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From Guy Fawkes to Guido Fawkes. Tales from the crypt (and catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries). Taquitos

Oct 29, 2024

Discover the surprising origins of the word 'guy,' which evolved from an insult tied to Guy Fawkes to a casual term. Explore the linguistic roots of 'man' and 'father' across cultures, revealing deep connections. For Halloween, delve into the distinctions between crypts, catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries, each rich with history. Enjoy heartwarming stories of unique family language, known as 'familect,' and their lighthearted impacts on relationships.

16:34

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Quick takeaways

The evolution of the word 'guy' illustrates how language can transform from negative connotations to a casual reference for men over time.

Understanding the distinctions between crypts, catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries highlights the diverse burial practices and cultural significance of these structures.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Terms for Men

The term 'man' has deep historical roots, originating from Old English and related to several Germanic languages, reflecting a time when it referred broadly to mankind. Over time, this word evolved to refer specifically to individual males during the Middle English period. Interestingly, the term 'guy' emerged in the 1800s as a casual way to refer to men and derived from Guy Fawkes, who became infamous for his role in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Originally associated with negative connotations, 'guy' lost its stigma and became widely accepted in American English as a straightforward reference to men.

Intro

2min

The Linguistic Journey of 'Guy' and Its Historical Ties to Guy Fawkes

5min

The Linguistic Roots of 'Father': A Global Perspective

3min

Burial Words and Family Bonds

7min

Exploring the Humor in Personal Language: Familects

2min

1026. This week, we look at the origins of words for men, including the ancient roots of "man," the surprising evolution of the word "guy" from being an insult to just another word, and how "guido" took a different route. Then, for some Halloween fun, we look at the difference between crypts, catacombs, mausoleums, and ossuaries, with an emphasis on their fascinating origins and some famous examples.

The "words for men" segment is by Valerie Fridland, a professor of linguistics at the University of Nevada in Reno and the author of "Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English." A version of this story originally appeared on Psychology Today, and you can find her at valeriefridland.com.

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