“Blow the Whistle” or “Stop the Leaks”?
The way we talk about the disclosures from the Trump administration highlights nuances of language that have fascinated behavioral scientists—especially about the role of metaphor.
Founding Columnist
Paul Thibodeau
Paul Thibodeau is an assistant professor of psychology at Oberlin College. His research explores when and how metaphor shapes thought, and what that reveals about the human mind. His research has been featured in outlets including The New York Times, the BBC, New York Magazine, and Nautilus. He received his Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University.
The “Moist” Conundrum
People Magazine—psycholinguistics’ most trusted lexicon—defines “moist” as “the most cringeworthy word” in American English.
Set to Solve: How Emphasizing Problem Setting can Solve Problems in Washington
Americans hate Congress. A recent Gallup poll found that 78% of people disapprove of the way the legislature does its job.