Currying favor has everything to do with flattery and horses, and nothing to do with food.

TWTS: "Curry favor" comes from a horse (of course, of course)

That's What They Say is a weekly segment on Michigan Public that explores our changing language. Each week University of Michigan English Professor Anne Curzan will discuss why we say what we say with Michigan Public Weekend Edition host Rebecca Kruth.

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Language Learning

If you want to pronounce "homage" to a tee, it may depend what you mean.

TWTS: You can pay homage with or without the "h"

As we live our lives, there's some new slang words that can help us narrate it as we go. That is, if we're in a demographic that allows us to use slang credibly.

TWTS: Learning new slang is good "for the plot"

We don’t all agree on whether or not we should correct the phrasing "whether or not."

TWTS: Whether "or not" belongs in "whether or not" or not

We can talk about sending emails back and forth. But why does it sound odd to talk about sending them forth and back?

TWTS: Going forth and back on "back and forth"

Given that “tuna” is a fish, some may find it unnecessary to call out that fact out in the compound “tuna fish.” For others, “fish” may be an important distinction.

TWTS: "Curry favor" comes from a horse (of course, of course)

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