Tag Archives: German

How English sounds to everyone else

Posted on November 1, 2012 by

I got the idea for today’s post from the podcast A Way With Words. I’m super in love with this show, and I recommend it for everyone who is interested in English word origins and other language topics. Native English … Continue reading →

Posted in foreign language | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Meow! Miau! Nyan!

Posted on October 24, 2012 by

I happen to be obsessed with a little Japanese kitty who has a Pop Tart for a body and leaves a rainbow trail every time he moves. His name is Nyan, and he stars in a simple but deceivingly addictive … Continue reading →

Posted in foreign language, semantics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When to italicize foreign words and phrases

Posted on February 23, 2012 by

Every once in a while, it feels good to add a snooty foreign word or phrase to your writing. I mean, what would the writing world be without a little je ne sais quoi? However, there are rules about how … Continue reading →

Posted in copy editing, style issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Foreign color idioms

Posted on January 5, 2012 by

  Last time we talked about the ways colors have infused themselves into the English language. Naturally, this happens with other languages, too. But often there’s a little tweak. For instance, in English one could get a black eye, but … Continue reading →

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Sabai dee pee mai! Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun! Happy New Year!

Posted on December 30, 2011 by

  Felix annus novus tibi sit! Or, for our English readers, Happy New Year. I’ve been wanting to study Latin for years. (If some super rich and friendly reader happens to want to sponsor my Latin classes, I’d, um, be … Continue reading →

Posted in foreign language | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments