Word of the Day: Recent Episodes

Jamie Silva

In this podcast, we highlight fun but underused words, explain their usage and origin, provide real-life conversational examples for each, and generally have a good time.

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Jack is as full of purpose as he is playable Scrabble words. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Jack is as full of purpose as he is playable Scrabble words. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Luckily, using these words in ordinary conversation is not an arduous task. 

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Featuring improvisational impresarios Jack & Kiersten, for whom repartee is practically a way of life. 

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Using this word could help you appear more charismatic--not to tiger levels maybe, but close. 

Anthropomorphized animals featured: 

  • Sheldon (and Shelly) 

  • Maximilian Franz Fitzwilliam III. Unlike Sheldon (who's rather shy), Max would be delighted to make your acquaintance, as long as you bring the ginger biscuits. 

  • Andy, Auntie, and Ante Ant 

  • Hobbes of course.

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Pontificating about cool words is really the whole point of this podcast.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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In which Kaylin expertly answers tough questions about lawns & backpacking. 

& here's the Key & Peele sketch mentioned. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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We worked very hard to meet an arbitrary self-imposed deadline for this episode, so we hope you enjoy it. 

Nondescript, adj. - lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics. As a noun: a nondescript person or thing.

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This episode is a paragon of podcastular excellence.

  • Sartorial, adj. - “of or pertaining to clothes or fashion.”
  • Culinary, adj. - “of or pertaining to cooking.”

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The Rhine in spine sties minely on the pline.

Accenterator: https://www.accenterator.com/aussie.php#result

Tom Swifty Answers

“Why, you have absolutely the most splendid young deer I have ever seen. How do you manage to care for it so well?" said Tom fawningly. → A young deer is a fawn. Fawning, adj.: displaying exaggerated flattery or affection; obsequious.

"It's so beautiful here in this bell tower!" breathed Tom, inspired. → Bells are often found in spires, “tapering conical or pyramidal structures on the top of a building, typically a church tower.”

"I'm going to train Fido to behave right if it's the last thing I do!" said Tom doggedly. → Fido is a classic/stereotypical dog name; dogged, adj.: “having or showing tenacity and grim persistence.”

"To continue making this flying robot, please solder the 320 ohm resistor to the 16 microfarad capacitor," Tom droned on. → A drone is a type of flying robot; drone on, v.: “to speak for a long time in a dull voice without saying anything interesting.”

"Sir, I think people are going to have trouble reading that. You had better make the text darker and thicker," said Tom boldly. → Y’know, bold text!

"Do you really think you can trust Google to weight the results fairly?" asked Tom searchingly. → Tom is asking about Google search results; searchingly, adv.: “in a way that is intended to find out the truth about something.”

"Quick, you distract him, and I'll get the construction paper and glue out of the closet," whispered Tom craftily. → Craft, n.: an activity involving skill in making things by hand; crafty, adj.: “clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.”

"If only I had some kind of tool I could use to get my feather quill out of this sand," said Tom pensively. → A quill is an early type of pen made from a feather; a sieve is a flat bowl with small holes you can use to sift through small grains, leaving whatever won’t fit through the holes.

"No matter what I do, I can't seem to get rid of this meddling kid! He's always there, thwarting my plans!" said Tom Riddle, harried. → Tom Riddle is the chief antagonist in the Harry Potter stories; harried, adj.: feeling strained as a result of having demands persistently made on one; harassed.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Also featuring a couple fun Family Idioms. Send yours to wotdpodcast@gmail.com!  

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Clues for the featured word game: 

  • The story of a mysterious and wealthy old Wal-Mart door greeter on his store's last day of business.
  • The tale of a man who rises to greatness while competing in watermelon eating contests.
  • A young boy is accepted to the world's most prestigious miniature golf academy.

Listen to hear the answers! 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out my website https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Spot the puns in these Tom Swifties: 

"I love hot dog toppings," Tom said with relish.
“I only have diamonds, spades and clubs in my hand,” said Tom heartlessly. 
"Aw man, I’ve dropped my toothpaste," Tom said, crestfallen.
"I'd like my money back, and then some," said Tom with interest.
"If you want me, I shall be in the attic," Tom said loftily.
“I couldn’t remember what to buy at the store,” Tom said listlessly. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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The whole Word of the Day team really gave it the old college try for this episode. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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We also respond to a listener's allegations that we are insufficiently pro-Latin (perish the thought!). 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Listening to this episode will give you the wherewithal to use impervious in everyday conversation.

Kids being inspiring: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FABMuNDB-gM 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Check out the full poem, Job Qualifications; or, An Honest Cover Letter, on the Word of the Day Medium page.

Thinking of starting your own podcast? Sign up for voiceover classes with me here! 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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  • The radio show/podcast “A Way With Words” explains “materteral,” meaning “pertaining to an aunt; or, aunt-like.”
  • Walter Cronkite avuncularly broadcasting the first moonwalk.
  • A modern herald announcing important royal baby news (separate Tony Appleton feature here).

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man who uses "muse" in everyday conversation. 

Also check out An Ode to Gruyere; or, An Homage to Fromage on the Word of the Day Medium page!

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Sounding more intelligent in conversation is a great perquisite of listening to this show. So is the opportunity to have me as your voiceover or public speaking coach--learn more on Thumbtack here!

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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In which Talented Voice Actor Chris & I try super hard to sound mellifluous. Stay tuned to the end for an exciting announcement!

  • Listen Closely with Jon & Chris
  • Thumbtack.com profile; Mobile Thumbtack profile.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Most people do two things in life: what they have to, and what they can get away with. So, if you can't get away with saying/doing something because it upsets or offends someone, then it's probably impolitic. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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In which we welcome new talented voice actor Laurel, who is totally different from Episode 85's talented voice actor Paige. 

Also, here's the Invisibilia episode about the first McDonalds in Russia: https://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/481887848/the-new-norm

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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"Remember that people take more interest in their own affairs than in anything else which you can name. ... Therefore, having furnished this topic, you need only listen; and you are sure to be thought, not only agreeable, but thoroughly sensible and well-informed." 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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If you are tired of this podcast, you are tired of life. 

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation. 

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Be sure to stop by the Compunction Junction to pick up a new mattress (and a clean conscience!) as soon as it opens.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Commandeering: because sometimes, someone's gotta take charge.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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In which we introduce the Aw Man, Can't Make It This Time app.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Here is the La La Land video referenced. To avoid spoilers, a) don't watch it, and b) skip the 1:00 - 1:45 section of the episode.

La La Land Argument Scene Reimagined
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrr2FmWZiF0

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Brooding: the adult version of sulking.
Rosalind Moran article quoted:
https://www.sfwa.org/2016/11/11/brood-thought-enduring-appeal-moody-male-lead/

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Our 100th episode, whee! Thank you so much for listening. :-)

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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A great way to describe people who like to keep the distinctions of rank preserved.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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There's no word like this for the holidays.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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This word is perfect when you're feeling indisposed, or for when you're not but want people to think you are, or for when you're not but want people to know that you know that they know that you're not but still won't see them. (It's a little complicated and very passive-aggressive.)

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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Also explains why those announced as "last but not least" should feel just a little insecure.

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Did you know I'm also a professional public speaking coach? Check out https://www.silvaspeechcoaching.com/ to learn more and book a free consultation.

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This episode also features an amazerating neologism. 

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Introducing the revolutionary new Word of the Day Self-Serving Coffee Machine. 

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If anyone ever accuses you of being insufficiently learned, you can immediately exonerate yourself by revealing that you listen to this show.

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This word is all about strategic ambiguity--the proper employment of which is a critical life skill if ever there was one. 

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Being precocious is relatively easy. Staying precocious is impossible. 

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If you're not mispronouncing words, you're probably not learning very many new words. 

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Once you listen to this episode, you'll no longer be able to commiserate with your friends who also haven't heard it yet. 

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If you think otherwise, you must be some sort of crazy cakeist.

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These things happen! We'll be back though, trust us. 

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We hope this episode provides you with some good foodstuffs for thought. 

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But what about the dregs of conscience? 

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Today's word helps you leap from conversation topic to another with suavity and dexterity.

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Everybody say hello to the new Assistant Director of Grief Management. 

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Make sure you don't plumb forget to use this word in everyday conversation. 

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In which we send our warmest regards to the popular comedian, Demetri Martin, who we would never steal jokes from. 

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Do not always be witty, even if you should be so happily gifted as to need the caution. To outshine others on every occasion is the surest road to unpopularity.

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Just as pride goeth before the fall, acting all high and mighty often goeth before getting your comeuppance.

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Sometimes in life, you want to use all the great words you know. Other times, it's fine to just wander around serenely in state of general beatitude. 

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Lord Vader finds your vocabulary's lack of this word perturbing. 

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"The young are apt to disregard the value of knowledge--partly, we fear, from the determined consistency with which teachers, parents and guardians endeavor to impress them with its inestimable worth."

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All for words, words for all. 

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There is no greater nuisance in society than a dull and persevering punster. 

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The Word of the Day staff are a tough crowd. 

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We're gonna need some new vases for the studio. 

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The impetus behind giving someone a white elephant is probably that you want to ruin them. But the situation with Connor and Wally the Word of the Day Walrus is totally different, we swear. 

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This episode also contains important information about tomato crop yields. 

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It's a real shame that tobogganing places is generally impracticable. 

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We swear we are not hyperbolizing when we say using this word will make you seem at least 40% more intelligent.

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Much of this show's audience is actually undercover claqueurs. 

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The mighty Stavlokratz was no match for the Three Sailors' Gambit. 

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If you give a person a clipboard...

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Laconic speech will not be endured by an imperious nobility. 

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Susceptibility to arrows was Achilles' kryptonite. 

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Waiters love it when you leave a gratuitously large gratuity. 

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If you have to abdicate something, be sure to do so with plenty of flair and formality. 

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If we had our druthers, everyone would be using this word.

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This show features a listener Missive! 

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Oh without the H is basically the equivalent of Ann with an E--distinguished, elegant and romantic. 

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Encouraging you to listen to this episode is just one part of our Machiavellian scheme to achieve fame and fortune.

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In which just a single seemingly innocuous word nearly destroys this show's credibility.

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Perspicacious listeners will recognize this as an immensely useful word.

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Includes recipe for genuine milk toast.

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Pleasantly explaining useful words is kind of our bailiwick.

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Unbeknownst to you (until now), this is a very useful word.

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Naught about this episode is boring or uninformative. 

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This episode turns linguistic neophytes into experts.

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This program eschews obfuscation, and also Nashua cashew chew crash news.

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If you have a phone and a few minutes of free time, you have the wherewithal to listen to this episode.

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Naysayers gonna naysay this episode.

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We've been hearing a lot of fearmongering about irresponsible wordmongers out there.

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If you believe this episode is amazing, it will be.

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You can share this episode with your friends, but don't foist it on them.

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In which we wax eloquent about how useful this word is.

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If you think you know everything about this word, think again.

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Methinks you will find this word quite useful.

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Are you suffering, or merely pretending to suffer?

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We will take great umbrage at your ingratitude if you don't listen to this episode.

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Hear ye, hear ye! Promulgate is a very useful word.

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We have a dream that someday everyone will listen to this episode.

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We were thinking about neat words the other day, as we are wont to do, when we decided to feature this one.

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I'm supposed to put a description of the episode in this space, so here. There, I'm done.

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Because this show is free, even the impecunious can enjoy it.

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Listening to this episode makes for an auspicious start to any language fan's day.

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If you remember already listening to this episode, you may be confabulating.

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Listening to this episode is akin to immersing yourself in a pool of linguistic discovery.

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After enjoying this episode, it will be incumbent upon you to recommend it to your friends.

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Sadly, ubiquitous isn't, at least not yet.

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What sort of sophisticate are you?

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Unfortunately, the field of lollonomics has been greatly neglected in academia.

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If you need someone to weigh in on a language-related brouhaha in your own life, write to wotdpodcast@gmail.com for an authoritative judgment. 

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In which we learn of Hamlet's existential pickle.

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It's the inaugural episode, folks! We hope you enjoy.

Don't forget to check out our website--oh wait, you already are! Nice work.