Folding Money (Rebroadcast) - 14 September 2026
Summary
Grant and Martha explore the origins of "willipus wallipus," "laps lock," and "drop a dime," while listener Janet traces the history of "fortune favors the audacious." They also discuss the Spanish phrase "del año del caldo," the term "nonce," and why Michigan rivers are named Carp River despite the fish's late arrival. The episode features a quiz on rhyming idioms, a review of Barbara Kingsolver’s *Demon Copperhead*, and explanations for "charrette" and the American use of "off of."
Topics discussed
The history and usage of the term Willipus Wallipus
Defining Laps Lock as the opposite of Caps Lock
Listener Janet asks about the origin of Audere Fortunae Iuvat
Explanation of the Spanish phrase Año del Caldo
Origin of the slang phrase Drop a Dime
Discussion of the phrase Shred it, Wheat
Rhyming idioms quiz with John Chinesky
Listener Lorelai asks about the word Nonce
Overview of Little Free Pantries and Free Fridge movements
Biologist John Bauman asks about the origin of Carp River
High schooler asks about the phrase Throw someone in the bus
Joke about the Swiss flag and noogies
Review of Barbara Kingsolver's novel Demon Copperhead
Retired Army veteran asks about the word Charrette
Linguistic epiphany: Onion is Zozo spelled sideways
Jeff discusses dialect differences between British and American English
Ty asks about the origin of the term Folding Money
Closing remarks and show credits
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