The Level Up English Podcast #328 The Fascinating Origins of 8 English Words
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Jun 11, 2025 Discover the intriguing backgrounds of eight English words, revealing their journeys from other languages and cultures. Delve into the fascinating stories behind terms like 'mare' and 'salary,' while exploring how words like 'priority' enhance our understanding of life. Uncover the eerie origins of 'clue' and 'quarantine,' linked to historical events like the Black Death. Finally, explore the transition from 'muscle' to 'robot,' reflecting on human experiences and the future of AI. Engaging trivia and personal insights make this a journey worth joining!
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Meaning of Priority and Focus
- The word 'priority' comes from Latin 'prior', meaning first or former. - Having too many priorities contradicts the concept, as true priority means one main focus.
Nightmare's Spooky Origin & Dream Story
- The word "nightmare" originates from an evil spirit called "mare" that sat on people's chests at night. - Michael rarely has nightmares now and shared a vivid, violent dream he once had years ago.
Salary's Salty Origins
- Salary originates from Latin 'salarium', which is related to salt, once a valuable form of payment. - Salt preserved food and was so precious that workers sometimes got paid with it.