Back to Show
Otherwords
How Do Clichés Evolve into Memes?
Season 2
Episode 2
Adaptable clichés called "snowclones" are EVERYWHERE on the internet. We use them for memes, inside jokes, to show our membership of the group. But they weren't invented online. In fact, they're way older than you think!
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.

6:29
So how did we get those names of colors?

6:48
Why does switching from texting to talking feel like you’re trying to speak a different language?

8:43
How do our brains process language?

6:38
What are "argots" or what some call "verbal jazz", and how is it used across the globe?

10:07
Can you really invent a language? So how does one...do it?

6:35
How did English become the most widely spoken language in the world?

7:17
Let’s take a deep dive into the etymology of alcohol.

6:41
R is an incredibly weird letter; it's a wonder that we use one symbol to represent them.

8:01
What makes a word slang, and why does it sound so weird when companies use it?

12:13
We take a deeper look as to why sign language was banned for decades.

8:57
Besides being annoying, what if the grammar police are actually... wrong?

7:46
It shouldn't matter what a food is called as long as it tastes good, right? Well...