Blessing Box - 17 April 2023

Is there such a thing as a "neutral" accent, and if so what does it sound like? And that quirk in the way Southern Californians talk about freeways. They'll say things like Take the 405 North and Get on the 8 and head east. But why the definite article? Plus, those Little Free Libraries stocked with books have inspired another kind of giving: little free pantries filled with canned foods for anyone in need. They're also called blessing boxes. Also, Kabelsalat, vigesimal, a take-off puzzle, red rag, s’occuper de ses oignons, a holiday left on a wall, snake's honeymoon, powdered it, throwing smoke, and why married couples may persist in calling each other Mother and Father long after their children are grown. Read full show notes, hear hundreds of free episodes, send your thoughts and questions, and learn more on the A Way with Words website: https://waywordradio.org/contact. Be a part of the show: call 1 (877) 929-9673 toll-free in the United States and Canada; worldwide, call or text/SMS +1 (619) 800-4443. Email words@waywordradio.org. Twitter @wayword. Copyright Wayword, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices