The Last Straw (Rebroadcast) - 11 November 2019

<p>Books for word lovers, plus the stories behind some familiar terms. Want a gift for your favorite bibliophile? Martha and Grant have recommendations, from a collection of curious words to some fun with Farsi. Plus, some people yell "Geronimo!" when they jump out of an airplane, but why that particular word? Also, we call something that heats air a heater, so why do we call something that cools the air an air conditioner? The answer lies in the history of manufacturing. Also, quaaltagh, snuba, the last straw vs. the last draw, and I have to go see a man about a horse.</p> <p>Read full show notes, hear hundreds of free episodes, send your thoughts and questions, and learn more on the <em>A Way with Words</em> website: <a href= "https://waywordradio.org/">https://waywordradio.org/</a>. Email <a href="mailto:words@waywordradio.org">words@waywordradio.org</a>. Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/wayword">@wayword</a>. Our listener phone line <a href="tel:+18779299673">1 (877) 929-9673</a> is toll-free in the United States and Canada. Elsewhere in the world, call <a href="tel:+16198004443">+1 (619) 800-4443</a>; charges may apply. From anywhere, text/SMS <a href= "sms:+16195679673">+1 (619) 567-9673</a>. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation.</p>