Podcast: The US Government’s Metaphor Program

In this week’s World in Words podcast, new Scrabble words and spying on foreign metaphors.

Aussie English and proper English

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In this week’s World in Words podcast, author Simon Heffer visits a school in his quest to have people speak good English. Also, poet Les Murray describes some delightfully improper expressions used by Australians. And we check in on a language school in India where the teachers have a strong sense of what constitutes proper English. Download MP3

“Eers one helluva Merlot!”

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Not sure if “long legs” are a good thing in a glass of wine? Well, a supermarket chain in Britain wants to make it easier for customers unfamiliar with wine speak. Spar is experimenting with wine labels written in local slang so shoppers are not intimidated by the usual flowery language. Download MP3

• Guardian newspaper story
• Our weekly language podcast: The World in Words

Cockney rhyming cash machines in London

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A cash machine operator has introduced Cockney rhyming slang to a number of ATMs in east London. Users can choose between English and Cockney, a form of English spoken by many who live in east London. In Cockney rhyming slang, for example, “sausage and mash” is substituted for “cash.” And your “Huckleberry Finn?” Well that’s your PIN of course. The World’s Laura Lynch ventured into east London to get the Morning Glory. Download MP3

• More BBC coverage
• Article from The Guardian
• More on Cockney rhyming slang