Big Dog (Rebroadcast) - 13 July 2026
Summary
Hosts Grant Barrett and Martha Barnett explore the Japanese term *taipa*, meaning time-performance, and discuss the obscure saying "it takes a big dog to weigh a ton." Listeners call in about regional phrases like "all the way deluxe" in Norfolk and "peart" in Kentucky. The episode also covers the etymology of "island," the history of sundial mottos, and the vulgarization of "piss," plus a quiz on celebrity name blends.
Topics discussed
Intro: Taipa and the trend of speeding up media consumption
Listener Carol asks about the saying 'It takes a big dog to weigh a ton'
Discussion of the Icelandic word 'dalaláitha' for morning mist
Origin of the phrase 'Chamber of Commerce day' for perfect weather
Quizist segment: Romantic blendings of celebrity names
The history and linguistic function of the phrase 'Uh-oh'
Latin term 'Quidnunc' for a gossip or busybody
Norfolk, Virginia phrase 'All the way deluxe' for food orders
Why the word 'island' has a silent 's' in its spelling
Melancholy mottos and inscriptions found on sundials
The history of the word 'piss' and its shift to vulgarity
Kentucky dialect word 'peart' meaning lively or cocky
Superstition behind saying 'bread and butter' when someone passes between you
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