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From New York City, this is Lexicon Valley, a podcast about language.

I'm John McWhorter.

And, you know, people keep asking me about something, and I'm going to give you the answer

in this show, because this one comes in a lot.

It sometimes takes me a while to realize how often I've been asked about something,

but if this many people want to know, then I have to give you

what you want. And you know what people keep asking me about? Colonel. Why is the word

colonel spelled so very, very badly? Well, you know, you're going to get what you want, but

are you sure you want to know? Are you confident, dry, and secure that you want to know?

I'm using this to bring on my very favorite commercial jingle.

I've used this once before, but let's start out with the most triumphant, wonderful song.

This is the 1970s and 1980s commercial for sure deodorant, which I do not use, but what a song.

Raise your hand.

You got it.

Raise your hand.

You know it.

You feel confident, secure.

Raise your hand.

You feel dry now.

Raise your hand.

...