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A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

I Don't Have the Spoons (Rebroadcast) - 2 March 2026

A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

A Way with Words

Language Learning, Society & Culture, Education

4.6 • 2.3K Ratings

🗓️ 2 March 2026

⏱️ 52 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Whether it’s a Rubik’s cube or a round of Wordle, why do so many of us find puzzles irresistible? A new book celebrates the allure and psychological benefits of brain teasers. Plus, powerful language for talking about the chronic illnesses and invisible disabilities that sap a person’s energy and focus. And what would you wear to a wet dress rehearsal? (Hint: You’ll need a helmet.) Plus ditloid, eat a peck of dirt before you die, a game to make you sigh, apologizing to fellow drivers, how to pronounce aunt, why we call a qualifying race a heat, prejudice about dialects, and age-old advice about delegating responsibilities. It’s so good, it’ll make your tongue slap your brains out! Hear hundreds of free episodes and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org. Be a part of the show: call or text 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; elsewhere in the world, call or text +1 619 800 4443. Send voice notes or messages via WhatsApp 16198004443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

You're listening to Away with Words, the show about language, and how we use it.

0:03.6

I'm Grant Barrett.

0:05.0

And I'm Martha Barnett.

0:06.8

A Dittloid is a word puzzle that uses numerals and initial letters of words to suggest a phrase.

0:13.5

For example, if I give you the clue 26 L in the A, then...

0:20.2

26 letters in the alphabet.

0:22.3

Yep, exactly.

0:23.8

And how about 52 W in a Y?

0:27.2

52 worms in the lemon.

0:31.0

No, weeks.

0:32.6

Weeks in the year.

0:35.3

Out of lives.

0:36.5

Very good.

0:37.3

Well, here's one more.

0:38.9

Nine L of a C.

0:41.9

Ooh, nine L of a C.

0:45.9

I don't know what that is.

0:47.9

Nine.

0:48.7

I'll give you a clue, Grant.

0:49.9

How about it's a one word clue, Bianca.

0:53.3

My cat, Bianca?

0:54.8

Mm-hmm.

...

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