contributor

Mark Peters

Mark Peters is a language columnist, lexicographer, and humorist who has written for Esquire, The Funny Times, New Scientist, Psychology Today, Salon, and Slate. He contributes to OUPblog and writes the Best Joke Ever column for McSweeney's. You can read Mark's own jokes on Twitter, such as, "I play by my own rules, which is probably why no one comes to my board game parties anymore."
6 7 8 9 10 Displaying 50-56 of 214 Articles

Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Reinventing Floating Transport for Special Guests
Tue Aug 14 00:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

Have you ever been a special guest? I like to think all guests are special, but I can't say the same for all words. Please name, blame, and shame the following lexical varmints, which even my rat terrier can't seem to exterminate.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Motion-challenged Hospitality for Furperson Trajectory
Mon Jul 09 00:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

Fortunately for my job security, euphemisms run free and wild, far beyond the dog park and litter box.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Ongoing Medieval Information Weapons
Tue Jun 12 00:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

Here's my monthly roundup of euphs I found underneath the most common element on the periodic table: horsepucky.  Continue reading...
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Word Routes

Exploring the pathways of our lexicon

The Geeky, Cosmic, Philosophical History of "Multiverse"
Wed May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

Multiverse is a word with multiple meanings and origins, ranging from heady philosophy to spandex-clad superheroes, but the first examples of multiverse are a lot older than you would think and not where you would expect.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Heavy Episodic Malarkey and Other Formulated Fluff
Mon May 07 00:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

One variant of the perfect euphemism combines optimism and nonsense in a sandwich of slop. Speaking of slop, my euphemism mop wiped up the following terms from the drippy drivel of 2018. Enjoy and employ these terms, but keep a twaddle towel handy.  Continue reading...
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Word Routes

Exploring the pathways of our lexicon

Nerding Out on "Nerd"
Tue Apr 24 21:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

The realm of nerdiness has been steadily expanding for years, with nerd culture taking over the world in the form of technology and pop culture. That makes this a good time to look at this insult turned compliment with a murky past and bright future.  Continue reading...
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Evasive Maneuvers

Euphemisms old and new

Size-inclusive Reinterpretations of Collective Cockamamie Coinages
Fri Apr 06 00:00:00 EDT 2018
By Mark Peters

When the history of euphemisms is written, the following terms deserve footnotes, if not full-blown chapters.  Continue reading...
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6 7 8 9 10 Displaying 50-56 of 214 Articles