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

The World Cup, the Knicks, and LeBron James’s Fate: An All-Time Summer in Sports

The staff writer Louisa Thomas on the U.S. men’s national soccer team, the N.B.A. off-season, and Serena Williams.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

The near-collapsed Midtown building is now stable, but its finances may not be

Experts say the structural failure at the Pfizer Building could cause financial problems and a lingering stigma — but that the city’s housing shortage means renters will probably move in anyway.
Gothamist |

NYC DSA on Their Big Wins, and the Future

NYC-DSA co-chairs Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo talk about the DSA's recent big wins.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Get Lit: Laila Lalami's 'The Dream Hotel,' and Imal Gnawa Performs

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE