English dictionary

The Scandalous History of Proper English

The Leonard Lopate Show | Aug 27, 2014

We are re-airing this interview which originally aired on June 30, 2014. 

English is a glorious mess of a language, cobbled together from a wide variety of sources and syntaxes, and changing over time with popular usage. Many of the words and usages we embrace as standard and correct today were at first considered slang, impolite, or just plain wrong. Ammon Shea looks at language “mistakes” and how they came to be accepted as correct—or not. His book Bad English: A History of Linguistic Aggravation chronicles the long history of language mistakes.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

How Big Tech Lost the Midterms

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Postcards: Globetrotting, Time-traveling Notes of Love and Adventure; Remembering the 'Godfather of Techno,' Juan Atkins

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Where Are We on the Autocrat-O-Meter Now?

Plus, the midterm success of the religious left.
On the Media |

Pete Buttigieg on the Democrats’ Sweep of Congress, and Where They Go from Here

The former Transportation Secretary, who is a likely Presidential contender, talks about how a Democratic Congress will try to make an impact, even with an angry lame-duck President.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |
YOU ARE ONLINE