1104. This week with Martha Barnette, co-host of "A Way with Words" and author of "Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland," we look at the concept of a "spark word" — the word that ignites a love of language. We also look at fascinating etymologies from ancient Greek, including the surprising connections between "Nike" and "fennel," and the origins of "panic" and "Ritalin."

Martha Barnette's website

Martha's book, “Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland”

Martha's podcast, "A Way with Words"

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‘Spark words’ and the hidden history of ‘panic’ and ‘Ritalin,’ with Martha Barnette

Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers.

‘Spark words’ and the hidden history of ‘panic’ and ‘Ritalin,’ with Martha Barnette