Read “Lederer on Language” every other Saturday in the San Diego Union Tribune and on this site
How Do We Know What We Know About Language?
DEAR RICHARD LEDERER: In a sequence of adjectives, English speakers and writers know in what order the adjectives should go, as in “a big, beautiful
The Striking Creativity of African-American Names
Black History Month honors the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. This celebration began as Negro History Week and was founded by Carter G.
Biblical People Reveal Themselves in Their Own Words
Tomorrow, January 27, will be National Bible Sunday, a time meant to celebrate the power of the Bible in so many lives. The word bible
Uncovering the True Origins of Popular Expressions
DEAR RICHARD LEDERER: In the King James Bible, man is said to be made in the “Spit and image of God.” In the Catholic version
Artist Vincent van Gogh Painted With Vivid Words
In the Golden Globe Awards this past Sunday evening, Willem Dafoe was nominated for best actor for his role in the film “At Eternity’s Gate.”
It’s a boy! It’s a girl! It’s a name! It’s an identity!
Happy New Year! It’s nice to have you near. The New Year is often represented as a baby, so this is a good time to
As a Rule of Thumb, Avoid Political Incorrectness
DEAR RICHARD LEDERER: A question has come up concerning the origins of expressions that are considered racist. Have you run into any controversy about “red
Santa Claws Wishes Us a Furry Meowy Christmas
In 1823 The Reverend Clement Clark Moore created “A Visit from Saint Nicholas.” The poem, better known as “The Night Before Christmas,” from its
Will PETA’s Animal Advocacy Bring Home the Bagel?
Animals are such an integral part of our lives that almost everyone loves animal jokes. They make us bark, bellow, bray, cackle, howl, screech,