Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers.
Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers.

Why 'forte' has three pronunciations. What is 'playing the dozens'? Ornish

Feb 03, 2026 · 14m

<p>1156. This week, we look at the pronunciation chaos surrounding "forte" and "pianoforte," from the French fencing term meaning "strong point" to the Italian musical direction meaning "loud." Then, we look at "playing the dozens" — the African American insult game with a mysterious origin.</p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.patreon.com/cw/grammargirl" target="_blank">Join the Grammar Girl Patreon.</a></p><p>🔗 <strong>Share your familect recording in </strong><a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/GrammarGirl" target="_blank"><strong>Speakpipe</strong></a><strong> </strong>or by leaving a voicemail at<strong> </strong>833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475)</p><p>🔗 <strong>Watch my </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/mignon-fogarty" target="_blank"><strong>LinkedIn Learning writing courses</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>🔗 <strong>Subscribe to the </strong><a …

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