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

By a Landslide (Rebroadcast) - 27 July 2026

· PT53M45S

Ebben az epizódban

How do you transform ancient Chinese script for use in the modern age?

English uses a keyboard with just 26 letters, but the first Chinese typewriter looked like a small table under a huge disk with more than 4,000 characters.

A new book chronicles the innovators who adapted the Chinese writing for use with modern technology.

Plus, in poker, why is a pair of aces and a pair of eights known as a  dead man’s hand ?

And some people credit Winston Churchill with the phrase  Never pass up the chance to sit down or go to the bathroom .

There’s no evidence he ever said that, but a similar bit of advice once circulated among British royalty.

Plus,  getting pipped , puzzling over proverbs,  vittles  vs.  victuals ,  do the messages  vs.  do the errands ,  sakura-fubuki , a friendly word for your ex’s new sweetie, and the German word that translates as “mouse cinema.” Hear hundreds of free episodes and learn more on the  A Way with Words  website:   https://waywordradio.org .

Be a part of the show: call or text  1 (877) 929-9673  toll-free in the United States and Canada; elsewhere in the world, call or text  +1 619 800 4443 .

Send voice notes or messages via  WhatsApp 16198004443 .  Email  words@waywordradio.org .

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