Content I Love: John McWhorter's "Lexicon Valley" podcast

One of the great things about writing out in the Big Wide World of the Internet is when a reader shares content that reminds them of you.

Such was the case with the Lexicon Valley podcast, which I learned about from long-time Judi 411 Fan, Matthew Leingang.

Matthew is a mathematician and professor at New York University who brings his exacting nature to all he does, including the words he uses. When he mentioned "Lexicon Valley" to me, I knew I was in for a treat.

"Lexicon Valley" is now my latest guilty pleasure.

If you are someone obsessed with the ways we speak, read, and write, Lexicon Valley is the show for you. Host John McWhorter, a linguist and professor at Columbia University, devotes each episode to different aspects of the English language.

My favorite thus far? Defund Karen.

I won't spoil it for you, but (as you can probably guess) the episode touches on the words, phrases, and acronyms that have emerged in this latest chapter of racial justice in the United States, including "BLM", "BIPOC", and "Defund the Police". McWhorter's thoughts on all of them range from "not surprising" to "WOW, I didn't see that coming!" which is what I appreciated most about this podcast: McWhorter doesn't pander or frame his argument in deference to anyone. His sense of self is unwavering, and what I love most about the podcast: To thine ownself be true, indeed! 

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