Etymoleon - Word History, The Etymology Podcast. podcast

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Menambahkan two tahun yang lalu

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Tinfoil Swans

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June Rodil and the Cove Beneath the Comforter 56:27

5 hari yang lalu56:27

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56:27

Houston-based sommelier and restaurateur June Rodil shares her journey from an immigrant kid decoding American culture through Babysitters Club books to becoming a hospitality visionary redefining what it means to serve with empathy. She opens up about fitting in, parental pressure, what Waffle House and Olive Garden taught her about hospitality, and the quiet refuge she finds beneath the covers when the world gets too loud. Learn more at: https://www.foodandwine.com/tinfoil-swans-podcast-s3-ep30-june-rodil-and-the-cove-beneath-the-comforter-11850897 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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Word History is a weekly 15 minute etymology podcast by Etymoleon, dedicated to uncovering the history behind words and names. Each episode unveils the journey of words and their connections to various languages such as Old English, Ancient Greek, Latin, Old French, Proto-Germanic and many more. Episodes also highlight historical events related to the topic and terms explored.
Earlier episodes were just the beginning, start with later episodes for the best takes on word, name and historical origins.

New episodes every Sunday.

If you like etymology try Derivety, a daily word game by Etymoleon. Can you guess the word from the meaning of its origin? Play now at https://derivety.com.

Get in touch with Etymoleon at https://etymoleon.com.

102 episode

#History #Leon Bailey-Green #Etymology #Word #Linguistics

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

11 subscribers

updated 7 hari yang lalu

Beranda serial•Feed

New episodes every Sunday.

If you like etymology try Derivety, a daily word game by Etymoleon. Can you guess the word from the meaning of its origin? Play now at https://derivety.com.

Get in touch with Etymoleon at https://etymoleon.com.

102 episode

#History #Leon Bailey-Green #Etymology #Word #Linguistics

همه قسمت ها

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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102. Manifesting 14:33

7 hari yang lalu14:33

14:33

This time we're looking at words connected to the art of manifesting, tracing the origins of terms like abundance, affirmation and visualise. To describe what we sense from a person but can't see, we turn to words such as vibe, aura and energy, the last of which comes from the ancient Greek ergon, meaning work, a root shared with ergonomic and synergy. Some words run counter to the idea of manifesting, like doubt, which may stem from the Latin word for two, suggesting a mind pulled in two directions, and worry, which once had a far darker meaning in early English. The episode also looks at terms of cause and effect, including karma, comeuppance and just deserts.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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101. Veganism 16:05

21 hari yang lalu16:05

16:05

This podcast returns mid-November 2025. This time we're looking into the etymologies of vegan related terms, beginning with the history of the Vegan Society and the roots of other dietary labels such as pescetarian and the more recent reducetarian. Soya beans take their name from the sauce, not the other way around, and Quorn, the brand name for a mycoprotein product, has an unexpected historical link to fox hunting. There's also a linguistic connection between the words plant and clan, a part of the brain shares its etymology with a nut used as a milk substitute, and one type of mushroom owes its name to a marketing campaign aimed at boosting its appeal.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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100. Anglosphere 15:53

28 hari yang lalu15:53

15:53

This episode looks at the differences between varieties of English across the Anglosphere, examining the origins of words that vary from place to place. Learn where the words trousers and pants come from, why thongs might refer to footwear or underwear, and whether you'd use a stroller or a pram depending on where you live. Discover how courgette and zucchini share the same linguistic root, as do arugula and rocket. The episode also uncovers the origins of nicknames like Yank, Pom and Limey, and how they came to describe people from different parts of the English speaking world.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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99. Lies 14:41

5 weeks yang lalu14:41

14:41

This time we're tracing the etymology of words tied to lies and deceit, beginning with research into how children learn, or fail, to tell untruths, and a look at words of honesty such as blunt and authentic, the latter etymologically meaning 'self doing'. Fake and bogus grew out of criminal slang, with bogus first referring to a machine that produced counterfeit coins. Charlatan describes someone full of empty talk, and its origins may be more obvious to Spanish speakers, much like Irish speakers might recognise how phony connects to a jewellery scam. The origin of Pinocchio's name is right in front of us, and an ancient story has left us with a phrase that still warns against lying today.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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98. Names: Soap Characters 15:42

6 weeks yang lalu15:42

15:42

This episode looks at surname origins through the lens of television soap operas, beginning with why these dramas are called soaps and how the conglomerate P&G remains involved in producing them. Some familiar family names point back to professions, with Archer and Fletcher tied to archery and another linked to roofing. British soap EastEnders is famous for tangled family ties, including two characters who at different times have been step-siblings, step-parent and step-son, and in-laws. A surname they both shared is often assumed to be patronymic from Michael, though an Old English root suggests its origin could have a different story. The episode also traces the origins of other well known soap surnames, including Ewing, Brady, Colby, Barlow and Platt.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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97. Sugar 16:00

7 weeks yang lalu16:00

16:00

This episode traces the language of sugar and sweetness, from the Arabic roots of the word sugar to the names of modern artificial sweeteners. Discover how accidents in the lab led to the discovery of saccharin, sucralose and aspartame, and how aspartame is linked to asparagus. Follow the shared origin of mead, the ancient honey-based drink, Miod, the Polish word for honey, and the name Maeve. Learn how syrup joined sugar in passing through Arabic into English and the likely origin behind the term 'sugar daddy'. Also covered are the etymologies of diabetes, glucose and insulin.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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96. Smells 15:34

8 weeks yang lalu15:34

15:34

This episode uncovers the surprising histories of fragrant words. Many, including perfume, incense and bakhoor, trace back to roots connected with smoke and fumes. Eau de toilette may seem like an odd name for something sprayed on the body, but the history of the word toilet makes it clearer. Equally unexpected is potpourri, which goes back to a term meaning rotten pot. Find out why the number 5 became the name of the century's most iconic fragrance and the story behind the naming of the Marc Jacobs perfume line. We also look at the name origins of popular essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree, the latter with distinctly Australian roots.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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95. Contradicting Meanings III 14:24

9 weeks yang lalu14:24

14:24

This episode looks at words that contradict themselves, carrying opposite meanings at once or shifting dramatically over time. Manufacturing suggests mass production today, yet it comes from Latin meaning 'made by hand'. A model can be an unfinished prototype or a finished ideal, while mistress carries both admiration and scandal. Execute traces back to a Latin root meaning, 'to follow', but does it mean to begin or to kill? Is supporting someone holding them up or holding them down? And why do alarms go off when on seems more logical?…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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94. Italian Cuisine 14:44

17 weeks yang lalu14:44

14:44

This podcast returns in September 2025. This time we're tracing the origins of Italian sauce, pasta, pizza and dish names. There are various theories as to why puttanesca shares its name with an Italian word for 'a woman of ill repute', but the etymology of ragù, which is linguistically connected to the word disgusting, is more straightforward. Ciabatta may appear traditional, but it was actually created in the 1980s, and its name is linked to feet. Surprisingly, lasagne might have English roots; a layered pasta and cheese dish called Loseyns appears in a 14th-century English cookbook. Find out why pineapple-and-ham pizza is called Hawaiian, and how the mozzarella, tomato and basil combination came to be named Margherita. Also featured are the origins of pasta names including pappardelle, tagliatelle, farfalle and cannelloni. Check out Mahabis for stylish slippers, sandals and trainers: https://mahabis.com/…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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93. Names: F 14:16

18 weeks yang lalu14:16

14:16

This episode traces the meanings and origins of names beginning with F, through the lens of historical figures connected to mythology, politics, innovation and the beauty industry. Falguni Nayar, the billionaire founder of India's largest beauty e-commerce platform, has a name rooted in time, like May, Autumn or Sunday. Freya, now a popular baby name in England and Wales, is tied to a Norse goddess and shares linguistic roots with German and Dutch terms for women. Also explored are the names of political figures such as Fatima Jinnah, Fania Mindell and Fidel Castro, whose Latin-derived name means faithful. The episode also looks into the etymologies of Forseti, Ferdinand and Florence.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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92. Assumptions 13:43

19 weeks yang lalu13:43

13:43

This episode looks at terms connected to making assumptions, starting with the often-cited origin of the phrase "when you assume, you make an ass out of u/you and me". The word bias originally referred to a diagonal line, while projection comes from roots meaning to throw forward. Occam’s Razor is a principle that favours the simplest explanation, and Simpson’s Paradox highlights how data can be misleading. The episode also examines how mistaken assumptions about animals gave rise to expressions like 'seeing red' and 'wise as an owl'.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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91. Tabloids 14:28

20 weeks yang lalu14:28

14:28

This episode looks into the language of tabloid journalism, starting with the surprising pharmaceutical origins of the word tabloid itself. The British Daily Mail and Daily Mirror were the first newspapers to adopt the format, offering condensed news in both style and content. They were both founded by Alfred Harmsworth. Find out why gossip is called "tea", how the word gossip has roots in godparents, and why press photographers came to be known as paparazzi. Also examined are the origins of terms for sources of information, including snitch, rat and whistleblower.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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90. Independence 15:11

21 weeks yang lalu15:11

15:11

This time we're looking at terms related to independence and free will, as Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day. The episode opens with a brief look at the events leading to America's break from Britain, followed by the origins of words like declaration, independent and sovereign. We also look at countries such as Sri Lanka, Belize and Zimbabwe, which changed their names after gaining greater independence. Belize's former British name came via Spanish and referenced the surrounding waters. Learn how the word bondage is related to husband, and uncover the unexpected linguistic connection between defying convention and dentistry.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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89. Eateries 15:07

22 weeks yang lalu15:07

15:07

This episode traces the origins of words for the places we eat, from the soupy history that gave us restaurant to the unknown roots of bistro, which entered English in the early 20th century, and brasserie, with its connection to beer. Discover the links between parlours and politicians, and how the word batch has its origins in baking. Find out why a military dining area is called a mess, and how buffet is tied to furniture. You'll also learn the meaning behind Mixue, the Chinese bubble tea chain that has overtaken McDonald's in outlet numbers, and the cultural confusion that gave us the phrase 'Going Dutch'.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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88. Espionage 15:59

23 weeks yang lalu15:59

15:59

This time we're uncovering the origins of espionage-related terms, from bug, alias, and surveillance to eavesdrop and secret, tracing how they entered the English language (and words they are related to). Staying under the radar is a classic spy skill - the word radar began as an acronym for radio detecting and ranging. Discover why James Bond's watch of choice is named Omega, and learn about the earlier names and organisations that eventually became MI5 and the CIA, the British and American intelligence services. Also explored are the English terms that shares linguistic roots with the French jeu de cache-cache and the Spanish el escondite, both names for the childhood game hide and seek.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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72. Corporate Giants II: Digital Disruptors 15:31

41 weeks yang lalu15:31

15:31

In this episode we find out how digital disruptors got their names. From booking travel and managing money to exchanging clothing and finding partners, these websites and apps are at the forefront of innovation. Depop's name was first intended for a music blog, while eBay began its journey as AuctionWeb. Venmo's name stems from a playful twist on a Latin word and Monzo turned to its social media followers when it needed to rebrand. Also explored are the name origins of Lyft, Starling, VRBO and Uber.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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71. Fancy Words 15:45

42 weeks yang lalu15:45

15:45

This episode uncovers fancy words that can add a touch of flair to your vocabulary. The word sanguine derives from a term meaning blood; Find out how it came to describe an optimistic disposition and its connection to the concept of senses of humour. Explore the origins of uplifting words like effulgent, ebullient and felicific, alongside the more sombre lugubrious. Listen to learn the meanings of quixotic, heteroclite and incongruent.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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70. Skincare 15:24

43 weeks yang lalu15:24

15:24

This time, we're peeling back the layers of skincare etymology. Discover the connection between salicylic acid and aspirin, and the sweet origins of glycolic acid. Iconic skincare brands like Nivea, Olay and Vaseline have stood the test of time. Nivea's name hints at the product's colour, while Vaseline's name blends German and Greek words.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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69. Pigs 13:44

44 weeks yang lalu13:44

13:44

This episode goes whole hog into the language of pigs, exploring the origins of terms like hog, farrow, shoat and boar. Discover why a gilt isn't just a government bond, and how an old word for the back of the knee gave us ham. Another pork-based joint traces its name to the French word for leg. Learn about the mix-up that sparked rumours of hot dogs containing canine meat, the difference between British and American pigs in blankets and how the Latin word scrofa, meaning pig, inspired the name of a disease.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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68. Christmas Gifts 15:23

49 weeks yang lalu15:23

15:23

This time, we're unwrapping etymology through the history of Christmas gifting. The word gift in both English and German comes from the same root, though in German it evolved to mean poison. Must-have toys often cause a frenzy, like Teletubbies and Tickle Me Elmo, with the word frenzy tracing back to an ancient Greek word that also gave us frenetic and schizophrenia. Chocolate advent calendars only became popular in the 1990s; the term advent derives from a Latin term meaning to come. Listen for the history of holiday gifting and the legend behind stockings by the fireplace. This podcast returns in January 2025.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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67. Television 14:50

50 weeks yang lalu14:50

14:50

In this episode, we tune in to the origins of television terms. TV broadcasts date back to the late 1920s, but the first remote control, a wired device called the "lazy bones", arrived in the 1950s. The phrase "jump the shark" originated from an episode of Happy Days in the 1970s, though it only gained popularity two decades later. The word binge started as Midlands (England) slang meaning to soak in water, evolving to mean over-drinking, and eventually extended to doing anything to excess, hence the term binge-watching.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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66. British Empire 16:12

51 weeks yang lalu16:12

16:12

This time, we're going around the world of words tied to the British Empire, from terms of governance like dominion, protectorate and territory to words describing those settling new lands, such as coloniser, imperialist and conquistador. Discover how Australia, Jamaica, Pakistan, Trinidad and America got their names, and learn about the English father-son duo behind the place names of Dalhousie across empire territories. Also explored is the link between the words pioneer and pawn, both tracing back to an Old French term meaning foot soldier. Plus, learn how many convicts were sent to the penal colony of Australia and the origins of the word penal.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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65. Names: Style Icons 15:15

52 weeks yang lalu15:15

15:15

This episode uncovers the etymologies behind the names of style icons from screen, stage, catwalk and beyond. Looking into Karl Lagerfeld's last name reveals the reason we call beer lager, while a cabaret song inspired Coco Chanel's iconic moniker. Lenny Kravitz's surname traces back to Slavic roots, and Rihanna's name has roots in either Welsh or Arabic. Grace Kelly's name was popularised by the Puritans, and Naomi Campbell's means pleasant. Listen for the name meanings of Audrey, Bowie, Twiggy, Armani and Bjork.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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64. Pregnancy II 16:02

1 year yang lalu16:02

16:02

This episode delivers the origins of words related to pregnancy. IVF is a common term today, but early media reports often used the phrase test tube baby, which predates the 1970s when in-vitro fertilisation first emerged. Discover how the term folic, for the B vitamin, connects to the word for leaves, and why preeclampsia traces back to an ancient Greek word meaning light. We also explore pregnancy signs, including the components of the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, and how ancient Egyptians developed tests using wheat and barley.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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63. Cleaning 16:36

1 year yang lalu16:36

16:36

In this episode, we scrub up the origins of cleaning-related words. The English towns of West Bromwich and Castle Bromwich share an etymology with a term for sweeping floors, while laundry has roots connected to lavatory. The phrase spick-and-span is believed to have nautical origins, just like the word squeegee. Learn who invented the vacuum cleaner, which was originally referred to a suction sweeper, and who bought the rights to it.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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62. Justice 15:56

1 year yang lalu15:56

15:56

This time, we're weighing the evidence behind the origins of words related to justice. The word dock is thought to trace back to a term for a chicken coop, while the Latin root of innocent links to the word noxious. Discover why we use the term panel for both jurors and conference speakers, and how adjourned is connected diary entries. We also examine the etymological roots of professional terms like attorney, lawyer and barrister.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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61. Contradicting Meanings II 13:45

1 year yang lalu13:45

13:45

This episode is all about words that are their own opposites. Clip can mean both to trim and to attach, while refrain can mean to hold back or to repeat something endlessly. We also explore words that have flipped meanings over time; egregious once meant remarkably good, but now means shockingly bad, and villain has undergone a similar transformation. Plus, we explore the paradoxical phrase "I'm lying right now".…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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60. Names: Pop Queens 16:22

1 year yang lalu16:22

16:22

This time, we're hitting all the right notes as we explore the origins and meanings of names through the lens of female singers. Shania Twain, Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette share a distant relative, but only one of them carries a version of his surname. Kylie became a popular name in Australia, inspired by an Indigenous Australian word for a boomerang, while Beyoncé's name may trace back to the French word bois, meaning wood. We also uncover the fascinating origins of the names Ariana, Cher, Dolly and Melanie.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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59. Death 14:17

1 year yang lalu14:17

14:17

In this episode, we dig deep into the grave origins of words related to death. The term eulogy comes from ancient Greek and etymologically translates to 'good words' while euthanasia means 'good death'. An executor ensures that the wishes in a will are fulfilled, deriving from a Latin word meaning 'to follow', which also gives us the word sequence. Discover the surprising connection between cemetery and coma, and learn what popularised the idea of a bucket list.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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58. Autumn/Fall 13:44

1 year yang lalu13:44

13:44

This episode takes a look at the origins of autumn/fall related terms, from harvest and foliage to Halloween and the months September, October and November. Find out why the school year starts in September, when fireworks became an autumn tradition, and what was originally burned in bonfires. We also explore the autumnal colours of ochre, amber and maroon.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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87. Biblical 14:49

24 weeks yang lalu14:49

14:49

This episode takes a look at terms and phrases that trace back to biblical roots. To "wash your hands of something/someone" has origins linked to the crucifixion, while a commonly misquoted phrase about money also comes from the Bible. Ancient towns mentioned in biblical texts have given rise to modern English terms (one of which remains controversial), and a queen's name has become a label for an immoral woman. The word missionary refers to spreading the word of God, and its more adult meaning surprisingly stems from the same origin. Listen to learn how the term scapegoat originates from a religious ritual involving real goats.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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86. Names: Sayings 15:46

25 weeks yang lalu15:46

15:46

This episode looks at the origins of names used in common sayings, uncovering the theories behind how these phrases came about and tracing the names to their historical linguistic roots. Gordon Bennett is linked to the son of a newspaper entrepreneur, while Flash Harry may have been inspired by a well-known conductor. The phrase Bob's your uncle could have ties to a popular music hall song from the early 20th century. Jack the Lad refers to a real historical figure whose reckless lifestyle led to an early demise — find out how Jack became a familiar form of the name John. A saintly person might be playfully called Mother Teresa; listen to uncover the meaning behind her real birth name.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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85. Big 15:43

27 weeks yang lalu15:43

15:43

This episode is all about size, tracing the origins of words related to 'bigness' such as massive, monumental, enormous and gigantic. Discover how gargantuan and Brobdingnagian have literary beginnings, and how juggernaut and jumbo are thought to stem from Indian and West African rituals. Learn why the word for aubergine differs across regions, with Americans calling it eggplant, and hear about the largest one on record weighing in at nearly 4 kilograms. Also explored are the roots of terms used to describe larger body types, including portly, voluptuous, buxom and chubby.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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84. Colours 16:34

28 weeks yang lalu16:34

16:34

This time we're tracing the origins of colour names and the terms and phrases linked to them. Learn how conditions like grapheme-colour synesthesia, where people associate letters or numbers with colours, and tetrachromacy, the ability to see a wider range of colours, got their names. Discover how colour terms like turquoise, taupe, maroon, indigo and orange entered the language, why green screen is becoming an anachronistic term, and how Queen Victoria played a role in popularising white wedding dresses, alongside other influences. Also featured are the origins of the expressions 'paint the town red' and 'red herring'.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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83. Superstitions 15:31

29 weeks yang lalu15:31

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This episode uncovers supposed origins of well-known superstitions, along with the histories of the words tied to them. One story suggests the tradition of hanging a horseshoe above a door for good luck stems from a run-in with the devil, while the belief that breaking a mirror brings bad luck may go back to Roman ideas about reflections revealing the soul. Learn why the number 13 came to be feared, and why 666 might not be as ominous as is often thought. Also traced are the etymologies of words like talisman, charm, folklore and the phrase old wives' tales.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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82. Fish & Chips | Who Smarted: Who Invented Ketchup? 29:17

30 weeks yang lalu29:17

29:17

This time, we're taking a deep-fried dive into the origins of words tied to fish and chips, the beloved British dish dating back to the 19th century. Discover how 'fish' follows the same linguistic pattern as 'foot' and 'ford' with their Latin derived counterparts starting with 'P' - pescare, piede and port. Learn about the history behind abstaining from meat on Fridays, why the word 'batter' shares roots with a power cell, and how a flatfish connects to a town square. Plus, hear the story of the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish (and its rivalry with a tropical fruit), and the sauce named after an ethnic group. This episode concludes with 'Who Invented Ketchup?', an episode of the Who Smarted podcast. https://whosmarted.com/…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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81. Art | ArtMuse: Elizabeth Siddall 23:46

32 weeks yang lalu23:46

23:46

This episode reveals the etymology behind art-related terms, tracing words like draw, sketch, mural, canvas and sepia to their origins. Discover how 'canvas' shares an etymology with a drug, how 'pastel' links to pasta, and why an easel is connected to a donkey. We also uncover the name meanings and origins of iconic artist names like Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, whose full name is surprisingly long. The episode concludes with an excerpt from the ArtMuse podcast, telling the story of Elizabeth Siddall, a 19th century artist and model. Find the ArtMuse podcast: Online: https://www.artmusepodcast.com/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artmuse/id1666669080 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Czv1RuVGJQBimVCyCO19a Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artmuse3717…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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80. Names: Novels & Theatre 14:30

33 weeks yang lalu14:30

14:30

This episode traces the origins of names from classic novels and theatre plays, uncovering the stories behind characters and their creators. You may not recognise the name Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, but you'll know his pen name, which was crafted from variants of his own. Learn the likely reason Oscar Wilde chose the name Dorian for his character, how the name Macbeth is linked to an alcoholic beverage, and how Ophelia connects to a mosquito. Also explored are the surname origins of characters from Jane Austen stories, including Darcy, Ferrars, Bennet and Price.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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79. Animals 15:33

34 weeks yang lalu15:33

15:33

This episode traces the origins of animal names, from the orangutan, whose name has nothing to do with its fur colour, to the pangolin, named for its ability to curl into a ball. Discover the etymology behind mythical human-animal hybrids like the minotaur, werewolf and mermaid, as well as how names like Rachel, Callum, Arthur and Ursula have animal-inspired roots. Plus, uncover the surprising histories behind phrases like 'let the cat out of the bag' and' curry favour', the latter of which has equine origins and no connection to Indian cuisine. Until April 10th 2025, get 15% off animal-themed socks at Bare Kind, a company that donates a portion of its profits to animal conservation organisations. Minimum purchase £20. Use the code Etymoleon15 at checkout: https://barekind.co.uk/…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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78. Money 16:49

35 weeks yang lalu16:49

16:49

This time we're tracing the origins of money-related terms, uncovering their connections to history. Learn how the word dollar links back to a Czech town and the alternative names once considered for Australia's currency. The story of money stretches from cattle used in trade to seashells as early currency, leading to the rise of coins and the introduction of paper money in 17th-century Europe. Listen to discover the 900-year-old tradition that helped bacon become slang for money and the significance behind the Barclays bank eagle. This episode includes a message from Gabrielle Birchak, the voice behind the Math! Science! History! podcast: https://mathsciencehistory.com/podcast/…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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77. Comedy 13:57

36 weeks yang lalu13:57

13:57

This episode looks at the origins of words linked to comedy, tracing the etymology behind terms like fun, amuse, slapstick, wit and giggle. Discover why humour and humid share a Latin root meaning wetness, and which two English words correspond to the elements of schadenfreude. Teasing first referred to separating fibres before extending to provoking people (eventually in a playful way). Plus, find out how religious plays gave rise to the word farce.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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76. Diseases & Disorders | History Daily: Spanish Flu 30:32

37 weeks yang lalu30:32

30:32

This episode explores how diseases and disorders came to be named after people and places, tracing the origins of surnames, locations and the medical discoveries. Learn how Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Tourette's and Crohn's became part of medical terminology, and why Lyme, Ebola and Marburg are forever linked to illness. Plus, hear about the first reported case of the Spanish Flu in March 1918, in an episode from the History Daily podcast. Listen to the History Daily podcast: https://www.historydaily.com…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

1
75. Biscuits/Cookies 13:55

38 weeks yang lalu13:55

13:55

Starting with why Americans call cookies what the British call biscuits, this episode unpacks the etymology of biscuit related terms. Classic British biscuits like custard creams, digestives, Jaffa cakes, Hobnobs and Jammie Dodgers all have stories behind their names. Discover why the Garibaldi was named after an Italian general and the Bourbon after a royal house.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

1
74. Names: E 14:07

39 weeks yang lalu14:07

14:07

This episode traces the meanings and origins of names beginning with E. The biblical Elias is related to Joel and Elliott, while Elizabeth has given us variations like Elspeth and Elsie. The name Enzo has two distinct linguistic roots, including as a diminutive of Heinz, which stems from a form of Henry. Nature inspired names include Eden, used for both boys and girls (listen to discover the ratio), and Elowen, which has Cornish origins. Learn which African country widely embraces the name Ebenezer and why a type of bread is called Ezekiel.…

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

1
73. Mythology 14:01

40 weeks yang lalu14:01

14:01

This episode gets into the mythological roots that are embedded in our everyday vocabulary. From narcissism to nemesis to Achilles' heel, the tales of ancient societies shapes the way we speak. Explore the stories of Prometheus, Odysseus and Sisyphus and their corresponding terms promethean, odyssey and sisyphean. The Ship of Theseus theory finds surprising modern parallels in 'Trigger's broom' from Only Fools and Horses and the changing line-up of the girl group Sugababes. Also featured is why the Midas touch became a curse and what it means to suffer from the Cassandra complex.…

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

Podcast Layak Disimak

Selamat datang di Player FM!

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

Mirip dengan Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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