Word Journeys: An Etymology Podcast
1) Episode 7: A Study in Scarlet
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 p...Show More
2) Episode 15: Homeric Word Journeys
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...Show More
3) Episode 14: Mapping Out The Sky
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 fanta...Show More
4) Episode 13: Holy Oil
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...Show More
5) Episode 12: Land of Black Earth
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 peo...Show More
6) Episode 11: You Have Syphilis - Take a Pamphlet!
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 impo...Show More
7) Episode 10: Jewish Onomastics
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 Empir...Show More
8) Episode 9: Two Birds with One Brick
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 fro...Show More
9) Episode 8: An Episode About Nothing
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, ...Show More
10) Episode 6: Horse Hodgepodge
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 ...Show More