What's your favorite word? The word at the top of my list of favorites is . . . walkie-talkie.
Would you believe that linguists have a term for this kind of word?  We call it a reduplicative, and English has scores of examples: mumbo jumbo, hurdy-gurdy, namby-pamby, mishmash, and many more. 
Let's have some fun with reduplicatives!

What's your favorite word? The word at the top of my list of favorites is . . . walkie-talkie. Would you believe that linguists have a term for this kind of word? We call it a reduplicative, and English has scores of examples: mumbo jumbo, hurdy-gurdy, namby-pamby, mishmash, and many more. Let's have some fun with reduplicatives!

What's your favorite word? The word at the top of my list of favorites is . . . walkie-talkie.
Would you believe that linguists have a term for this kind of word?&nbsp; We call it a reduplicative, and English has scores of examples: mumbo jumbo, hurdy-gurdy, namby-pamby, mishmash, and many more.&nbsp;
Let's have some fun with reduplicatives!

What's your favorite word?

Mind Inclined is your go-to source for ideas and inspiration designed to help you elevate your mind, your life, and your world. Mind Inclined features reflections on literature, language, history, and ideas, as well as practical productivity tips, from award-winning English professor and university administrator Mark Canada, author of the Audible Original Ben Franklin's Lessons in Life and other books and articles. Come to Mind Inclined to "Think and Thrive."

Share What's your favorite word?

Sign up to save your podcasts

What's your favorite word?

What's your favorite word?