Weird words like whiffling, and the elusive meaning of peace

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A conversation with Adam Jacot de Boinod, a seeker of obscure but colorful English expressions. If you read his new book, “The Wonder of Whiffling”, you’ll know whether you prefer to muppet shuffle or dwile flunk. You’ll know if you are a pozzy-wallah. Some of expressions are brand new, others long gone. Also, the meaning of the word peace. Barack Obama was the latest figure to tweak its definition when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize and made the argument for “just war”. Download MP3

President Obama’s peace prize

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President Barack Obama has said the US must uphold moral standards when waging wars that are necessary and justified, as he accepted his Nobel Peace Prize. In his speech in Oslo, he defended the US role in Afghanistan, arguing the use of force could bring lasting peace. Marco Werman talks with political philosopher Michael Walzer about the President’s approach to war and peace. Download MP3 (AP Photo: Susan Walsh)

• BBC coverage
• Jeb Sharp put the President’s award into historical perspective (Oct 9)
• Text of the President’s acceptance speech
• The award ceremony in pictures

German author wins Nobel

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Herta Müller has been awarded the Nobel prize for literature. The Romanian born author is renowned for her books based on life under the harsh regime of the dictator Ceausescu. Müller was born in 1953 in the German-speaking town of Nitzkydorf in Romania. Jeb Sharp profiles the German author. Download MP3

• BBC profile
• Nobelprize.org