Word History, the etymology podcast by Etymoleon
Scroll down to listen to highlights.
Word History, the etymology podcast from Etymoleon, uncovers the origins of words. Each 15 minute episode traces the evolution of terms, from the old languages they stem from to how their meanings have changed over time. Discovering where words come from sheds light on moments from history, from cultural shifts and ancient myths to historical figures and pivotal events.
Earlier episodes were just the beginning, start with later episodes for Leon’s best takes on word, name and historical origins.
New episodes every Sunday. Available on other platforms.
If you like word origins, you’ll love Derivety, the daily word game created by Etymoleon.
Listen to highlights from episodes…
EPISODE 72: CORPORATE GIANTS II
The company name Vinted, for the second-hand clothing marketplace, is a play on the word vintage. How did the word vintage evolve from the Latin vīnum, meaning wine, to signify something old?
EPISODE 45: SLEEP
Why is it forty winks, and not twenty, thirty or fifty?
EPISODE 73: MYTHOLOGY
The word nemesis derives from the goddess of retribution. Achilles' heel is derived from the story of Achilles, the great warrior whose only weakness was a single, vulnerable heel.
EPISODE 61: CONTRADICTING MEANINGS II
Egregious once referred to something exceptional, in a positive way, but is now used to describe something exceptionally bad. Silly comes from the Old English which meant lucky or happy.
EPISODE 29: FINE DINING
Tyres to restaurant ratings - the history of Michelin stars.
EPISODE 41: GESTURES
The origin of shaking hands might go back to weapons being concealed in sleeves, and fist bumping may derive from boxing.
EPISODE 46: NAMES, ROYALTY
Bluetooth is named after a 10th century king - here's why...
EPISODE 57: SOFT DRINKS
The name history of IRN-BRU.
EPISODE 56: SHOES
Persians on horseback inspired upper class men in Europe to begin wearing heels.
EPISODE 31: SPORTS
The history of polo.