About this episode

This episode explores the history of ketchup, the implications of language loss, and various linguistic curiosities.

What’s up with ketchup? The shifting history and spelling of the name of this condiment. For centuries, ketchup was a fishy sauce originating in Asia—the tomatoes came only later! Plus, a new book shows what’s lost when a language dies: when there are no speakers of that language left, it’s not just about losing a dictionary—a complete encyclopedia goes with it. Plus, if someone says, “Bring me a couple-three” items, how many exactly should you pick up? Also: TL;DR, Johnny on the spot vs. jolly on the spot, a scintillating spelling game involving the letter S, also-ran book titles, la verdad de la milanesa, Doctor of Humane Letters, how to complain about the heat like Jane Austen, how to pronounce default the noun and default the verb, and brownie points. 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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Martha Barnette, Grant Barrett

Topics covered

• ketchup history
• language loss
• spelling games
• linguistics
• cultural references

Keywords

• ketchup
• language death
• spelling
• linguistics
• cultural references
• Jane Austen
• default pronunciation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wayword, Inc.

Products: ketchup

Books & works: Doctor of Humane Letters

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