Today: three pieces about alter egos, when your name - the words by which the world knows you - is replaced by another for particular purposes.

Part 1: Doe, a deer, a female deer; and also an unidentified corpse

How did John Doe come to be the name for a man, alive or dead, identity unknown or concealed in a legal matter? Strap in for a whirlwind ride into some frankly batshit centuries-old English law.

Part 2: My Wheel Self

At their first bout of the 2019 season, the London Roller Girls talk about how they chose their roller derby names - or why they chose to get rid of one. We also hear from Queersplaining’s Callie Wright, AKA Ursa Maim-Her.

Part 3: Cover Story

The 1930s and 40s were a golden age for detective fiction, which was also very popular and lucrative. (And good for your health!) Yet writing it was disreputable enough for authors to hide behind pseudonyms. Caroline Crampton of Shedunnit podcast explains why.

FYI: there is one swear in this episode.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:

The Allusionist’s 100th episode impends! If you’d like to celebrate this landmark with me, use phone voice memo or something record yourself saying the best thing you’ve learned about language from the Allusionist. Then email the recording to allusionistshow@gmail.com. Thanks!

*Speaking of J.K. Rowling: I’m on the latest episode of Potterless podcast, examining chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in detail. DETAILED detail. This episode is, somehow, only suitable for adults.

YOUR RANDOMLY SELECTED WORD FROM THE DICTIONARY:

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