Etymology (WORD ORIGINS) Encore with Helen Zaltzman
Aug 22, 2023
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Helen Zaltzman, an etymologist, discusses word origins, gender in language, slang, emoji decoding, step parents, babies wearing glasses, Greek kimonos, language evolution, tomatoes, avocados, and fish trails with Alie.
English is a constantly evolving language influenced by various cultural and historical forces.
Swear words like the F-word have versatile usage and serve multiple purposes in different contexts.
The word 'community' can oversimplify the identities and viewpoints of diverse groups, requiring the consideration of alternative nouns or reframing its usage.
Deep dives
The Evolution of English Language
English has evolved rapidly due to various invasions and the influence of different languages like Latin, Greek, French, and Germanic forces. It is a mutt of a language, constantly borrowing words and evolving through various cultural and historical influences.
The Versatility of Swear Words
Swear words like the F-word are versatile because they can be used as a noun, verb, affectionate term, insult, and more. They serve multiple purposes and can be adapted to fit different contexts.
The Limitations of the Word 'Community'
The word 'community' is often used thoughtlessly to refer to large groups of people. However, it can be too small a word for millions of individuals, oversimplifying their identities and viewpoints. It is important to consider other nouns or reframe the usage of 'community' to accurately represent diverse groups.
Etymology and Language Evolution
Language evolution is influenced by cultural crossovers and root words that evolve into different versions across different locations. Etymology uncovers the stories behind words, such as the surprising origin of the word 'mediocre', meaning 'halfway up a jagged hill'. The pathways of slang words are often difficult to trace due to the lack of written citations. Language serves as a tool for empathy and understanding, forcing us to consider our own communication and interpretations. By exploring etymology, we can challenge our hang-ups and move towards more compassionate communication.
Gender and Language
The podcast explores the idea of gender in language. It questions the necessity of gendered language and highlights the existence of languages with no gender pronouns or titles. Gender neutrality is proposed as a default with the option for individuals to opt into gendered pronouns if they so choose. Resistance to gender neutrality may stem from fear of change, discomfort with a different kind of society, and resentment towards the benefits received by newer generations. Understanding the effect of gendered language on communication and relationships is a key aspect. The podcast episode also delves into other related language topics such as preferred pronouns and gender titles.
The brilliant and dazzling Helen Zaltzman pops in with some new asides in this encore episode of Ologies. Helen, host of the podcasts The Allusionist, Veronica Mars Investigations and Answer Me This, and a person who technically for a living researches the origins of language and thus is an etymologist, visits Alie's apartment to chat about various word origins, gender in language, the Bible a.k.a. The Oxford English Dictionary, origins of the filthiest slang, emoji decoding, mediocrity, step parents, babies wearing glasses, Greek kimonos, the romance of languages and the fundamental truth that language is always changing whether you want it to or not. Also tomatoes, pliable boobs, avocados, and fish trails.
