
Denim: Secret place names hiding in plain sight. Why the principal is more than your pal.
From Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. by QuickAndDirtyTips.com
March 31, 2026 · 14 min · Episode 1172
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
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