Copacetic (Rebroadcast) - 16 July 2018

<p>Brand names, children's games, and the etiquette of phone conversations. Those clever plastic PEZ dispensers come in all shapes and sizes -- but where did the word PEZ come from? The popular candy's name is the product of wordplay involving the German word for "peppermint." Also, the story behind that sing-songy playground taunt: "Neener, neener, NEEEEEEEEEEner!" Listen closely, and you'll hear the same melody as other familiar children's songs. Finally, the process of ending a phone conversation is much more complex than you might think. Linguists call this verbal choreography "leave-taking." It's less about the literal meaning of the words and more about finding a way to agree it's time to hang up. Also, Hold 'er Newt, copacetic, drupelet, pluggers, pantywaist, this little piggy, and the word with the bark on it.</p> <p>Listen to all episodes for free: https://waywordradio.org/<br />  <br /> Support the show to keep episodes coming: https://waywordradio.org/donate<br />  <br /> Your responses, questions, and comments are welcomed at any time! <br />  <br /> https://waywordradio.org/contact<br />  <br /> words@waywordradio.org<br />  <br /> Listener line 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the US and Canada<br />  <br /> Text/SMS +1 (619) 567-9673<br />  <br /> Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation. All rights reserved.</p>