With the words "disinterested" and "uninterested," it’s not that a distinction has been lost, but rather that a distinction has been intentionally created.

TWTS: "Disinterested" is "uninterested" but not the other way around

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!

Share TWTS: "Disinterested" is "uninterested" but not the other way around

Sign up to save your podcasts

TWTS: "Disinterested" is "uninterested" but not the other way around

TWTS: "Disinterested" is "uninterested" but not the other way around

More shows like That's What They Say

This American Life

Radiolab

Fresh Air

Hidden Brain

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Song Exploder

Gastropod

Science Friday

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

On Hand

It's Just Politics

What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law

Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda

Throughline

Short Wave

Lexicon Valley

How To Do Everything