Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

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...

27 Okt 202413min

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 relativ...

20 Okt 202415min

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...

13 Okt 202413min

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 Sept...

6 Okt 202413min

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 drin...

29 Sep 202414min

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 unnotice...

22 Sep 202414min

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 th...

15 Sep 202413min

In this episode, we get into the language of ageing, uncovering the surprising origins and histories behind words like geriatric, sage, pensioner and senior - a term originally used to distinguish fat...

8 Sep 202414min