A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

Tip of the Iceberg - 23 March 2026


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Why does the term vegetarian cause so much confusion? Some people assume it means avoiding red meat but still eating chicken. And is there a term for a vegetarian who also eats fish and poultry? Plus, screwball comedies from the 1930s mix slapstick humor and clever dialogue. But how’d they get the name screwball? And if you’ve ever wondered when exactly pigs fly, how about… on Saint Never’s Day! Also, ahead of the curve vs. ahead of the curbcute aggressionThat burns my onions and That frosts my cookies, drinking black cows and brown cows, another take-off quiz, pollopescatarianskutchavellaneous, and I had one gunch, but the eggplant over there.

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 16198004443. Email [email protected]. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.

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A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all overBy Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett. Produced by Stefanie Levine.

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