Denim: Secret place names hiding in plain sight. Why the principal is more than your pal.

About this episode

This episode explores hidden place names in everyday words and clarifies the difference between 'principal' and 'principle'.

1172. This week, we look at "toponyms" — words named after places — and you'll discover the hidden place names in denim, jeans, sherry, cantaloupe, and more. Then, we break down "principal" versus "principle," with memory tricks so you'll never forget the difference again. The "toponyms" segment was written by Karen Lunde, a longtime writer and editor turned web designer and marketing mentor. Solo service business owners come to her for websites where beautiful design meets authentic words that actually build connections. Find her at  chanterellemarketingstudio.com . 🔗  Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗  Share your familect recording in  Speakpipe   or by leaving a voicemail at   833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗  Watch my  LinkedIn Learning writing courses . 🔗  Subscribe to the  newsletter . 🔗  Take  our advertising survey .  🔗  Transcript available on your podcast player. 🔗  Get  Grammar Girl books .  | HOST: Mignon Fogarty | Grammar Girl is part of  the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network . Audio Engineer:  Castria Communications Director of Podcast: Holly Hutchings…

People in this episode

Host: Mignon Fogarty

Topics covered

• toponyms
• denim
• language
• grammar
• memory tricks
• principal vs principle

Keywords

• toponyms
• denim
• grammar
• language
• memory tricks
• principal
• principle

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chanterelle Marketing Studio, QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Castria Communications, LinkedIn Learning

More episodes of Grammar Girl

• Stray Russian words and made-up style rules, with Daniel Heuman and Chris Ryder · September 10, 2026 · 25 min
• Who's a good boy? The science behind 'dog voice.' Is it 'bated breath' or 'baited breath'? · September 8, 2026 · 11 min
• How we got from no spaces between words to the interrobang, with Florence Hazrat · September 3, 2026 · 28 min
• Why do so many last names sound like jobs? · September 1, 2026 · 10 min
• Explosions, chemistry, and dictionary 'spite,' with Kory Stamper · August 27, 2026 · 21 min
• It's Greek to me: Why is the language of 'The Odyssey' shorthand for all that we don’t understand? · August 25, 2026 · 11 min