# The Sound of a Car Backshifting

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/lexicon-valley-4085356/the-sound-of-a-car-backshifting
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/lexicon-valley-4085356/the-sound-of-a-car-backshifting.md
Podcast: [Lexicon Valley](https://stenobird.com/podcast/lexicon-valley-4085356)
Published: 2026-03-24T19:46:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPP6102402824.mp3?updated=1774381743
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPP6102402824.mp3?updated=1774381743
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/lexicon-valley-4085356/episodes/the-sound-of-a-car-backshifting
Duration seconds: 1891

## Resource

John McWhorter on language change — from the meaning of wit to the pronunciation of automobile. Plus, a defense of redundancy! Visit ⁠⁠Lexicon Valley⁠⁠. A Booksmart Studios production. Episode 294: "The Sound of a Car Backshifting." With John McWhorter. Produced and edited by Mike Vuolo. All rights reserved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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## Transcript

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