A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over - Apple Turnover - 17 August 2026

Critters, co-workers, and clothes: What do you call your favorite mixed-breed dog? There are Heinz 57 mutts and Texas brown dogs in the U.S., while in parts of the Caribbean they’re called potcakes and coconut retrievers. Plus, among firefighters, if you’re not pulling your weight, you’re called a bagger, a term with military origins. And: if your clothes are piled high on the floor and not in the closet, that’s what you call a floordrobe. Also, curbstone sitters, sky-blue pink, a poem about cornbread, the lurgy vs. the crud, turn on the lights vs. turn off the lights, absolute weapon, a word puzzle with pairs of words, autocorrect vs. autocorrupt, an axe to grind, and for crying out loud!

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. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.
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