Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Is "posh" really an acronym? | WORD MYTHS
Apr 24, 2024
Jess Zafarris, an etymology expert, joins Rob Watts, known as RobWords, to tackle popular language myths. They hilariously debunk misconceptions like 'tip' meaning To Insure Promptness and the origin of the F word. The duo delves into the true story behind 'posh' and explores the intricacies of bacronyms, including the USA PATRIOT Act. They also uncover the fascinating evolution of slang, like 'Riz' for charisma. Their discussions reveal the richness of language and the importance of skepticism in etymology.
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Quick takeaways
- The myth that 'posh' is an acronym for 'Port Out, Starboard Home' lacks historical evidence and illustrates popular misconceptions about word origins.
- Folk etymology often distorts language understanding, as seen in terms like 'cockroach' and 'Jerusalem artichoke' which have incorrect associations.
Deep dives
The Origin of 'Posh'
The belief that 'posh' is an acronym for 'Port Out, Starboard Home' is a popular myth tied to affluent travelers on ships. This charming tale suggests that wealthy passengers were given tickets marked with 'POSH' to indicate the best cabins for optimal comfort. However, this explanation lacks historical evidence, as no such tickets have ever been found. The actual origins of 'posh' may include a slang term for a coin, a reference to dandyism, or even derivation from an Urdu phrase meaning 'dressed in white', underscoring the complexities of word origins.
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