If Grandma Had Wheels (Rebroadcast) - 18 May 2026

If Grandma Had Wheels (Rebroadcast) - 18 May 2026

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

May 18, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

This episode explores the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the pleasures of language, featuring discussions on word choices and translations.

While compiling the Oxford English Dictionary, lexicographer James Murray exchanged hundreds of letters a week with authors, advisors, and volunteer researchers. A new collection online lets you eavesdrop on discussions about which words should be in the dictionary and why — including words that might offend Victorian sensibilities. Also why are some words more pleasurable to say than others? And: the German saying that means “If Grandma had wheels, she’d be a bus.” Did something get lost in translation? Plus, an alliterative brain teaser, ovoviviparous, wasper, crack shot, the dessert called buckle, the best term for an adult child, disdainful words for weak coffee, the kind of hairpin I am, proctor vs. proctologist, the smoky jungle frog otherwise known as Leptodactylus pentadactylus, and lots more. 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)…

People in this episode

Hosts: Martha Barnette, Grant Barrett

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oxford English Dictionary

Books & works: A Way with Words

Places: Victorian, Germany

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