# How many people is a 'troop'? Why spelling bees are called 'bees.'

An episode of [Grammar Girl](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/173429229), 19 May 2026, 15 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/69c1476c007cdcf83fc0964b/e/6a038735ece5b71f1f9a186e/media.mp3

1186. This week, we look at why the word "troops" is surprisingly ambiguous and what style guides say about using it to refer to individual service members. Then, we look at why spelling bees are called "bees" and explore fun bee-related phrases like "a bee in your bonnet," "make a beeline," and "put the bee on someone." 🔗 Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗 Share your familect recording in Speakpipe or by leaving a voicemail at 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses. 🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter. 🔗 Find an edited transcript. 🔗 Get Grammar Girl books. | HOST: Mignon Fogarty | Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. • Audio Engineer: Castria Communications • Director of Podcast: Holly Hutchings • Advertising Operations Specialist: Morgan Christianson • Marketing and Video: Nat Hoopes, Rebekah Sebastian • Podcast Associate: Maram Elnagheeb | Theme music by Catherine Rannus. | Grammar Girl Social Media: YouTube. TikTok. Facebook. Threads. Instagram. LinkedIn. Mastodon. Bluesky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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