Back in May, comedian and political commentator Samantha Bee used a pair of choice words to describe Ivanka Trump. Soon after, a listener named D.C. wrote to us and asked us about one of those words: "What the heck is the story behind the word 'feckless'?" Let's just say we're relieved D.C. didn't ask about the other word Bee used.

Getting the "feck" out of "feckless"

Funner, snuck, and LOL are all things that we're hearing people say these days.That's What They Say is a weekly segment on Michigan Public that explores our changing language. University of Michigan English Professor Anne Curzan studies linguistics and the history of the English language. Each week she'll discuss why we say what we say with Michigan Public All Things Considered host Rebecca Hector.That's What They Say airs Fridays at 4:45 p.m. and Sundays at 9:35 a.m. on Michigan Public and you can podcast it here.Do you have an English or grammar question? Ask us here!

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Getting the "feck" out of "feckless"

Getting the "feck" out of "feckless"

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