Catch My Drift - 27 April 2026

Catch My Drift - 27 April 2026

From A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over by Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.

April 26, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

This episode explores tech support slang, the use of kennings, and various vocabulary terms related to RV enthusiasts.

If you work in tech support, you might use snarky slang for problems caused by computer users themselves. There’s the acronym PEBCAK, for example, which stands for Problem Exists Between Chair and Keyboard. And: a lush poem about the sea inspired by kennings, those riddle-like compound terms from Old English. Plus, more vocabulary from RV enthusiasts: If you drive a motor home, what does it mean to be chasing 70? Also: ID10T problem, abasicky and sisper shame, how to pronounce antenna, Billy Blue Blazes, a letter-swapping brain teaser, the origin of if you catch my drift, word-peckers, miigwech, to slag someone, and took off like a ruptured duck. Hear hundreds of free episodes and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org. Be a part of the show: call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; elsewhere in the world, call or text +1 619 800 4443. Send voice notes or messages via WhatsApp 16198004443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Martha Barnette, Grant Barrett

Topics covered

  • tech support
  • slang
  • kennings
  • vocabulary
  • language

Keywords

  • PEBCAK
  • ID10T problem
  • chasing 70
  • kennings
  • language

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wayword, Inc.

Books & works: A Way with Words

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