That's What They Say

While we may know highfalutin language when we hear it, we don't all agree about how to spell "highfalutin" or where it comes from.

We exchange scuttlebutt at the proverbial water cooler, and there's an etymological clue in that.

The little clock we wear on our wrist could be called a clock. Instead, it has long had its own term, being called a watch instead.

Sometimes new slang jumps out in front of you, waving its hands, or thumbs, so that you can’t help but notice it. Sometimes it just sneaks up on you.

We can count fathoms when we’re measuring things. We can also metaphorically fathom or not fathom things.

This is a bespoke segment of That’s What They Say that focuses on “bespoke.”

If it’s up your alley, it might also be up your street. And perhaps it’s down rather than up.

You say "lieutenant," I say “leftenant” but let’s not call the whole thing off.

There’s more than one way to be wonky, and not all of them are bad.

Join That’s What They Say hosts Anne Curzan and Rebecca Hector for "Grammar Night" — a fun evening discussing our ever-changing English language and your favorite language peeves!