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PODCAST

Mr. & Mrs. English

Mr. & Ms. English

Welcome to our English language channel.We"re your one-stop destination for English language learners, now mostly in podcast form! Did you know the word "etymology" itself comes from the Greek word "etymon," meaning "true sense"?We’re all about the fascinating world of English, covering everything from rhetorical figures and the rich history of the language to the origins of your favorite words (etymology), grammar tips, idioms, and even those tricky "false friends."Each podcast episode covers a new

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All Episodes

9:24

Speech Acts

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/04

In this episode, we’re talking about speech acts—actions performed through language, such as promising, questioning, or asserting. Drawing from John Searle’s work https://jwood.faculty.unlv.edu/unlv/Articles/SearleWhatIsASpeechAct.pdfand the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophyhttps://plato.stanford.edu/entries/speech-acts/we explore how speech acts are more than just uttering words; they involve intentionality, rules, and context. You'll learn the difference between speech acts, performatives, and

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7:39

Longest Words In The English Language

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/03

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of the longest words in the English language. This is the article we're primarily discussing: https://www.berlitz.com/blog/longest-word-englishWe’ll kick things off with the longest known word, a massive technical term describing the chemical composition of titin, a protein responsible for muscle elasticity. That word is so long, it wouldn't fit into the video description.Next, we’ll talk about the longest word found in the dictionary

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7:57

Algospeak & Euphemisms

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/02

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of "algospeak," a form of coded language used on social media platforms to evade automated content moderation. We'll dive into how and why algospeak emerged, including the need to discuss sensitive topics without facing penalties like shadow banning. You'll discover creative methods used, such as leetspeak and euphemisms, and hear examples like "panini" for pandemic. We’ll also discuss the broader implications of algospeak on language evolution, its

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8:25

Redundant Acronym Syndrome

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/01

Today we’re discussing the linguistic phenomenon known as RAS Syndrome. This syndrome refers to the redundant use of words that make up an acronym in conjunction with the abbreviated form, leading to phrases like "ATM machine" or "PIN number". The sources explore the origins of the term, examples of RAS Syndrome, and whether the redundancy is considered a stylistic error or a helpful clarification. They also touch upon the reasons why such redundancies might be more common in speech than in formal

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23:47

Is "Ain't" Proper English?

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/29

In this episode, we're looking at the history and evolution of the word "ain't." We'll explore how its inclusion in Webster's Third New International Dictionary stirred controversy, as detailed in The Story of Ain't.We'll also break down the word's etymology and colloquial usage, as discussed in the paper Say It Ain't So, revealing its legitimate origins despite being considered nonstandard. So the questions we're addressing here are:- Is "ain’t" in the dictionary? - Is "ain’t" proper English? - Is

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6:54

Literally

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/28

In this episode, we explore the controversial use of the word "literally" in modern English. Often used figuratively to emphasize a point, "literally" has evolved from its traditional meaning of something happening in a factual sense. We'll examine several examples of this figurative usage, along with other words that have developed seemingly contradictory meanings. While some critics argue against using "literally" in this way, we discuss why this shift in meaning is not only common but widely

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10:13

Conceptual Metaphors

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/27

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), based on the work of Zoltán Kövecses. CMT suggests that metaphors are more than just language tools; they are essential cognitive mechanisms that help us understand abstract concepts through concrete experiences. ----------Some examples:● ANGER IS FIRE: This metaphor maps the source domain of FIRE onto the target domain of ANGER, explaining anger's intensity through the aspects of fire.Example: "He was burning

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11:09

Is English The Easiest Language To Learn?

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/26

We often see people wondering: Is English The Easiest Language To Learn?In this episode, we explore the debate around the difficulty of learning English. Drawing from a Reddit thread, a Medium article, and a blog post from Swap Language, we discuss varying perspectives on whether English is easy or hard to learn. We’ll examine factors like the simplicity of English grammar, its role as a global language, and how individual experiences—such as native language, language background, and access to

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10:29

Comma Rules

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/25

In this episode, we're discussing essential rules of comma usage in English writing. We’ll break down common myths, such as the misconception that commas should be placed where you pause. Instead, we’ll explore proper comma use in various contexts, including separating items in a list, joining independent clauses, and setting off non-essential information. You’ll also learn how to handle commas in dates, addresses, and titles, with clear examples and explanations. By the end, you’ll have a solid

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5:52

Biweekly / Bimonthly

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/24

Today we're discussing the ambiguity of the words "biweekly" and "bimonthly," which can both mean "every other week" or "twice a month." We're especially looking at an article on Merriam-Webster. The article explains that the prefix "bi-" can mean both "occurring every two" and "occurring twice in", leading to this confusion. The article also suggests alternative words such as "semimonthly" or using phrases like "twice a week" to avoid ambiguity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more

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12:42

Rhetorical Devices

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/23

In this episode we're discussing common rhetorical devices used in writing and speech. We define several devices and offer examples to illustrate how they are used effectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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8:45

Make / Do

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/23

In this episode of Mr. and Ms. English, we dive into the tricky distinction between the verbs "make" and "do." Although they may seem similar, these verbs have specific uses in fixed expressions that often confuse English learners. We'll break down general rules to help you understand when to use each verb, explore common collocations, and share useful examples to reinforce the difference. By the end of this episode, you'll have practical tips for memorizing these phrases through exposure and

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6:45

Apostrophe

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/22

In this episode, we're looking at the fascinating history and evolution of the apostrophe in the English language. We'll explore how its role has changed from indicating missing letters to showing possession and why its usage has been inconsistent throughout history. From Shakespeare to Benjamin Franklin, even some of the greatest writers struggled with this tiny punctuation mark.We'll also tackle the ongoing debate around the apostrophe's use in contractions and the confusing "it's" versus "its"

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12:06

Grammar Myths

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/21

In this episode, we explore the most common misconceptions surrounding English grammar. We'll debunk the myths about "proper" usage that are often taught in classrooms and upheld by outdated style guides. Mr. and Ms. English explain how these false rules can limit your writing, making it awkward or unnatural. Break free from restrictive norms and use English with more confidence and creativity. ***And here are some examples of grammar myths, things you can safely ignore if someone tells you this:●

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9:12

Gen Z Slang

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/20

In this episode of Ms. English, we explore the evolving landscape of language, focusing on the rise of Gen Z slang. We'll uncover the origins and spread of popular slang, examining the major influence of Black culture and platforms like TikTok. You'll also learn how geographic patterns on American Twitter reveal the role of cultural regions and African American English in driving new vocabulary. We'll discuss how teens use slang to reflect a world of collapsing institutions and growing distrust, and

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6:22

"False Friends" In English & Other Languages

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/20

In this episode of Ms. English, we're looking at the fascinating world of "false friends" in linguistics — those tricky words that look or sound similar in different languages but have completely different meanings. If you've never heard of false friends, here are some examples:English & French:Actual (English: real, current) vs. Actuel (French: current, not "real").English & Spanish:Embarassed (English: feeling awkward or ashamed) vs. Embarazada (Spanish: pregnant).English & German:Gift

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13:52

English Idioms & Their Origins

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/19

Welcome to Episode #3. Today we’re exploring the fascinating origins of common English idioms, tracing their roots back to historical events, cultural practices, and even advertisements. Each idiom is explained, with its meaning being presented alongside the story behind its creation. The articles we’re discussing demonstrate how these phrases, often taken for granted, have a rich and interesting history, highlighting the evolution of language and the enduring power of figurative language. Hosted on

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10:50

Etymology Of The English Language

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/18

Where did all those different English words come from? In this episode we're uncovering the origins of some words. First, we explore how to trace the roots of words with a guide from Harvard University Library, emphasizing key tools like the Oxford English Dictionary. Then, we turn to Babbel for a fun look at how English borrows words from languages like German, Greek, and Old Norse. Finally, Merriam-Webster explains how new words are created through processes like clipping, blending, and more

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9:42

History Of The English Language

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/09/17

Our first episode deals with the history of the English language.In this episode we'll provide a detailed account of the evolution of the English language from its Proto-Germanic roots to its current global status.We will cover major historical periods such as Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English, highlighting key influences on the language, including the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans.We will also explore significant phonological and grammatical changes, including the Great

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