Words with Kel Richards

Join expert wordsmith Kel Richards as he shares his love for the English language.

Kel and John Stanley take us through the origin and history of our streets. What's a road, compared to a street or a circuit? Plus your questions.

If you want to join in the conversation: Call in live on 131 873, from 10pm AEDT Thursdays on 2GB and 4BC. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we dive into your questions and queries. 

Our word of the week is ‘catcall’...

We catch up on some homework with ‘donga’, ‘heard it through the grapevine’, and ‘licorice’...

And how many ways can you tell someone they’re bald?

As Kel says, the English language is a river, not a lake, so let’s dive in!

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we dive into your questions and queries. 

It appears we have an animal theme - looking at phrases like “snake oil salesman” and “ratting someone out”.

We catch up on some homework with “cotton on”...

And what are some of the most common mispronunciations? 

As Kel says, the English language is a river, not a lake, so let’s dive in!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week, we dive into your questions and queries. 

We catch up on some homework with last week’s mystery around “squalmish”...

And what do you mean when you go to “get your goat”?

Also, what on earth is a “scallywag”?

As Kel says, the English language is a river, not a lake, so let’s dive in!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Kel and John tackle your word questions. 

We find out why being out of uniform is called “mufti.”

The origin to “tattoo”, and is it “subconscious” or “unconscious” bias? 

And we put the call out, have you ever heard the term “squarmy”? 

As Kel says, the English language is a river, not a lake, so let’s dive in!

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This week Kel and John tackle your word questions. 

We find out the origin behind the term “shanks pony”. 

Kel explains why we refer to vomit as “Ralph” 

And why do we say, "fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down!"

Kel also explains the history behind the term “he was in more strife than Brick Bradford”

As Kel says, the English language is a river, not a lake, so let’s dive in!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Kel and John tackle some of your questions that have built up during the Christmas break.  

Like, where did the saying “Bobs your uncle” come from? 

They find out if it’s correct to say “a orange” or “an orange” 

And explore the meaning behind "Dead as a doornail". 

As Kel says, the English language is a river, not a lake, so let’s dive in!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Warren Moore chats with Kel Richards, they discuss the word of the week: Misinformation vs Disinformation. 

Plus, the origin behind 'pole position', 'bloviate', and how can you 'rub something the wrong way'?

For plenty more from Kel, including his newsletter, see ozwords.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Moore chats with Kel Richards, they discuss the word of the week: Misinformation vs Disinformation. 

Plus, the origin behind smoke and mirrors and silver bullet, and why do we “baste” the Christmas turkey?

For plenty more from Kel, including his newsletter, see ozwords.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dictionaries are choosing their words of the year, and the contenders may shock you. John Stanley and Kel Richards dive into new additions to the language like "goblin mode" and "#IStandWith".

Plus, your calls solving the mysteries of fatcats, limelight, theoretically speaking, and the correct pronunciation of Moët - could it be "mwet"?

For plenty more from Kel, including his newsletter, see ozwords.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.