English language--Slang
Adults, Youth, and Slang.
Linguist Geoff Nunberg on slang.
Oh, Whatever.
Language commentator Geoffrey Nunberg comments on interjections in modern slang.
Description (Program)
American Slang Goes Back Further than You Might Think
Linguist Geoff Nunberg comments on the history of slang, and refers to two books about it: Johnathan Lighter's Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang (1994) and "Flappers 2 Rappers" by Tom Dalzell (1997).
The Evolution of Cool.
Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg discusses Gerry Mulligan, jazz, and the use of the world cool.
The Fate of Underworld Slang
Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg examines what has happened to underworld slang. He says it no longer thrives the way it did in centuries gone by.
The Fate of Underworld Slang.
Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg examines what has happened to underworld slang. He says it no longer thrives the way it did in centuries gone by.
Linguistic Transformation in the Movies
Language commentator Geoff Nunberg reflects on how changing modes of speech in motion pictures signify a character's personal transformation. The 1938 version of Pygmalion is a great example -- but the trope can be found in several other films.
Narcotics, Busts, Dealers, and Other Vestiges of Drug Culture that Have Entered Mainstream Language.
Language Commentator Geoffrey Nunberg discusses the way the language of the drug culture has worked through the language of the mainstream.
Geoffrey Nunberg: The Interview.
Fresh Air's language commentator Geoffrey Nunberg.
Word History with John Ciardi.
Poet and essayist John Ciardi is known for his etymologies on the NPR program "Morning Edition." Ciardi joins the show to discuss his love of words and their histories.