Gramer Girl here. I'm Mignon Fokerti and this week I have a quick and dirty tip about

the name for that wide sash you wear around your waist when you wear a tuxedo.

And a meeting middle about four ways that good stories affect our brain and emotions.

Let's start with fashion. This week I had occasion to look up the spelling of the word

Cumberbund. And came across a tidbit you may find interesting as you fastened one around

your waist if you're getting a tuxedo for New Year's Eve or a formal holiday party.

First I always thought it was Cumberbund, but it's Cumberbund, C-U-M-M-E-R, B-U-N-D,

Cumberbund. And second it comes from a Hindi word that has roots meaning a band that covers

your loins. Cumberbund, I hope I'm pronouncing that right, Cumber-K-A-M-A-R, which means loins,

and band, which of course means band. It's a loin band. Now you have embarrassing small

talk you can use if you can't think of anything else to say at your holiday parties. You're

welcome. And now I have a special treat because this segment on the way as good stories

move us is from the host of our popular savvy psychologist podcast. Here's Ellen. Hi everyone,

I'm Dr. Ellen Hendrickson, host of the savvy psychologist podcast and one of Mignon's co-hosts

over at QDT. And I'm so grateful to Mignon for the opportunity to hang out here at Grammar

Girl this week and talk about two of my favorite topics, books and true to my profession,

brains. So think about your favorite books. What are they? And your answer is more than just

a way to fill out that online dating profile. Think about why you love these books. And the reasons

give insight into how beloved stories push our psychological and neurological buttons.

So how does good writing grab you by the brain? Well this week on Grammar Girl will unveil

four elements your brain relishes in a good story. So element number one is good stories engage

the senses. So your brain has specific gears for language processing. Broca's area and Vernecke's

...