• 62. Justice
    Nov 3 2024

    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.

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    16 mins
  • 61. Contradicting Meanings II
    Oct 27 2024

    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".

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    14 mins
  • 60. Names: Pop Queens
    Oct 20 2024

    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.

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    16 mins
  • 59. Death
    Oct 13 2024

    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.

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    14 mins
  • 58. Autumn/Fall
    Oct 6 2024

    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.

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    14 mins
  • 57. Soft Drinks
    Sep 29 2024

    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 to a German region, while the terms pop and fizz have more straightforward, if not obvious, etymologies. We also explore how the names Lucozade, Vimto, Irn-Bru and Dasani came about.

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    15 mins
  • 56. Shoes
    Sep 22 2024

    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 long heel, traces back to an Italian word for a dagger. Find out why sandals have nothing to do with sand, and uncover the roots of the phrase 'shoe on the other foot'.

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    15 mins
  • 55. Names: D
    Sep 15 2024

    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 synonymous with pop culture - Drake, Dua, Dakota, and Demi - came to be.

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    14 mins