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Word Journeys: An Etymology Podcast

Word Journeys: An Etymology Podcast

By: Word Journeys: An Etymology Podcast
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 Word Journeys is a podcast about etymology and the surprising stories behind the origins of English words. English is constantly evolving and the meanings of words are always shifting. In each episode, we take words united by a common theme and explore how they made their way into English and the historical circumstances which shaped their definitions. For more information or to contact us, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com. If you would like to contribute to the show and want to see the perks associated with that, visit our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/wordjourneyspodcast.

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Episodes
  • Episode 15: Homeric Word Journeys

    Episode 15: Homeric Word Journeys
    Jun 17 2019

    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. If you would like to contribute, you can visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/wordjourneyspodcast


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    28 mins
  • Episode 14: Mapping Out The Sky

    Episode 14: Mapping Out The Sky
    Jan 14 2019

    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.wordjourneyspodcast.com or follow us on twitter at @WordJourneysPod. If you would like to contribute, you can visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/wordjourneyspodcast.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 13: Holy Oil

    Episode 13: Holy Oil
    Dec 17 2018

    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 us on twitter at @WordJourneysPod. If you would like to contribute, you can visit our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/wordjourneyspodcast.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    16 mins
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