Adventures in language with Helen Zaltzman. TheAllusionist.org
Lexicographer, author and Dictionary Corner resident Susie Dent has been studying words to make us feel happy. She brings etymologies... more
There's an abiding myth that the landmark dictionaries are the work of one man, in a dusty paper-filled garrett tirelessly... more
Sterling Martin was in grad school, studying C. elegans worms, when COVID19 hit and suddenly he found himself in lexicography,... more
It's the annual etymology quizlusionist! I’m on a family holiday for the first time since 1988, so enlisted my brother... more
Have you ever wondered why the planets in our solar system are all named after Roman deities, except two of... more
This is the Tranquillusionist, in which I, Helen Zaltzman, say a load of words which aren’t really about anything, so... more
“The starting point is, and the research questions are all framed by: 'We know it's terrible to be fat, but... more
It should just be an accurate descriptor of my body, but the word 'fat' has shaped so much more of... more
Oh, you thought the Eurovision Song Contest was about songs? Or a fun international TV event that brings people together... more
There aren't many multilingual, multinational television shows that have been running for nearly seven decades. But what makes the Eurovision... more