Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris cover image

Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? | MUSIC WORDS

Feb 19, 2025
Dive into the delightful world of musical terminology. Discover why a violin was once called a 'ho boy' and the literal meaning of 'karaoke.' Uncover the saxophone's intriguing namesake and enjoy a hilarious theremin impression. Journey through the evolution of musical instruments and explore the fascinating stories behind terms like 'violoncello' and 'banjo.' Learn how 'run the gamut' links back to medieval music theory, blending humor and insight for a melodious experience.
29:28

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The term 'music' is rooted in the mythological muses, highlighting a profound connection between music and artistic inspiration throughout history.
  • The evolution of the term 'orchestra' reflects cultural shifts, originally indicating a performance area rather than the musical ensemble we know today.

Deep dives

Etymology of Music

The term 'music' traces back to the muses, mythological figures who inspired creativity in the arts. This connection underlines the intrinsic link between music and memory, as many words share the same proto-Indo-European root. The word 'music' embodies the concept of 'art of the muses,' highlighting the role of these divine figures in the generation of artistic inspiration. Interestingly, 'museum' is closely related, reflecting the notion of a place honoring and inspiring creativity.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode