Main content
Fandom
Michael Bond talks to Michael Rosen about the ways in which fans talk to each other.
There's lots of 'birging' in this week's programme. For those not in the know - that's short for Basking In Reflected Glory and it's something football fans in particular do when they talk about their team's triumphs using the 'extended we'. Michael Bond author of 'Fans' talks to Michael about the words and language different fan groups have as a shared means of communication. Whether it's being a superfan of sport, film or music there are words and phrases that show you belong to a particular fandom.
Producer: Maggie Ayre
Last on
Mon 14 Aug 202323:00
BBC Radio 4
More episodes
Previous
Next
Clip
![]()
What's a "Mary Sue"?
Duration: 00:47
Broadcasts
- Tue 8 Aug 202316:00BBC Radio 4
- Mon 14 Aug 202323:00BBC Radio 4
Listen to Michael Rosen in conversation with The Open University
Explore the OU’s Cultural Idioms Guide
From blunk to brickfielder: our wonderful words for weather
Digital body language – how to communicate better online
Coinages that changed the world – and some that tried to...
Ittibitium, borborygmus, and Ba humbugi – 14 wonderful science words you’ve never heard of
Smiley face: Seven things you didn't know about emoji
The funny words that kids invent
Podcast
![]()
Word of Mouth
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them













