President Dwight D. Eisenhower receives a replica of the Russian Lunik from Premier Nikita Khrushchev during his state visit to the American capital. Vice President Richard Nixon watches.

Presidential Parlance and White House Words

The Leonard Lopate Show | Aug 18, 2015

The founding fathers felt that coining words and creating new uses for old ones was part of their role in creating a new American culture and language, distinct from the King's English. Ever since, American presidents have enriched our vocabulary with words, phrases, and concepts that we’ve put to general use. Lexicographer Paul Dickson, author of Words from the White House: Words and Phrases Coined or Popularized by America's Presidents, answers listener questions about the language of the presidents and presidential campaigns.

Do you have a question about how presidents speak and the language they use? Let us know! Leave a comment!

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Transportation News: Street Cleaning Pilot & Faster Buses

Stephen Nessen talks about some recent proposals for faster buses and a pilot street cleaning program.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Leslie Jones Finds Humor in Getting Older

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Manhattan Project eyed as potential source of high radiation in Western NY

Residents in Niagara and Erie counties are raising concerns after properties were found to have high levels of radioactive contamination.
Gothamist |

Exploring an Olympics Bid for New York

NYS Assemblymember Robert Carroll talks about his vision for a joint upstate/downstate bid for the Winter Olympics.
The Brian Lehrer Show |
YOU ARE ONLINE