2019-02-03 Guinea Pigs: Useful in Research, Conversation
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. Each week, we explain where American English expressions come from and how to use them. Today, we turn once again…
2019-01-27 ‘Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk’
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. Okay, who here has never made a mistake? The answer is, of course, no one. Mistakes are not just a…
2019-01-20 The Human Side of Pack Animals
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. Like many languages, English uses animals in many of its expressions. And there are thousands of kinds of animals. So,…
2019-01-13 Only the Best Are on the ‘Cutting Edge’
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. For today’s program, we go into the kitchen! There is a good chance you do not go one day without…
2019-01-06 The Language of Sneakers
Now, from VOA Learning English, this is Words and Their Stories. American English, like all languages, has countless colorful words and expressions. We call some slang. It is not always…
2018-12-23 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!
Now, Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. This week, we have a special program for the holiday season. It is a show recorded many years ago by Maurice…
2018-12-18 ‘Justice’ Is Merriam Webster’s Word of the Year
Merriam-Webster, the American publisher known for its dictionaries, has chosen “justice” as its 2018 word of the year. The word follows “toxic,” chosen by Oxford Dictionaries, and “misinformation,” the choice…
2018-12-16 The Story of Jack Frost
Now, from VOA Learning English, it’s time for Words and Their Stories. If this is your first time with us, this program explores words and expressions commonly used in American…
2018-12-09 ‘Break a Leg’ Means ‘Good Luck’
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. On this program we explore words and expressions in American English. Today, we take another trip to the exciting world…
2018-12-02 Time to ‘Sing Like a Canary’
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. There are thousands of different kinds of birds. They come in all sizes and colors. And they each make their…
2018-11-27 Misinformation or Disinformation
The website Dictionary.com has chosen the term ‘misinformation’ as its word of the year. The announcement comes less than two weeks after Oxford Dictionaries chose ‘toxic‘ as its word of…
2018-11-25 ‘Loose Cannons’ Are Dangerous
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. On this show, we explore the world of American English. We talk about common expressions, where they come from and,…
2018-11-18 Who Is the ‘Breadwinner’ in Your Family?
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. On today’s show about English words and expressions, we are going to talk about bread. Now, most countries around the…
2018-11-17 Oxford’s Word of the Year Is…Toxic
The Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year is…toxic. The British publisher defines the adjective toxic as “poisonous.” The word first appeared in English in the 1650s. It came from the…
2018-11-11 Why Is ‘Cream of the Crop’ the Best of the Best?
Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. On this show, we explore language. Where do expressions come from? And how do we use them? Today we go…