This edition of Word Wrangling was inspired by a Christmas memory of my grandfather. 

“Don’t say that, dad,” my mum admonished. 

The family was gathered for Christmas dinner. Drink had been taken. Grandad, a proud Glaswegian who had worked as a stoker and served in in the Black Watch, during the second world war. He was sat at the head of the table. e would have expected nothing less. 

But, drink had definitely been taken. There was a saucy twinkle in Grandad’s eye as he slurred a phrase that had served him well in Egypt. The meaning was apparent even though his words were foreign. I can still hear the phonetic echo… “Es que cock…?” “Don’t say that, dad,” my mum repeated.

His name was Charlie. This podcast is about the Charlies that populate our language.

Word Wrangling is an independent production. We are always on the lookout for new ways with words. If you have any thoughts please get in touch.