Кращі подкасти про Word History (2024)

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258 Christmas Spirit 30:52

7h ago30:52

30:52

It's that time of year! Shauna and Dan deep dive into the holiday phrase, Christmas Spirit. The feeling, not the ghosts. Bonus: Curmudgeonly old men, spirits pitching the Christmas spirit, and the great bagel vs donut debate. Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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67. Television 14:45

3d ago14:45

14:45

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 s…

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257 Third Time's the Charm 31:19

7d ago31:19

31:19

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, "Third Time's the Charm". Dan finally connects the dots on some similar phrases, too. Bonus: Existential dread, sandwich annihilation, and quilt-making in a weekend. Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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66. British Empire 16:06

10d ago16:06

16:06

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 fa…

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256 Riding the Gravy Train 31:50

14d ago31:50

31:50

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65. Names: Style Icons 15:10

17d ago15:10

15:10

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 …

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255 Light Years Ahead 29:16

21d ago29:16

29:16

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase Light Years Ahead. Bonus: Science terms, surprise parties, and how to live your best life - through organizational development. Probably. Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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64. Pregnancy II 15:57

24d ago15:57

15:57

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…

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254 Hindsight is 2020 31:03

28d ago31:03

31:03

This week Shauna and Dan look back into the past to discover the origins of the phrase, Hindsight is 20/20. Bonus: Snellen Charts, Astronauts, and the Red Green Nation Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

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63. Cleaning 16:31

1M ago16:31

16:31

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 clean…

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253 Clear the Air 31:28

1M ago31:28

31:28

This week Shauna and Dan look into the phrase, 'Clear the Air' in both its literal and figurative forms. Bonus: Winds of truth, Dan's brilliance, and the little lies we tell Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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62. Justice 15:51

1M ago15:51

15:51

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 exam…

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252 Skeleton in the Closet 34:16

1M ago34:16

34:16

This week Shauna and Dan explore the Skeleton in the Closet, sometimes known as the Skeleton in the Cupboard. Bonus: Gravestone battles, Jazz music, and literal skeletons in cupboards. Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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61. Contradicting Meanings II 13:40

2M ago13:40

13:40

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 transformati…

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251 All Roads Lead to Rome 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

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60. Names: Pop Queens 16:17

2M ago16:17

16:17

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 bo…

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Mini Ep On Thin Ice 5:11

2M ago5:11

5:11

In a mini episode this week, Shauna and Dan discuss the word "ice" and briefly look at two icy idioms; On Thin Ice and Break the Ice. Copyright 2024 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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59. Death 14:11

2M ago14:11

14:11

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.…

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RETRO 146 Grandfather Clock 32:55

2M ago32:55

32:55

A lean, tall clock stops the moment its owner dies. Is it an episode of The Twilight Zone or the catalyst for the term "Grandfather Clock?" Bonus - The talent of Sam Lucas, plus Knickerbockers! Outro Song: My Grandfathers Clock by H.C. Work, Arranged and performed by Michael Pugh, Shauna Harrison, Dan Pugh. Originally Aired February 23, 2022 Copyri…

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58. Autumn/Fall 13:38

2M ago13:38

13:38

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…

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250 Cut of His Jib 33:42

2M ago33:42

33:42

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, "Cut of His Jib". We also find out what in the heck a 'jib' is! Bonus: Jack Tar, Abstract Diptychs, and Singing in the Shower Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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57. Soft Drinks 14:48

2M ago14:48

14:48

This episode traces the origins of soft drinks, many of which began life marketed as health remedies. We start with Joseph Priestley's discovery, which was crucial to the production of carbonated drinks. Learn how Coca-Cola got its name from its historic ingredients, and how Red Bull is a translation of a Thai beverage. The term seltzer traces back…

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249 Gift of Gab 31:51

3M ago31:51

31:51

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56. Shoes 14:31

3M ago14:31

14:31

This episode unlaces the origins of terms for different types of footwear. Plimsolls owe their name to a British politician, while sneakers got theirs from the idea of wearers sneaking around unnoticed. Persian soldiers inspired European nobles to adopt high heels, which were practical for standing in stirrups; the term stiletto, referring to a lon…

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248 When in Rome 32:10

3M ago32:10

32:10

This week Shauna and Dan delve into the phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Bonus: Dan pines for a Sister Act 3, Shauna steals coins from fountains, and Catholic Saints talk about when they should fast Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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55. Names: D 13:50

3M ago13:50

13:50

This episode explores the origins and meanings of names beginning with D. Dorothy shares its etymology with Theodore, both names implying their bearers are 'God's gift'. The surname Dior as seen in the brand Christian Dior, traces back to a French word that also gives us the 'D'Or' in the British ice cream brand Carte D'Or. Find out how names synon…

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247 John Doe 30:50

3M ago30:50

30:50

This week Shauna and Dan explore why we call an unknown person John Doe or Jane Doe. This has MUCH older history than we expected. Bonus: We yeet the Court Leet and Dan shows off his math skills Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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54. Ageing 15:00

3M ago15:00

15:00

In this episode, we get into the language of ageing, uncovering the surprising origins and histories behind words like geriatric, sage, pensioner and senior - a term originally used to distinguish fathers from their sons before taking on additional meanings. We also explore the darker side of language, revealing the connection between the word 'cro…

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246 Bees Knees 29:44

3M ago29:44

29:44

This week Shauna and Dan discover that Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast is the bee's knees! Or at least we think so. It turns out, these two words together have had many meanings over the years before turning into something great. Bonus: Babe Ruth, Alanis Morissette, and the answer to everyone's question: Do bee's even have knees? Copyright 202…

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245 Fish Out of Water 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

This week Shauna and Dan dive into the phrase, Fish Out of Water. Dan questions if Chaucer ever played Dungeons and Dragons, while Shauna geeks out over fish who can walk on land. Bonus: Picket Lines and the Joys of Retirement Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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53. Recap III 14:36

4M ago14:36

14:36

This podcast returns in September. In the meantime, take a listen to this recap featuring a mix of clips from past episodes. Remember to leave a rating or review.Leon Bailey-Green

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244 Talk is Cheap 31:58

4M ago31:58

31:58

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, Talk is Cheap. Spoiler: This phrase was not coined by P.T. Barnum, despite the Internet's insistence to the contrary. Bonus: Vulgar Tongues, Singers & their bands, and Bacon desserts Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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52. Recap II 15:26

4M ago15:26

15:26

This podcast returns in September. In the meantime, take a listen to this recap featuring a mix of clips from past episodes. Remember to leave a rating or review.Leon Bailey-Green

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51. Recap I 14:49

4M ago14:49

14:49

This podcast returns in September. In the meantime, take a listen to this recap featuring a mix of clips from past episodes. Remember to leave a rating or review.Leon Bailey-Green

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243 Save My Bacon 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

This week Shauna and Dan do their diligence to find out how to "Save My Bacon". Bonus: Bugbears, Budget Strategies, and controversial takes on what Country has the best bacon Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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50. Thank You 15:32

4M ago15:32

15:32

This podcast is celebrating its first anniversary, thank you for listening and subscribing. In this episode, we explore the etymology of expressions of gratitude, tracing the origins of words like thanks, grateful, blessed and applaud. Clapping is a common gesture of appreciation, but the word clap also has a secondary meaning related to infection.…

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242 Keeping Up With the Joneses 32:00

4M ago32:00

32:00

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase "Keeping Up With the Joneses". Along the way your hosts ponder what massive changes must happen in a 100 year life span and who would play Dan in a movie about his life. Bonus: An anthropologist talks sociologyShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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49. Musical Instruments 13:48

5M ago13:48

13:48

This episode gets into the origins of musical instrument names, from the guitar and ukulele to the harmonica, saxophone, drum and more. Learn how the saxophone got its name from its inventor, whose surname, Sax, is locational, tracing to Saxony. The Theremin is another instrument named after its creator. Discover Benjamin Franklin's surprising conn…

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241 Black Sheep 32:03

5M ago32:03

32:03

This week Shauna and Dan discover why someone would be the black sheep of a family. Warning: Dan knows absolutely nothing about sheep. And it shows. Copyright 2024 All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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48. Pharmaceuticals 16:06

5M ago16:06

16:06

This episode uncovers etymology related to the pharmaceutical industry. Learn how Ozempic and Tylenol got their names, as well as pharmaceutical giants like Roche and Pfizer. Pfizer, for instance, is an occupational surname rooted in a Latin word meaning "baker". Find out how a male enhancement drug might be named after a Sanskrit word meaning "tig…

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47. Summer 15:58

5M ago15:58

15:58

In this episode, we uncover the origins of words related to the summer season, such as sweltering, holiday, barbecue and scorching. Learn about the dahlia, a flower of the British summer season, named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, who shares a surname with the famous author Roald Dahl. The name means "valley" with the English variant being "d…

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RETRO 78 Heads Will Roll 27:47

5M ago27:47

27:47

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase "Heads Will Roll" featuring blood-lusting kings, murderous queens, and tyrannical dictators. Bonus: William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, and Beetlejuice. Copyright 2024 by The Readiness Corner, LLC - All Rights ReservedShauna Harrison, Dan Pugh

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46. Names: Royalty 15:55

5M ago15:55

15:55

This episode explores the origins and meanings of names popular with royalty. Discover why the nickname of a 10th century Nordic king lives on in the 20th century technology term Bluetooth. Learn how the name Harry, a pet form of Henry, traces back to the French pronunciation during the Middle English period. We also look into the ancient Greek roo…

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RETRO 57 Acknowledge the Corn and other American Civil War Slang 32:00

5M ago32:00

32:00

RETRO This week Shauna and Dan travel to Gettysburg to explore Civil War slang. They Acknowledge the Corn after they try to come the gum game, all while staying fit as a fiddle so they can see the elephant. BONUS: Learn how hardtack was like twinkies! #BunnyTrails Originally Aired August 7, 2019 Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved…

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45. Sleep 16:17

5M ago16:17

16:17

This episode gets into the origins of sleep-related terminology. Starting with how synonyms for sleep such as rest, nap, slumber and ZZZs entered the English language, we explain a theory as to why it's "forty winks" instead of twenty, thirty or fifty. Learn why the Old English word for snore is connected to rooting for someone to win, and why Aust…

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240 Reach Across the Aisle 32:28

6M ago32:28

32:28

This week Shauna and Dan explore the phrase, Reach Across the Aisle. Dan says it might be the most boring origin story they've ever done - seating charts. There's also a similar phrase in the United Kingdom. Bonus: Taylor Swift, Rock Churches, and one guy who watched 1,413 hours of the US House of Representatives meetings. Oof. Copyright 2024 All R…

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44. Landmarks 15:51

6M ago15:51

15:51

In this episode, we explore the stories behind the names of some of the world's most iconic landmarks and the etymology of the words used. We examine Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Gherkin, Burj Khalifa and more. Also uncovered are the origins and meanings of the names of architects associated with …

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RETRO 135 Cool as a Cucumber 35:48

6M ago35:48

35:48

RETRO: Shauna and Dan take a cool drink of gourd water this week as they explore the phrase Cool as a Cucumber. We learn Dan abhors cucumbers unless they've been drowned in vinegar and he dislikes some of the previous words for cucumbers. It seems some old-timey folks disliked them, too. Bonus discussion: is cereal a soup? Copyright 2024 by The Rea…

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43. Corporate Giants 16:18

6M ago16:18

16:18

This time we're looking into the origins of global corporations, exploring the etymology of their brand names and uncovering snippets of their histories. Some corporate names are derived from everyday words (Microsoft, Apple, Shell) and others from their founders' names (Audi, JP Morgan, Toyota). Learn why a payment provider's name also means trave…

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239 Horseshoes and Hand Grenades 32:20

6M ago32:20

32:20

This week Shauna and Dan look at the phrase, "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades", which is way more modern than Dan thought. Also, Shauna points out Clydesdale horses bring their own Ugg boots to the party, while Dan notes that trebuchets are the superior siege engines. Bonus: Shippy Shippers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for the…

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