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PBS News Hour

How pop culture and social media are changing how people talk

Season 2026 Episode 163 | 3m 17s

Judy Woodruff has been speaking to a host of experts about the country's 250th anniversary for her "In Pursuit of Happiness" podcast. That includes conversations about the roles satire, national parks and music have played in our history. The latest episode looks at how American English evolved. As it turns out, there's one word that reveals a lot about the way we speak.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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