Why do spelling bees include such bizarre, obsolete words like cymotrichous ? Why is New York called the Big Apple ? Also, the stinky folk medicine tradition called an asifidity bag , worn around the neck to keep away cold and flu. Also, the surprising number of common English phrases that come directly from the King James Bible . Plus, three sheets to the wind , the term white elephant , in like Flynn , Australian slang , and what to call foam sleeve for an ice-cold can of beer or soda. See the full show notes at A Way with Words .
