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

Episode 15: Homeric Word Journeys

Jun 17th, 2019 27m 41s

Episode 14: Mapping Out The Sky

Jan 14th, 2019 25m 36s

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 selenograph

Episode 14: Mapping Out The Sky

Jan 14th, 2019 25m 36s

Episode 13: Holy Oil

Dec 17th, 2018 16m 1s

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, C

Episode 13: Holy Oil

Dec 17th, 2018 16m 1s

Episode 12: Land of Black Earth

Nov 20th, 2018 15m 45s

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 people, and words that have come about in attem

Episode 12: Land of Black Earth

Nov 20th, 2018 15m 45s

Episode 11: You Have Syphilis - Take a Pamphlet!

Nov 20th, 2018 16m 19s

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 important word in the history of printing.Word L

Episode 11: You Have Syphilis - Take a Pamphlet!

Nov 20th, 2018 16m 19s

Episode 10: Jewish Onomastics

Jul 24th, 2018 1h 5m

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 Empire and all the way up to Zionist movement. We

Episode 9: Two Birds with One Brick

Jul 2nd, 2018 19m 3s

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 from ancient Egyptian. Word List: jay, cajole,

Episode 8: An Episode About Nothing

May 28th, 2018 18m 48s

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, wight, tariff. For more information or to co

Episode 7: A Study in Scarlet

May 7th, 2018 18m 43s

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 places and influencing many different languag

Episode 6: Horse Hodgepodge

Apr 16th, 2018 18m 31s

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 of cowboy. Word List: vulgar, chivalry, cava

Episode 5: And a Bottle of Rum!

Mar 21st, 2018 18m 22s

A look at different theories for the origin of the word “rum,” which takes us to Britain, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Plus, an etymology originating with rum production in Alaska. Word List: rum, taffy, toffee, hooch, proof, groggy. For

Episode 4: A Zany Miscellany

Mar 2nd, 2018 14m 42s

We explore Commedia dell'Arte, a form of popular entertainment originating in Italy in the 16th century, and trace how its colorful characters left their mark on the English language. Word List: vagabond, zany, Mr. Punch, harlequin, pants, deni

Episode 3: Survey of Taino Words

Mar 2nd, 2018 15m 52s

In our first survey episode, we look at the many English words derived from Taino, a pre-Colombian Caribbean language. Word list: savanna, prairie, mangrove, hammock, barbecue, buccaneer, jerky, maize, potato, tobacco, petunia, hurricane. For a

Episode 2: Mammoth Mania

Feb 8th, 2018 14m 10s

We explore the history of the word “mammoth” and early America's fossil obsession. Word List: mammoth, mastodon. For more information and for a list of sources, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i

Episode 1: A Tal of Two Cities

Jan 23rd, 2018 15m 19s

The story of how two valleys in the Holy Roman Empire influenced modern scientific and economic terminology. Word List: superman, neanderthal, dollar, peso. For more information and for a list of sources, visit www.wordjourneyspodcast.com Hoste

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