Category Archives: language

timelines of word use frequency in the State of the Union 1900-2104: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/2014-state-of-the-union/language-of-sotu/ This visualization makes it easy to see trends such as the slow uptick in themes like “jobs” and “family” and the sudden introduction of contractions (thank you, … Continue reading →

“If you have nothing to do, please do not do it here.” There’s something so politely philosophical about this phrasing—like a subtle comment on the lives of non-doers. “No judgment, but please take your inactive self elsewhere. Or, if staying … Continue reading →

from Ze Frank as quoted in LA Observed quoting LA Weekly: “Being cool is about not participating in traditionally enjoyable experiences and creating the illusion that happiness can be found in alternative, less enjoyable experiences. The degree to which other … Continue reading →

purple with rage red with anger green with envy blue in the face tickled pink I’m feeling blue. (sad) He’s green. (inexperience) You’re yellow. (cowardly) She’s pink. (left-leaning) They’re red. (communist) grey matter green thumb blue blood red-handed black-hearted born … Continue reading →

Two links: Wikipedia on the “Great Vowel Shift” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Vowel_Shift Mental Floss with “4 Changes to English So Subtle We Hardly Notice They’re Happening” http://mentalfloss.com/article/51362/4-changes-english-so-subtle-we-hardly-notice-theyre-happening