About Today: Say What?

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Today From Bob Schulties, your About Today Editor I used to use old sayings all the time until LittleBob started asking what they meant. Of course I've altered them over the years, so I couldn't explain why I say "Mambo dogface to the banana patch?" Thanks to my good friend Steve Martin for that line. What Is Family Slang? I've been to many family meals where, despite their speaking English, I have no idea what they're saying. It's always stuff like, "Do we know you?" "Mommy, why is the stranger eating all our mashed potatoes?" Man, family slang is so weird. The Triumph of Slang Words That English Has Adopted Unchanged Search Related Topics:  lighter side of language  Using the Other F Word For lots of people, the main F word is nothing compared to the other F word. French Words We Use Every Day More Luddites Subscribe to About Today than Anyone Else Search Related Topics:  what not to say  support from family and friends  i can lose weight The Language of Politics No, I don't mean lying. Although it's understandable if you thought that's what I mean. No, let's explore a few terms that are tossed around when it's election time. Man, it always feels like it's election time. Anyway, what's gerrymandering? What's a Stump Speech? Is a Dark Horse Candidate a Scary Candidate? Search Related Topics:  gerrymander  19th century politics  Where Do New Words Come From? It really feels we're at the point where new words come from people just mashing the keyboard and whatever pops out is a new word. Let's try it: qepnvi. Ah, yes, Qepnvi. An exotic breed of bird only found in South America. It's also worth 20 points in Scrabble. So, where do real new words come from? The History of Words What's Snake Oil? Search Related Topics:  language  Related Searches Slang Dictionary Sign Language Speech Language Language School French Language Featured Articles What's a Savannah Cat? Shaving Tips To Prevent Ingrown Hairs Puerto Rico's Plan to Lure High-Income U.S. Residents Back to School Tradition Ideas for Tweens It's Time for the Mango Cocktail What's the Deal With 'Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee'?   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Today newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2013 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement

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