Loaded for Bear (Rebroadcast) - 2 February 2021

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

One way to make your new business look trendy is to use two nouns separated by an ampersand, like Peach & Creature or Rainstorm & Egg or ... just about any other two-word combination. A tongue-in-cheek website will generate names like that for you. And: In the traditions of several African countries, names for babies are often inspired by conditions at the time of their birth, like a period of grief or wedding festivities, or the baby's position when leaving the womb. In Zambia, for example, some people go by the name Bornface, because they were born face up. Also, slang from a rock-climber, who warns not to go near rock that's chossy. Plus: a proverbial puzzle, loaded for bear, pizey, helter-skelter and other reduplicatives, shirttail relative, counting coup, just a schlook, a brainteaser, and lots more.

Read full show notes, hear hundreds of free episodes, send your thoughts and questions, and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org/. Email [e-mail]. Twitter @wayword. Our listener phone line 1 [phone] is toll-free in the United States and Canada. Elsewhere in the world, call [phone]; charges may apply. From anywhere, text/SMS [phone]. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.

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