Episode 103: Run Amok - podcast episode cover

Episode 103: Run Amok

Nov 21, 202120 min
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Episode description

Most Malay loanwords in English describe the local flora, fauna, and food of Southeast Asia. "Amok", however, is different. Amok, which describes a violent killing spree, is ultimately a Malay word that entered European languages during the era of European colonial expansion. Did Europeans encounter something unique in Southeast Asia that prompted them to adapt this word? 

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Episode 103: Run Amok | Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast