joke is a unique linguistic phenomenon where the intended reaction is not a laugh, but a groan. We'll move beyond the simple pun to dissect its grammatical structure,…
Said the Blind Man: The Lost Art of the Wellerism
Uncover the Wellerism, a quirky three-part joke format that owes its name to a character in Charles Dickens's *The Pickwick Papers*. This lost art of humor pits common sayings against…
The Grammar of a Conspiracy Theory
Ever wonder why conspiracy theories can sound so persuasive, even when they lack evidence? This post unpacks the specific "grammar" they use, from leading questions that plant suggestions to in-group…
The Grammar of ‘OK’ vs ‘Submit’
Ever wondered why one button invites you to "Join for Free" while another just says "Submit"? This choice is part of UX microcopy, the invisible grammar that shapes our digital…
Knock on Wood: The Grammar of Superstition
Why do we command actors to "break a leg" or whisper "speak of the devil"? These aren't just quaint expressions; they are a unique class of performative utterances with their…
How Do We Name a Hurricane?
Ever wondered why storms are named Katrina or Ian, and not Kevin? The process is a fascinating blend of history, linguistic strategy, and cultural sensitivity, managed by the World Meteorological…
The Grammar of a Font: Why Serifs Matter
Ever wonder why some fonts feel formal and others friendly? The answer lies in a hidden visual grammar, where tiny details like serifs—the small "feet" on letters—profoundly impact our reading…
When ‘Awful’ Meant ‘Worthy’: The Journey of Good Words
Ever wonder how a word like 'nice', which once meant 'silly' or 'ignorant', became a staple of pleasantries? This fascinating shift is part of amelioration, the linguistic process where words…
Can You Copyright a Single Word?
Ever wondered if a company can truly "own" a word like Google? While copyright law protects creative works, it's actually trademark law that allows a corporation to claim a word…
The RAE vs. ‘Todes’: A Language Standoff
A linguistic battle is raging across the Spanish-speaking world, pitting the prestigious Real Academia Española (RAE) against a powerful grassroots movement. At the heart of the conflict is the word…
Sul Sul: The Genius of Simlish
Ever wondered what your Sims are really saying? The iconic "Sul Sul" is more than just cute gibberish; it's the gateway to Simlish, a constructed language designed not for meaning,…