Topic: Linguistic Policing

Business Insider publishes a list of "racist and offensive" phrases to avoid in the workplace, including "peanut gallery," "paddy wagon," and "eskimo." The hosts critique the etymological claims made by the publication, noting that many of these terms have lost their original connotations. An anecdote is shared regarding a county auditor's office changing the acronym "CAFR" because it sounds like a South African slur.

A listener's letter complains about the media's tendency to refer to police officers with very little experience as "veterans." Examples are cited where officers with only six to eighteen months on the job are given the title in news reports. The hosts agree that the language is being misused to lend unearned authority to individuals in news stories.

John C. Dvorak confronts Adam Curry for using the word "craisin" during a previous segment. Dvorak argues that the term is a marketing fabrication and that the fruit is simply a dried cranberry. Curry defends the usage while acknowledging Dvorak's role as the "word police."