Review of Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English by Valerie Fridland When I first encountered Like, Literally, Dude by Valerie Fridland, I felt an immediate connection. As someone who's frequently berated for my love of "like" and my spontaneous vocal flourishes, the premise struck a chord with me. Lingering over Mignon Fogarty’s enthusiastic endorsement, “Smart and funny—I loved it!” only heightened my anticipation. I opened the book eager to discover how these so-called linguistic faux pas might actually serve as essential elements of communication. Fridland delves...

Book Review: Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter — Then, Now, and Always As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to works that explore the rich tapestry of language and culture, and John McWhorter’s Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter — Then, Now, and Always did just that, capturing my attention with its provocative title. McWhorter, a brilliant linguist and engaging narrator, takes us on a journey through the evolution of profanity, particularly focusing on words that have ignited debates and raised eyebrows throughout history....