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Valerie Fridland Ph.D.

About

Valerie Fridland, Ph.D., is a professor of linguistics and the former director of English graduate studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. She studies the science and culture behind the way we speak; her new book, Like Literally, Dude! Arguing for the Good in Bad English looks at the history and patterns behind all the modern speech habits we love to hate. In addition to numerous academic articles, she also writes regularly for the popular Grammar Girl podcast and has a lecture series available with Great Courses. She appears as an expert in venues ranging from the Every Little Thing Podcast to The Nation magazine to Newsy’s The Why.

Books by Valerie Fridland Ph.D.
Recent Posts
How XO Came to Mean Kisses and Hugs
X and O had a fascinating journey to become the hugs and kisses of today. Here's what medieval blessings, the game of tic/tac/toe and kisses have in common.
Consider Your Email Style
Our linguistic style depends on our social background and reference groups. Potential style differences can derail productive email conversations.
The Power of the X in X-mas

Ancient writings, great battles, and religion made the letter ‘x’ a powerful symbol and provided a shortcut to Christmas.

Ancient writings, great battles, and religion made the letter ‘x’ a powerful symbol and provided a shortcut to Christmas.

Why Is Going Home So Important to Us?

Looking back at the history of the words we use for the place we live helps us understand why going home gives us such a sense of belonging.

Looking back at the history of the words we use for the place we live helps us understand why going home gives us such a sense of belonging.

How We Talk About Fear Matters

Research suggests that how we experience fear may be altered by the language we use to talk about it.

Research suggests that how we experience fear may be altered by the language we use to talk about it.

What the F@#k?

Recent research examines how new uses for the F-bomb have changed our relationship with profanity and each other.

Recent research examines how new uses for the F-bomb have changed our relationship with profanity and each other.

How Human Tendencies Change Our Language

Adverbs like "soon," "presently," and "directly" have shifted in meaning over time, reflecting humans' long-standing tendency to drag our feet and exaggerate our timeliness

Adverbs like "soon," "presently," and "directly" have shifted in meaning over time, reflecting humans' long-standing tendency to drag our feet and exaggerate our timeliness

The Hidden Cost of Having an Accent

How the way we talk impacts how we are perceived and the opportunities we are given.

How the way we talk impacts how we are perceived and the opportunities we are given.