Best Jess Zafarris Podcasts (2024)

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12: What exactly is a "petard" anyway? | FOSSIL WORDS 32:30

1h ago32:30

32:30

Discover the fascinating world of "fossil words" with Rob and Jess on Words Unravelled! 🌍📚 In this episode, our hosts delve into the history and evolution of words that have stood the test of time but are no longer in common use. ❓What is a "petard" and how can you be "hoist" by yours? ❓What does the shrift in "give short shrift" mean? ❓Who were th…

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Tommye McClure Scanlin, Tapestry Artist 53:56

4h ago53:56

53:56

Tommye McClure Scanlin had a choice. To make the images she wanted to create with weaving, she could either pursue complex forms of weaving that rely on dobby, jacquard, and draw-loom technology—or she could go the other way and place every color and pick by hand using tapestry techniques and a very simple loom. Preferring a drawing pencil to a cal…

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A brief history of English (aka when they spoke French in England). Killer death meat. 19:21

5d ago19:21

19:21

1005. You asked, so I have a brief history of English from invading Germanic tribes to the Modern English era. We talk about Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death, the Tyndale Bible, the printing press, and more. | Share a recording of your familect story with me on Threads, Instagram, or Mastodon. | Edited transcript with links: https://gr…

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The power of words: Conscious language, with Karen Yin 42:08

4d ago42:08

42:08

1004. This week, Karen Yin, author of "The Conscious Style Guide," discusses the concept of conscious language and its importance in promoting equity and respect. We explore the differences between conscious language and political correctness, the evolution of the singular "they," and how to navigate language change. Karen also shares insights on a…

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11: Have you ever had the mulligrubs? | LOST WORDS 38:16

23m ago38:16

38:16

In this edition of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess resurrect some long lost words. We promise not to leave you gremed, overmirthed, nor cursed with the mulligrubs as we explore a hubble-shubble of archaic and obsolete vocabulary from centuries past. 🎥 WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/_tW9pfCqIgY ==LINKS== Rob's YouTube channel: youtube.com/robwords J…

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How to write about zero. Are your emails accidentally rude? PAPST. 17:23

9d ago17:23

17:23

1003. This week, we look at zero — what a weird number! It has two plurals, sometimes you use the word and sometimes you use the numeral, and it gave rise to a bunch of idioms in the World War II era. Then we turn our attention to email. Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings. We explain why and how to avoid them. | Edited transcrip…

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Rowland & Chinami Ricketts, Indigo Artists 35:44

9h ago35:44

35:44

Indigo is a unique dyestuff, no less so for being found in so many different plants. Coaxing the blue hue out of green leaves and onto yarn or cloth requires a combination of chemistry and skill that has arisen across the globe. Rowland and Chinami Ricketts each found their own way to indigo in Tokushima, Japan: Rowland was looking for a sustainabl…

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AI: Friend or foe? A conversation with Martha Brockenbrough 22:29

2d ago22:29

22:29

1002. This week, Mignon talks with author Martha Brockenbrough about the good and bad sides of using artificial intelligence for writing and education, including ethical concerns about using AI-generated content, strategies for teaching writing in the age of AI, and the potential effects on teachers' jobs. Martha's new book, "Future Tense": https:/…

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The unspoken rules of adjectives. The rise of 'yeah-nah.' Sundies 17:43

4d ago17:43

17:43

1001. This week, we explore the often-overlooked rules for ordering adjectives in English and when to use commas between them. Then, spurred by a recent shout-out at a Taylor Swift concert in Australia, we look at the rise of the phrase "yeah-nah" (and its American cousin "yeah-no"). | Edited transcript with links: https://grammar-girl.simplecast.c…

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Spotlight Episode: Brown Sheep Company 51:54

11d ago51:54

51:54

Andrew Wells is the third generation of the iconic American yarn manufacturer Brown Sheep Company. Living near the family business outside Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, he grew up giving tours and sweeping the floors when his parents, Peggy and Robert Wells, ran the business. His grandfather, Harlan Brown, had been a sheep and lamb farmer before deciding…

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Grammar Girl at 1000: Words, wisdom, and a dash of whimsy 25:35

18d ago25:35

25:35

1000. In this special 1000th episode, I take the hot seat to answer your questions. Hear what made the first year of the podcast so wild, what I wish I had done differently, what mistakes I still make, how I still find fresh topics after all these years, and the title of my secret dream show (hint: it involves penguins!). It's a celebration of lang…

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The birth of American English. How to recognize a phrasal verb. Cucka-nucka. 19:06

11d ago19:06

19:06

999. This week, we look at what shaped early American English, from Native American words to Noah Webster's spelling reforms. Then, we explore phrasal verbs, looking at their grammatical peculiarities and some tips to distinguish them from other types of verbs. The "American English" segment was written by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguisti…

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Kate Gagnon Osborn & Courtney Kelley, Kelbourne Woolens 1:00:21

14d ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Working together in a Philadelphia yarn store, Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley learned how to help customers choose the right yarn for a project, welcome in timid new knitters, and create samples to help move yarn out the door. They learned what didn’t work (donut-shaped balls of yarn that hopped off the shelves and tangled, patterns that us…

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Buying your hometown newspaper, with Samantha & Greg Enslen 46:13

19d ago46:13

46:13

998. This week, I talked with Samantha and Greg Enslen, who recently purchased their hometown newspaper, the "Tippecanoe Gazette" in Tipp City, Ohio. Sam and Greg shared how they are making it work, from updating antiquated systems to expanding news coverage and readership. We also discussed balancing print and digital content, the challenges of ad…

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'Which' versus 'that.' Words for walking. Bottleadammit. 16:18

1M ago16:18

16:18

997. This week, I help you learn (and remember!) the difference between "which" and "that" with practical tips and examples about cupcakes. Then, we take a linguistic stroll through walking-related terms, including "perambulate," "sashay," and "traipse." The "words for walking" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publis…

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The Hidden Stories of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart 39:41

23d ago39:41

39:41

996. This week, you'll learn about the rich linguistic history of African American English with Dr. Sonja Lanehart, an advisor to the Oxford Dictionary of African American English. We talked about what goes into making an entirely new dictionary and about some of the first entries, including "kitchen," "Aunt Hagar's Children," and "do rag." Find Dr…

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The art of punctuation and the charm of 'kerfuffle.' Nicing. 18:18

25d ago18:18

18:18

995. This week, we look at when to use parentheses, dashes, and commas and how the choice can change the tone of your writing. Then, we dive into the history of words for describing a big fuss — "kerfuffle," "hullabaloo," "hoopla," and more. The "big fuss" segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at Dra…

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Jess Zafarris, Author & Etymologist 39:11

29d ago39:11

39:11

If you knit, spin, sew, weave, or follow any crafty pursuit, you will not be surprised that many of our most common metaphors come from textiles. They are interwoven in our vocabulary, and whether you like to spin a yarn from words or fibers, you will recognize many of them. But then there are the words whose textile roots are less obvious: Rocket.…

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Exploring the Language of 'Dune': An Interview with Kevin J. Anderson and Scott Brick 44:42

2M ago44:42

44:42

994. This week, I sat down with the prolific "Dune" author Kevin J. Anderson and the famed "Dune" narrator Scott Brick to explore the language challenges in the "Dune" series. Learn how Kevin and Scott navigated Frank Herbert's original vocabulary, stayed true to the cultural influences of the names and terms, and created an extensive pronunciation…

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10: How did the planets get their names? | SPACE WORDS 36:45

1M ago36:45

36:45

This episode of Words Unravelled is out of this world! Blast off with Rob and Jess as they explore the cosmic origins of space terms. 🌌 Where did the planets get their names? And how do you actually pronounce Uranus? What’s the difference between a meteor, a comet and an asteroid? And what’s so milky about the Milky Way? 🌠 From constellations that …

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The power of sign language in 'Dune.' The words we use for dad. Chee 16:42

1M ago16:42

16:42

993. This week, we cover the strategic use of sign language by the Bene Gesserit in the 'Dune' movies, including its importance in covert communication. Then, we look at the many words for 'father' and their historical and linguistic significance, from early baby talk to more formal terms for adults. Dune sign language supercut video: https://youtu…

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The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

992. What began as a simple word game in 1913 sparked a nationwide craze just a decade later, causing a moral panic and changing American publishing forever. This week, Ben Zimmer, a prolific crossword constructor and language commentator, takes us through the crossword puzzle's surprising early history and enduring legacy. He also explores the mod…

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9: Did the Greeks have a word for blue? COLOR WORDS 33:36

1M ago33:36

33:36

Chase the blues away and be tickled pink by another episode of Words Unravelled. In this edition Rob and Jess explore the origins of a whole spectrum of color words (or as Rob calls them, "colour words"). 🌸Does pink really exist? 💙Did the Greeks have no word for blue? ⚫️Can black actually mean white? 🐘Which spelling of grey/gray is correct? These q…

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From 'dog' to 'hot dog.' The 'audience of one' trick. More on the long S. Footbridge. 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

991. This week, we trace the origin and meaning of the word "dog," from its mysterious beginning to its current use in phrases like "hot dog" and "hair of the dog." Then we go through the "audience of one" concept, which involves tailoring content to a single, imagined recipient; and we look at how this approach can make your writing more understan…

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Masey Kaplan & Jen Simonic, Loose Ends Project 59:56

1M ago59:56

59:56

When Jen Simonic and Masey Kaplan’s friend lost her mother, she had the challenge of going through her mother’s things while grieving her loss. Among her posessions was something almost every crafter has at least one of: a work in progress. Jen and Masey had each finished projects for bereaved family members before, but neither of them could take o…

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Why is this a question? with Paul Anthony Jones 29:40

1M ago29:40

29:40

990. Have you ever wondered why English doesn't have gender like Spanish and French? Which languages are the hardest to learn (and why)? And why a Q is always followed by a U? We have the answers to those questions and more this week from Paul Anthony Jones, author of "Why is this a question?" | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjon…

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8: American vs. British English: A transatlantic war of words 36:34

2M ago36:34

36:34

For centuries, British English and American English have been locked in a battle for supremacy. In this edition of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess expose the linguistic differences either side of 'the pond' and try to understand why they exist. Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/o6KlBd7TPFIBy Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

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What is a Word? Target moments. 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

989. What is a word? Does "that's" count as one word or two? In this excerpt from Paul Anthony Jones' new book "Why Is This a Question," we look at how things like plurals, compound words, and contractions make defining the word "word" a tricky exercise. | Find Paul Anthony Jones at https://www.paulanthonyjones.com/ | Edited transcript with links: …

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How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski 26:50

2M ago26:50

26:50

988. Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, goes through the fascinating history of the Armed Services Editions, a series of books published during World War II for distribution among the troops. We look at the special problems of wartime publishing, the collaborative efforts among publishers, and the lasting influence of these books on th…

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7: Was an orange ever a "norange"? | WORD MASH-UPS 36:01

2M ago36:01

36:01

Hello and welcome (or should that be hellcome?) to another Words Unravelled. In this episode, Rob and Jess discuss word mash-ups. - 🍊Was an orange ever a norange? - 🍔 Why do cheeseburgers make no sense? - ❓Is it okay to "aks" instead of "ask"? These questions answered and many more as we explore portmanteaus, rebracketing and metathesis. WATCH this…

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Why some sentences have double subjects. The story behind the old F-like letter S. Schwen schwen on dill. 16:49

2M ago16:49

16:49

987. This week, we look at why people sometimes double their subjects, writing sentences such as "John, he bought a car," and when it's OK (and not OK) to do so. Plus, we talk about the medial S, a strange F-like letter that makes an S-sound and shows up in old documents. We look at how it came to be, its role in English typography, and what made i…

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Eileen Lee: From Quilts to Jeans to Painted Warps (classic) 42:52

2M ago42:52

42:52

A career professional at Levi Strauss & Company, Eileen Lee learned about dyeing, weaving, and sewing on an international scale: giant factories full of loud looms weaving 2/2 twill, pattern pieces cut out of four-foot-high stacks of cloth, and no possibility of adding a tuck here or a dart there without retooling. During her years in the industry,…

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Efficiency hacks for writers and editors with Erin Brenner 31:53

2M ago31:53

31:53

986. Erin Brenner, author of "The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors," shares time-saving tips including the best practices for using Word, creating macros, and using automation tools like Zapier. You'll also learn about starting and growing a freelance business, including how to figure out what to charge, how to make ends meet at the beginning, a…

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6: What's poopy about a poop deck? | NAUTICAL ETYMOLOGY 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

Welcome, me hearties, to another episode of Words Unravelled. In this edition, Rob and Jess discuss nautical terms and pirate slang. 💩 What's so poopy about a poop deck? 🏴‍☠️ What does it mean to "shiver" someone's timbers? ⚓️ Which English idioms come from the high seas? Find out in Words Unravelled! Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/QPcOx…

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We found the story behind "whim wham for a mucket"! 15:34

2M ago15:34

15:34

985. This week, we look at the world of whimsical words, including the origins and meanings of terms like "dinkus," "gadzook," "petrichor" and the phrase "whim-wham for a goose's bridle." Plus, I have a quick tip about when to capitalize "mom" and "dad." The "weird words" segment was written by Michaela Dunn, a Wyoming-based editor and publisher fo…

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Words, coffee, and urban planning: Eli Burnstein on the Dictionary of Fine Distinctions 26:33

2M ago26:33

26:33

984. This week, we talk about the subtle differences between words such as "stock" or "broth," "street" or "boulevard," "maze" or "labyrinth" and more with Eli Burnstein, author of "The Dictionary of Fine Distinctions." Confusion about colors got him started on this path, but along the way, he gained insights into language, culture, and the subtle …

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5: Can you be gormful, wistless or ert? | UNPAIRED WORDS 26:57

2M ago26:57

26:57

Join word nerds Jess and Rob as they uncover English's lost positives and orphaned negatives. Why can you be "nonchalant" but not "chalant"? If something perfect is "immaculate", what does it mean to be "maculate"? And if you're no longer "exasperated" are you therefore "asperated"? Find out in this edition of Words Unravelled. Watch this episode h…

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Skunked words. The power of pronouns. Quigleys 17:35

2M ago17:35

17:35

983. This week, we explore "skunked" words — terms going through hotly disputed meaning changes. We look at the debate between prescriptivists who stick to traditional meanings and descriptivists who accept new usages and what you should do with these words in your own writing. Plus, we learn how using "we" versus "I" alters perceptions of leadersh…

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Lilly Marsh, Custom Weaver 55:22

2M ago55:22

55:22

Lilly Marsh creates blankets, shawls, and other cloth, almost exclusively from local wool. Working closely with farmers and the nearby Battenkill Fiber Mill, she gets to know not only her neighbors but the fibers they grow: the surprisingly lovely wool from East Friesian sheep raised to produce milk, the springy Dorset crosses that are popular in t…

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Air worms and fire breathing dragons: Old English animal stories with Hana Videen 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

982. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Old English with medievalist Hana Videen, author of "The Deorhord." We'll uncover the secrets of Old English animal names, from "walking weaver" for spider to the ominous "unland" for a whale's deceptive island. Find Hana Videen at https://OldEnglishWordhord.com/ | Edited transcript with links:…

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4: Why is it a "murder" of crows? | COLLECTIVE NOUNS 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

Join Jess and Rob to collectively explore the weird world of collective nouns. Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/K2MaE9tn1rk Read the Book of St Albans here: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Boke_of_Saint_Albans/855KAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PP130&printsec=frontcover&dq=sleuthBy Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

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When (and How) Should You Cite AI? 'Critters,' 'Varmints,' and Beyond. Choobers. 17:39

3M ago17:39

17:39

981. Major style guides now have advice on when and how you should cite AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. We look at what you need to include in your writing so you're handling this kind of information credibly and professionally. Then, we take a linguistic safari through the world of animal terminology, including the histories and n…

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Exploring the 'Funnest' Parts of Language with Anne Curzan 33:32

3M ago33:32

33:32

980. This week, I talk with with Anne Curzan about the fascinating world of language evolution, her new book, "Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Language," and why linguists should take marketing tips from Apple and why Ben Franklin thought the word "colonize" was bad. | Edited transcript with links: https://gramma…

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3: Is "posh" really an acronym? | WORD MYTHS 36:20

3M ago36:20

36:20

Jess Zafarris and Rob Watts (aka RobWords) bust some etymology myths: 💰 Does "tip" mean To Insure Promptness? 🤬 Is the F word an acronym? 🦋 Was a butterfly ever a "flutterby"? Find out in Words Unravelled. WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/FcP3Orn_rjsBy Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

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The birth of punctuation: from oral traditions to silent reading. Noun clusters. A wing wang in a mucket. 16:29

3M ago16:29

16:29

979. In the first segment, we unravel the mysteries surrounding the origins and transformation of punctuation. From the early days when words ran together without spaces, to the introduction of punctuation systems by scholars like Aristophanes, we explore how punctuation has played a pivotal role in shaping written communication. In the second segm…

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Annie MacHale, Inkle Artist 53:55

3M ago53:55

53:55

The call of complexity draws some weavers to more shafts, more structures, more hand-manipulated techniques. For Annie MacHale, refining the techniques and celebrating the artistry of very simple bands has been a lifelong fascination. Starting when she first picked up a shuttle and inkle loom in her teens, Annie has worked in wool, cotton, and hemp…

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How to become a supercommunicator, with Charles Duhigg 19:23

3M ago19:23

19:23

978. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author, Charles Duhigg, as we talk about mastering the art of communication and his new book, "Supercommunicators." We explore the skills anyone (yes, you!) can learn to become a powerful communicator. Learn about the science behind effective communication, from NASA's emotional intelligen…

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2: Are you getting these wrong too? | EGGCORNS 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

Join word nerds Jess Zafarris and Rob Watts (aka RobWords) as they discuss the amusing mis-heard phrases known as "eggcorns". Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Sucad437VDA Find us on X: Jess RobBy Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

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Big changes in Associated Press style. The 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' finale was catawampus. Bappy 13:44

3M ago13:44

13:44

977. This week, we cover the latest AP Stylebook updates that were just revealed at the ACES conference. From the switch to Merriam-Webster to easing up on the word "unique," we look at what these changes mean for writers and editors. Plus, we explore "catawampus" thanks to its cameo in the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" finale. Learn about its quirky orig…

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1: Why do we say "hello"? | GREETINGS 29:37

3M ago29:37

29:37

Word nerds RobWords and Jess Zafarris welcome you to the first ever edition of Words Unravelled with an episode all about greetings: 👋Where does the word "hello" come from? 🇮🇹What's the surprising original meaning of "Ciao!"? 🇹🇭Why did Thailand officially change its national greeting? 🇫🇷What are the yucky origins of Ça va in French? These questions…

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