Tom Scott

Why You Swear in Anglo-Saxon and Order Fancy Food in French: Registers (2013x8)

Air date: Jun 14, 2013

Why is an "odour" classier than a "smell"? Why is a "beverage" fancier than a "drink"? The answer lies in English history - and in the way we automatically know which 'register' of language to use. (Includes bonus medieval advice for constipation!)