Dear Language Nerd, This Philosoraptor has perfectly phrased my question: Well? Yours, Laura *** Dear Laura, Whoa, that question has some “Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo” mind-games going on, but the answer is definitely the second option: first you have the fruit, and the color gets its name from there. This is true of many […]
Dear Language Nerd, I was watching a rerun of Buffy the Vampire Slayer the other day (because that show is great, I hope you do not think otherwise, if you do you are crazy) and I noticed something really interesting in the dialogue. Giles the librarian is discussing the terrible-danger-of-the-moment, the steroids that the swim […]
Dear Language Nerd, What exactly is onomatopoeia? From Anna *** Dear Anna, First off, onomatopoeia is one the very few words in English spelled with four vowels in a row (there are none with all five, sadly). Second and more usefully, onomatopoeia is words that represent real-world sounds. Does this blow your mind? Give it […]
Oh Nerdiest of Nerds! I’ve read a lot of interesting language articles, but is there only one nerd over there? I need some variety in my life! Your organization’s super-hero-esque name has reminded me of a question, and I hope there’s a science nerd available to answer it: are there any animals with super hero […]
Dear Language Nerd, Back when I was in school, we studied the interrobang, a question mark and exclamation point put together. But I haven’t seen it since, and so I ask you: whither the interrobang‽ Yours, Erwin Munz *** Dear Erwin, As far as I can tell, you were in the definite minority in studying […]
Dear Nerds, I just learned the word “overmorrow” for the day after tomorrow. Is there a similar word for the day before yesterday? –Lynda Touart *** A NOTE: This post would have been much, much more difficult if I hadn’t just found out that the Mobile Public Library gives patrons free (!!!) online access to […]
Help me please! Me and my friend write each other in secret code. But my brother always understands!! How can he do that? And how can I stop him??? From Emma *** Dear Emma, If your brother can read it easily, then your code is too simple. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Ask anyone […]
Happy Mardi Gras, Language Nerd! Why do the parade “krewes” spell “crew” with a k? Thanks! Gwen H. *** Dear Gwen, Happy Mardi Gras to you too! The word “krewe” is an American Mardi Gras original. Mobile, Alabama, had Carnival celebrations waaaaay back in 1711, when the “Boeuf Gras Society” tramped up and down Dauphin […]
Dear Language Nerd, These questions people are asking you have been easy. Chump change. Child’s play. I’m not impressed. Here’s a REAL question for you, and answer it if you can! Why do we say “uh-huh” for yes and “uh-uh” for no? Edgar F. *** “I can answer that question in eight sentences!” “I can […]
Dear Language Nerd, Ok, your article on Gangnam Style has convinced me that Korean is a language I need to know. How does the alphabet work? Thanks! Kerry-Ann G. *** Dear Kerry-Ann, I kind of adore hangeul, the Korean writing system, because all the letter shapes explain how to say the sounds. It’s the best […]