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 For more information or to write in, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com or follow us on twitter at @WordJourneysPod. ...
Jun 17, 2019•28 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 For more information or to write in, please visit our website at www.wordjourn...
Jan 14, 2019•26 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 For more information or to write in, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com or follow u...
Dec 17, 2018•16 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com or follow...
Nov 20, 2018•16 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at www.wordjourneyspodcast.com or follow us on twitter at @WordJourneysPod. You can also visit our patreon at https://www.patreon.com/wordjourneyspodcast . H...
Nov 20, 2018•16 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 www.wordjourneyspodcast.com. To contribute or to order etymologic...
Jul 24, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 @WordJourneysPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
Jul 02, 2018•19 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 2018•19 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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, hopscotch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
May 07, 2018•19 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 16, 2018•19 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 21, 2018•18 min•Season 1Ep. 5
We explore Commedia dell'Arte, a form of popular entertainment originating in Italy in the 16th century, and trace how its colorful characters left their mark on the English language. Word List: vagabond, zany, Mr. Punch, harlequin, pants, denim, jeans. For a list of sources or to contact us, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 02, 2018•15 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In our first survey episode, we look at the many English words derived from Taino, a pre-Colombian Caribbean language. Word list: savanna, prairie, mangrove, hammock, barbecue, buccaneer, jerky, maize, potato, tobacco, petunia, hurricane. For a list of sources or to contact us, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 02, 2018•16 min•Season 1Ep. 3
We explore the history of the word “mammoth” and early America's fossil obsession. Word List: mammoth, mastodon. For more information and for a list of sources, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 08, 2018•14 min•Season 1Ep. 2
The story of how two valleys in the Holy Roman Empire influenced modern scientific and economic terminology. Word List: superman, neanderthal, dollar, peso. For more information and for a list of sources, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2018•15 min•Season 1Ep. 1
