Diamond vs. Loaf

Based on the incredible popularity of my Pence vs. Quayle post I’ve decided to do another head-to-head face off. Today’s topic, however, is far more important: Neil Diamond or Meat Loaf? Who is the more bombastic performer? Who is cheesier? Who has the best lip curl? Who the most ridiculous lyrics? Who is your favorite? …

Retromania – an unhealthy obsession?

I have an insatiable urge to learn new words and observe how language develops. It is an incurable condition but one I effectively self-medicate with extensive reading and the NYT crossword. What really excites me is word genesis, when a new word spreads in the mainstream media – for example retromania. As the Google Ngram …