Lexicon Valley

Lexicon Valley explores the phrase "Mister Nice Guy," tracing its origins from a 1930s New Jersey bike shop owner to its popular association with 1960s crooner Perry Como.

Lexicon Valley explores the origin of the phrase "nice guys finish last," tracing it to Brooklyn Dodgers manager Leo Durocher.

John McWhorter explains that “arter” in *Huckleberry Finn* reflects authentic 19th-century Southern dialects, not minstrel caricatures.

John McWhorter explores the history of the verb "am" in Black English, using a Famous Studios cartoon as a segue.

John McWhorter explores historical American dialects, using Mary McLeod Bethune’s speech to illustrate code-switching.

Lexicon Valley hosts Bob Garfield and Mike Volo explore the etymology of "buck," tracing its roots from male deer to poker terminology.

Lexicon Valley hosts Mikey and Bobby explore the chaotic etymology of "nice," tracing its origin from the Latin for "ignorant" to its current vague positivity.

Mike Volo and Bob Garfield play a game tracing the origins of phrases starting with "Great White.

Lexicon Valley hosts Mike Volo and Bob Garfield explore the etymology of "maverick," tracing it to Samuel Maverick, a Texas politician who accepted unbranded cattle as debt payment.