Word Journeys: An Etymology Podcast

Word Journeys is a podcast about etymology and the surprising stories behind the origins of English words. English is constantly evolving and the meanings of words are always shifting. In each episode, we take words united by a common theme and explore how they made their way into English and the historical circumstances which shaped their definitions. For more information or to contact us, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com. If you would like to contribute to the show and want to see the perks associated with that, visit our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/wordjourneyspodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Episode 15: Homeric Word Journeys

June 16, 2019 • 27 mins

Dallas is joined by Bill Beck to discuss some Homeric etymologies. We take a look at English words which have their origin in character or creature names from the Ancient Greek poems the Iliad and the Odyssey, and explore how and why some minor characters have rich etymological afterlives.

Word List: hector, siren, mentor, pander, stentorian, python, odyssey

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Episode 14: Mapping Out The Sky

January 13, 2019 • 25 mins

In this episode all about constellations there are etymologies to your heart’s desire. You’ll find stories involving manuscript errors, learn how celestial navigation works, encounter exotic and fantastical creatures, and learn what selenography is in this episode about English words written in the stars.

Word List: consider, desire, disaster, mazel, arctic, pole, cynosure, zodiac, tropical, zenith, nadir, Beetlejuice

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Episode 13: Holy Oil

December 16, 2018 • 16 mins

In our first holiday episode, we discover the ultimate origin of the word “Christmas,” along with other words originating from religious holy oil. Then, we use the holiday as an excuse to explore many modern “oily” words.

Word List: Christmas, Christ, Christian, cream, Kris Kringle, anoint, ointment, unguent, unctuous, preen, oil, menthol, gasoline, linoleum, aioli, petroleum, vaseline, latke

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Episode 12: Land of Black Earth

November 20, 2018 • 15 mins

This episode contains two stories about Egypt. The first involves Egypt’s connection to alchemy, and we explore English words derived from that scientific tradition. The second concerns the Romani people, and words that have come about in attempts to pinpoint their geographical origin.

Word List: Egypt, Coptic, alchemy, chemistry, panacea, elixir, algorithm, algebra, gypsy, bohemian, flamenco

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Episode 11: You Have Syphilis - Take a Pamphlet!

November 20, 2018 • 16 mins

We look into the unique history of the word “syphilis” and trace its origin to a character in a Renaissance poem (involving parrots and Atlantis!). Plus, a story about how a comic lover led to an important word in the history of printing.

Word List: syphilis, venereal, pamphlet

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Episode 10: Jewish Onomastics

July 23, 2018 • 65 mins

In the final episode of season one, Dallas is joined by Ruben Post to discuss Jewish names and naming practices in various times and places, ranging from the Hellenistic Period to the Holy Roman Empire and all the way up to Zionist movement. We discuss many etymologies, translations, and calques, and dive into the specific historical moments which generated many Jewish surnames that are prevalent today. For more information, visit ...

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Episode 9: Two Birds with One Brick

July 1, 2018 • 19 mins

We discuss how two bird calls became incorporated into Latin as bird names, which then led to many interesting English derivatives. Plus, we discuss onomatopoeia, talking birds, and a word derived from ancient Egyptian. Word List: jay, cajole, gazette, popinjay, parrot, parakeet, dupe, gullible, adobe. For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com or follow us on twitter at @WordJour...

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Episode 8: An Episode About Nothing

May 27, 2018 • 18 mins

We discuss the word “zero” - its origin, its importance, and some other English words that mean “zero” (with a Game of Thrones reference!). Word List: zero, cipher, null, naught, nix, naughty, aught, wight, tariff. For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com or email us at wordjourneyspodcast@gmail.com.

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Episode 7: A Study in Scarlet

May 6, 2018 • 18 mins

We dive into the etymology for certain shades of red and discuss the common element that unites them all. It turns out to be an important and long-standing element of global trade, appearing in many places and influencing many different languages. For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com. Word List: cinnabar, kermes, crimson, cocoon, vermilion, scarlet, cochineal, ingrained, hop...

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Episode 6: Horse Hodgepodge

April 15, 2018 • 18 mins

We look at the legacy of Latin words for horses and cows, and how the evolving use of these animals over time led to new societal roles and new words. Plus, we discuss Vulgar Latin and a special kind of cowboy. Word List: vulgar, chivalry, cavalry, cavalier, palfrey, zebra, hippopotamus, vaccine, hackamore, cowboy, buckaroo, bronco, mustang, chaps, paniolo. For a list of sources or to contact us, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com.<...

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Episode 5: And a Bottle of Rum!

March 20, 2018 • 18 mins

A look at different theories for the origin of the word “rum,” which takes us to Britain, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Plus, an etymology originating with rum production in Alaska. Word List: rum, taffy, toffee, hooch, proof, groggy. For more information or for a list of sources, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com.