Language in the Wild

Exploring the relationship between language and society.

Social Life
Why Do Americans and Brits Speak Differently?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on March 15, 2026

Why do most Americans pronounce their “r”s while many in England, Australia, and New Zealand do not? The answer is a transatlantic story of timing and prestige

Why do most Americans pronounce their “r”s while many in England, Australia, and New Zealand do not? The answer is a transatlantic story of timing and prestige

Politics
Presidential Words for Presidents Day

Natalie Schilling Ph.D. on February 14, 2026

From "founding fathers" to "misunderestimate," U.S. presidents have come up with—and taken heat for—a wide range of words and phrases.

From "founding fathers" to "misunderestimate," U.S. presidents have come up with—and taken heat for—a wide range of words and phrases.

Cognition
Holiday Words and Their Meaning Quirks

Natalie Schilling Ph.D. on December 23, 2025

Some holiday words have more than one meaning, like "trim" the tree. And some meanings have more than one word, like "gift" and "present."

Some holiday words have more than one meaning, like "trim" the tree. And some meanings have more than one word, like "gift" and "present."

Identity
What's Your Word for the Night Before Halloween?

Natalie Schilling Ph.D. on October 26, 2025

"Mischief night," "cabbage night," "goosey night," or "devil’s eve": Why are there so many words for the eve of Halloween—and where do they come from?

"Mischief night," "cabbage night," "goosey night," or "devil’s eve": Why are there so many words for the eve of Halloween—and where do they come from?

Cognition
Major Life Events Impact the Way People Speak

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on September 7, 2025

New research shows how major life events like a first job, a new relationship, or a retirement can trigger noticeable changes in the way we speak.

New research shows how major life events like a first job, a new relationship, or a retirement can trigger noticeable changes in the way we speak.

Law and Crime
Linguistic Fingerprints?

Natalie Schilling Ph.D. on August 3, 2025

Along with DNA and fingerprints, criminals often leave behind language evidence that linguists can use to help identify perpetrators and stop them in their tracks.

Along with DNA and fingerprints, criminals often leave behind language evidence that linguists can use to help identify perpetrators and stop them in their tracks.

Consumer Behavior
A Healthy Side of Soda?

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on July 6, 2025

Would you consider soda a medicinal beverage? Selling drinks purported to have health benefits has been around far longer than you might imagine.

Would you consider soda a medicinal beverage? Selling drinks purported to have health benefits has been around far longer than you might imagine.

Child Development
The Mother of Communication

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on May 11, 2025

Most of us have no idea that our mother's influence on one of the most important things we’ll ever do—speaking—begins well before we are born.

Most of us have no idea that our mother's influence on one of the most important things we’ll ever do—speaking—begins well before we are born.

Cognition
The Language of Color

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on January 26, 2025

From "feeling blue" to "seeing red," the language of color reveals surprising histories and deep psychological connections that get put to work for much more than describing hues.

From "feeling blue" to "seeing red," the language of color reveals surprising histories and deep psychological connections that get put to work for much more than describing hues.

Religion
The Spirit of Christmas in a Word

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on December 22, 2024

Discover how ancient languages, pagan traditions, and Christian influences shaped the names Yule, Noel, and Christmas into the holiday terms we cherish today.

Discover how ancient languages, pagan traditions, and Christian influences shaped the names Yule, Noel, and Christmas into the holiday terms we cherish today.

Social Life
Thanksgiving Corn

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on November 24, 2024

Corn is a Thanksgiving staple representing survival, tradition, and cultural exchange. Discover its journey from a Mexican grass to a symbol of American harvest.

Corn is a Thanksgiving staple representing survival, tradition, and cultural exchange. Discover its journey from a Mexican grass to a symbol of American harvest.

Cognition
The Problem of Mispronouncing a Name

Valerie Fridland Ph.D. on October 20, 2024

What research can tell us about the effects of unusual or harder to pronounce names on those who have them - and how new tools might help

What research can tell us about the effects of unusual or harder to pronounce names on those who have them - and how new tools might help

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March 2026
The Friend Effect

Having friends protects you in multiple ways, from slowing cellular aging to deterring bullies to bolstering your self-esteem.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
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