14 chapters across the catalog
A discussion ensues regarding the linguistic origins of the phrase "the ball is in your court." Research indicates the idiom stems from 19th-century tennis and gained significant popularity in the 1970s during the rise of Billie Jean King. The hosts debate the technical accuracy of the metaphor in modern diplomatic contexts.
Adam Curry explains the origin of two Dutch phrases: "the bullet has been shot through the church" (referencing a 1573 Spanish siege) and "stront aan de knikker" (poop on the marble). The latter phrase, dating to the 1700s, is used to indicate that something bad is about to happen.
The hosts discuss the archaic insult "teach your grandmother to suck eggs" after playing an audio clip. The phrase's origins and its use as a 20th-century insult are briefly explored.
The hosts discuss Dutch idioms and the "velvet rope" concept of social engineering, suggesting that media images of long lines for vaccines are intended to create a psychological desire for the product among the public.
A linguistic annoyance is expressed regarding the phrase "by and large," which the speaker first noticed being used frequently by CEOs like Carly Fiorina. The discussion explores the ambiguity of whether the phrase is "by in large" or "by and large" and its use as a filler in political speech.
Seth Griffin, Regional Idioms, "Teeth in Your Head" Phrase
Seth Griffin submits a regional idiom: "Are you going to sit there with your teeth in your head?" The hosts explore various versions of this motivational phrase, including "bump on a log" and more vulgar variations, noting how these expressions differ by region.
The hosts share a list of regional idioms sent in by listener Dwayne Melanson, focusing on phrases used to describe someone sitting idle. Examples include "sitting there like a ruptured duck," "a bottle of pee," and "a lump on a log." They encourage listeners to submit more archaic or unusual phrases for future discussion.
Using a book titled "Why You Say It" by Webbe Garrison, the hosts explore the origins of various American idioms and phrases submitted by listeners. They discuss the etymology of "high horse," "Jiminy Crickets," and "deader than Kelsey's nuts." The segment aims to identify "cool" old phrases that should be reintroduced into modern conversation while rejecting clichés like "children should be seen and not heard."
The hosts review a list of old phrases and idioms submitted by listeners, including "too big for your britches" and "thick as thieves." They explore the origin of the term "piss poor," which dates back to when poor families sold their urine to tanneries for leather processing. The segment also covers the term "bender," referring to bending one's elbow to drink.
Carter's Little Liver Pills, Archaic Phrases and Word Origins
John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry discuss the origin of the phrase "more than Carter has pills," tracing it back to a popular patent medicine called Carter's Little Liver Pills. They explore other cultural references and idioms, such as "blood on the moon" and "I'll give you something to cry about," while inviting listeners to submit similar archaic phrases.
The hosts review a list of archaic words and phrases submitted by listeners, including "bafflegab," "skedaddle," "highfalutin," and "shiver my timbers." They discuss which phrases are worth reviving and which are "racist" or "Britishisms" that should be excluded from the project.
Linguistic Preservation, Old Phrases and "Coin of the Realm"
The hosts begin compiling a list of archaic or colorful English phrases to preserve in a digital file. Terms discussed include "fuss budget," "skivvies," "hoodwinked," "jamoke," and "the wreck of the Hesperus." They invite listeners to submit their own favorite old-fashioned words for future segments.
Cultural Influence, "Facebag" and "At the End of the Day"
The hosts highlight the show's influence on popular culture, noting the use of the term "facebag" in a Futurama episode and Bill O'Reilly's recent crusade against the phrase "at the end of the day." The program concludes with a montage of the hosts using the forbidden phrase over the years, followed by a final sign-off and a "knighting" audio mix.
A discussion regarding the phrase "up and about" transitions into a critique of the idiom "by and large." The hosts express annoyance with the phrase's frequent use by politicians and CEOs like Carly Fiorina, questioning its etymological origins and its function as a filler for speakers who are stalling for time.
