A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

All That and a Bag of Chips (Rebroadcast) - 2 February 2026

Feb 2, 2026
They trace the quirky history of book indexes and why people once mistrusted them. Pronunciation puzzles about bona fides and the slang path of 'nuke' for microwaving come up. Camp dining lore reveals ort buckets of plate scraps. Regional sayings and clothes history appear, from 'one foot in the milk bucket' to dungarees and Appalachian 'scared water.' A phrase about being 'all that and a bag of chips' is also explored.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Skilled Patch Called A Dutchman

  • "Dutchman" in trades often names a deliberate, skillful patch rather than a shoddy fix.
  • Archie Green links the term to German (Deutsch) craftsmen and immigrant labor practices.
ADVICE

Use Plain Words Instead Of Bona Fides

  • Avoid using "bona fides" if unsure; prefer plain words like credentials or credibility.
  • Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette recommend substituting clearer terms to sidestep pronunciation debate.
ADVICE

Pick Clear Words Over Pretentious Pronunciation

  • If a pronunciation or term feels uncertain, pick a clearer synonym to avoid pretension or confusion.
  • Marianne accepted practicing "bona fides" but was advised to prefer plain words like credibility.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app