So long, Big Bird: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney dies | Learn phrasal verb 'cut back on'

<p>"</p> <p>Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who played Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and other characters on television's ""Sesame Street"" died at age 85. For almost half a century, Spinney played the over-sized, six-year-old yellow canary that enchanted generations of children. He maneuvered the eight-foot-tall costume from inside, with the help of cables and a monitor strapped to his chest. Plus, learn what it means to ""cut back on"" something.</p> <p>Read the full transcript of this episode at <a>https://www.plainenglish.com/221</a>      Transcripts are always free and available now!</p> <p>¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation.</p> <p>Connect with Jeff on Twitter (<a>@PlainEnglishPod</a>) and Facebook (<a>PlainEnglishPod</a>). Or e-mail <a>jeff@plainenglish.com</a></p> <p>**NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR!</p> <p>If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program.</p> <p>Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at <a>http://www.plainenglish.com/mail</a>  Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases.</p> <p>Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender.</p> <p>"</p>