The fuss over terminal -s is a matter of convention, not the end of the world as we know it.  Continue reading...

How do you come to know the meaning of mean, and to be comfortable with the notion of meaning?  Continue reading...

Let's look at the behavior of some words in English whose primary denotation involves physical contact, physical characteristics, violent impact, and damage. How do these words behave in contexts where no physical objects are flying about?  Continue reading...

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...

When the history of euphemisms is written, the following terms deserve footnotes, if not full-blown chapters.  Continue reading...

As I read Jane Austen, the question that is ever in the back of my mind is, how did she do it? Surprisingly, computers are quite helpful in discovering some of the aspects of Austen's writing that make it distinctive in the wide field of English fiction.  Continue reading...