Introduction

Have you ever really thought about how some words you use to describe others are a bit ... rude? Have you ever noticed the words you use to describe groups of people you don't like? Have you ever noticed that the word for Germany in your language is different from the word Germans use? Have you ever seen the Wizard of Oz? And what's up with Chavs? In this episode I explore the world of exonyms and endonyms. We look at how language, and these language features in particular, reveals our nasty, tribal side. The side that makes us see ourselves us superior and our neighbours as inhuman. We see how words can be used to create enemies. And why "Paris" is pronounced oddly.