American English Podcast

American English Podcast

Shana Thompson

The American English Podcast teaches the language and culture of the United States. Through common expressions, pronunciation tips and interesting cultural snippets or stories, I hope to keep this fun, useful and interesting! All bonus material can be accessed at http://americanenglishpodcast.com/

Categories: Education

Listen to the last episode:

I know, I know, 99% of you are saying what in the world is that? What in the world is a reduplication? 

Well I just told you one: Handy-dandy. Handy by itself means useful or practical, in American English you can add dandy for emphasis, intensification and to give it a playful and poetic effect. Handy-dandy is a reduplication. 

In English, you’ll hear reduplications in songs and casual conversation! Many times it just involves repeating the first word and changing one consonant or one vowel, like handy dandy, flip flop or chit chat. Sometimes you’ll actually hear the exact same word repeated, like boo-boo or yo-yo. Sometimes reduplications rhyme, but not always. Yet, there is always a certain rhythmic nature to them.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like rhythm!? If you want to add some spice and flavor to the way you talk in English, keep listening! Today, we’ll go through 10 Common Reduplications and how to use them in everyday contexts.

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Previous episodes

  • 181 - 161 - 10 Words a Day: Handy-Dandy Reduplications 
    Sun, 17 Mar 2024
  • 180 - 160.2 - How Cereal Became The Number One Breakfast Food in the U.S. 
    Sun, 03 Mar 2024
  • 179 - 160 - Expression: Gimme Some Sugar! 
    Thu, 22 Feb 2024
  • 178 - 159 - 5-Minute English: Home Renovation 
    Thu, 08 Feb 2024
  • 177 - 158 - Moving Across the U.S. with Lucas 
    Thu, 25 Jan 2024
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