Topic: Linguistics

21 chapters across the catalog

100: Hard R
5:10 - 12:17

100: Hard R

Neely Fuller Jr. on the Definition of the N-Word

Neely Fuller Jr. argues that the N-word lacks a concrete definition and instead functions as a tool used by white supremacists to elicit specific emotional reactions. The discussion explores the word as a "one-word spell" designed to trigger dejection or anger in people of African descent. A review of the Merriam-Webster dictionary confirms the term is defined by its usage as an insult rather than a literal meaning.

100: Hard R
1:11:01 - 1:16:37

100: Hard R

Intra-racial Slurs and the Term Redneck

The hosts compare the reclamation of the N-word to the term "redneck," popularized by comedian Jeff Foxworthy. They discuss how terms like "boy" and "homie" carry different weights depending on whether they are used intra-racially or inter-racially. Mo Facts shares his father's specific dislike for the word "homie" due to its perceived proximity to other slurs.

100: Hard R
1:56:01 - 2:00:48

100: Hard R

The Suspended Teacher and the "Hard R" Distinction

A teacher at Valley Traditional High School was suspended after using a variation of the N-word toward a student. The teacher claimed he was trying to use the student's own slang to feel "comfortable," but the incident resulted in a 10-day suspension and mandatory diversity training. The hosts discuss the linguistic difference between the "Hard R" version and the "GA" ending.

97: Flowers for Fuller
1:24:31 - 1:32:50

97: Flowers for Fuller

BBC Guide to Using Vague Language

A series of BBC clips teaches the "utility" of being vague in spoken English using terms like "more or less," "bits," and "ish." The hosts argue that vagueness is primarily used to lie, obfuscate the truth, or exploit the lack of knowledge in others. They link this linguistic tactic to political speech and legal contracts, where ambiguity is a "design feature" used to maintain control.

91: Scott Free
2:04:19 - 2:12:58

91: Scott Free

Linguistics, Southern Dialects and the "Axe" vs "Ask" Debate

The hosts discuss the softening of "T" sounds and the use of "axe" instead of "ask" in Southern and Black dialects. Mo explains that these linguistic traits are often unfairly equated with a lack of intelligence. They note how Southern hip-hop has influenced the speech patterns of younger generations, leading to what some might call "cultural appropriation" by non-Southern youth.

89: Mass Confusion
27:10 - 30:41

89: Mass Confusion

White Privilege as a Soft Alternative to Supremacy

Neely Fuller Jr. analyzes the linguistic shift from "white supremacy" to "white privilege," arguing that "privilege" is a softer term that implies a gift granted by a higher power. By accepting the label of privilege, individuals can absolve themselves of responsibility for the underlying supreme system. The hosts discuss how this "private law" allows the system to grant or rescind status based on an individual's adherence to approved ideologies.

89: Mass Confusion
42:29 - 46:31

89: Mass Confusion

Confusion as a Tool of Supremacy

The hosts discuss how the intentional blurring of "privilege" and "supremacy" creates a loop of confusion that serves the ruling class. They recount an instance where a professor used the term "white privilege" to absolve themselves of being part of the "supreme" decision-making class. This confusion prevents individuals from identifying who actually writes the laws and controls the system.

89: Mass Confusion
46:32 - 49:53

89: Mass Confusion

NOTAM System Name Change and Linguistic Shifts

Adam Curry notes a recent change in the FAA's NOTAM system, which formerly stood for "Notice to Airmen" and has been renamed "Notice to Air Missions." This shift toward gender-neutral language is presented as an example of the "supreme" system changing definitions on the fly. The hosts argue that these constant alterations to language constitute a form of "violence" by destabilizing shared truth.

89: Mass Confusion
49:54 - 52:41

89: Mass Confusion

AI and the Redefinition of Violence

The hosts use an AI tool to investigate whether "undue alteration of text" is considered violence. While the AI provides a wishy-washy answer, the dictionary definition includes the alteration of wording in text as a form of violence. They conclude that platforms like Wikipedia and AI algorithms are participating in a form of systemic violence by rewriting history and controlling the flow of information through hidden code.

89: Mass Confusion
1:06:44 - 1:10:04

89: Mass Confusion

Pronouns as a Tool of Generational Division

The enforcement of pronoun usage is analyzed as a "supremacy system" designed to weaponize children against their parents. The hosts argue that by deputizing young people to correct the grammar and speech of their elders, the system creates a deep domestic division. This linguistic enforcement is described as a tool for identifying "heretics" who do not adhere to the new state-sanctioned social reality.

89: Mass Confusion
1:41:01 - 1:44:27

89: Mass Confusion

The Rise of the Term BIPOC

The hosts critique the sudden emergence of the term "BIPOC" (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in the "podcasting industrial complex." They argue that the term is a confusing linguistic invention that lumps together disparate groups—such as Pacific Islanders and descendants of American slavery—for the purpose of identity politics. They view the term as an out-of-touch "ivory tower" creation that lacks resonance with the people it claims to represent.

81: Qincidence
3:01:21 - 3:04:36

81: Qincidence

Boostergrams and the Linguistic Use of "The Blacks"

The hosts answer a "boostergram" question from Dave Jones regarding the term "blacks" in general conversation. Mo Facts argues that the term is often used to describe a media-correlated community or voting bloc and isn't inherently racist, though "the blacks" is often used jokingly or by older generations.

66: Black Butterfly
3:06:27 - 3:12:57

66: Black Butterfly

Gender Identity Debates, Magic Spells, and Social Triggers

The hosts analyze debates between Candace Owens and Mark Lamont Hill regarding whether men can get pregnant, framing the linguistic shift as a "magic spell." They argue that terms like "birthing people" are designed to trigger the public and keep them in a state of perpetual frustration and circular argument. They advise listeners to "keep it moving" and avoid being emotionally manipulated by internet trolls and provocative media segments.

63: We Are People 1
55:18 - 1:03:11

63: We Are People 1

AAVE, Code Switching, and Cultural Mirroring

The hosts engage in a personal discussion about African American Vernacular English (AAVE), code-switching, and the human tendency to mirror others' behavior. They explore the awkwardness of cross-cultural social interactions and the "double consciousness" experienced by Black individuals in professional settings. The segment touches on how slang and linguistic styles are adopted across racial and generational lines.

49: Brothas Be Voting
1:47:39 - 1:51:56

49: Brothas Be Voting

Atonement versus Reparations and Tangibles

The hosts discuss the linguistic shift from "reparations" to "atonement" as a way to bypass the "gag reflex" many Americans have toward the former term. They argue that "tangibles" has been poisoned by media labels like "Russian bots" and "conspiracy theory." The concept of atonement is presented as a more spiritual and mutually beneficial framework for addressing the historical debt owed to ADOS.

47: Killer Wasp
2:26:13 - 2:30:19

47: Killer Wasp

WASP Etiquette Lessons and Language Identifiers

Etiquette rules, such as not saying "drapes" or "lingerie," serve as linguistic identifiers to separate the WASP elite from the lower classes. The hosts discuss being raised according to Emily Post's rules and how these "boule lessons" were adopted by upwardly mobile black families. The story of Tina Turner returning from England with a British accent is used to show how language is used to signal a change in social status.

38: You Ain't Binary
2:11:15 - 2:13:49

38: You Ain't Binary

Black as an Adjective, Moors and Linguistic Baggage

Dr. Jose Pimenta Bay discusses the linguistic baggage of the word "black," noting that in the English language, the word has historically been synonymous with negativity (e.g., black market, black plague). The segment argues for finding a nationality or culture-based term rather than a reactionary adjective.

27: Lift-Gate
48:55 - 52:16

27: Lift-Gate

Media Personalities and the Southern Milieu

The hosts analyze the "milieu" or social environment of media figures like Stephen A. Smith and Charlamagne Tha God. They note linguistic similarities and shared social circles among these personalities, suggesting that their public commentary is influenced by their specific social and professional environments.

14: Victimization Mentailty
1:09:49 - 1:15:31

14: Victimization Mentailty

Critical Race Theory, Redefining Racism, and Occasional Racists

Dr. Parson explains that racism is a structure affecting everyone and admits to being an "occasional racist." The hosts mock the redefinition of racism, noting that moving away from the Merriam-Webster definition creates a linguistic gap used to label people as "old-fashioned" or biased.