America's Secret Slang: Bite the Bullet

In this episode, we look at words from the worlds of the military, police, aviation, and baseball. Ever wonder why a “last ditch effort” rarely involves digging an actual ditch? Or why a temporary worker is hired as a “freelancer”? How did the army tank get its name? Why do we shoot at a bulls-eye, and is it “duct” tape or “duck” tape? When a test pilot “pushes the envelope,” what envelope is his pushing? What’s the connection between one of America’s outlawed sports, and the front of every plane? Words that started on the baseball diamond have spread to aspects of our everyday life. Why is a “southpaw” so named, not just in baseball, but in life? And if you want to see a bunt, the old ball yard isn’t the only place for that… All these words and phrases show the richness and depth of our language. If you just know where to look.