3 chapters across the catalog
A discussion on the word "verbate" reveals it is a legitimate, though archaic, 16th-century English term meaning to transcribe word-for-word. This leads to a broader conversation about linguistic origins, including how certain modern idioms often dismissed as slang actually have roots in Chaucerian England. The segment explores how seemingly incorrect pronunciations can be traced back to historical English usage.
An NPR report explores the historical and linguistic roots of the word "axe" as a substitute for "ask." Linguists explain that "axe" derives from the Old English verb "axion" and was used by Geoffrey Chaucer and in the Coverdale Bible. The discussion covers "code-switching," where speakers alternate between pronunciations based on social settings, and the stigma often associated with the vernacular in modern professional environments.
A critique of Martha Stewart's cooking shows focuses on her use of the words "scrumptious" and "piping hot." The origin of "piping hot" is traced back to the whistling sound of steam or the Scottish tradition of piping in food, with references found in Chaucer's writings from 1390. Additionally, the Pentagon's "JEDI" cloud computing contract is briefly mentioned in relation to Amazon's influence.
