Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Who was the original "goodfella"? | CRIME WORDS
Feb 5, 2025
Dive into the criminal underbelly of language as Rob and Jess unravel the origins of terms like 'blackmail' and 'burglary.' Discover the stark differences between 'robbery' and 'theft.' Explore how Victorian prison slang influences our vocabulary today. Unpack the etymology of words related to deception, such as 'sabotage' and 'arson.' Finally, learn about the fascinating journey of the term 'scapegoat' and its cultural implications. A richly entertaining dive into the dark side of words awaits!
48:01
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the historical evolution of crime terminology, illustrating the blending of Anglo-Saxon and Romance language influences on legal definitions.
- It highlights how cultural perceptions shaped slang and colloquial terms related to crime, reflecting society's changing attitudes towards criminality.
Deep dives
Origins of Crime
The word 'crime' originates from a Proto-Indo root meaning to sieve, implying a categorization of legal and moral degrees. In its early usage during the 13th century, crime encompassed not just legal transgressions but also religious sins, illustrating a historical conflation between morality and legality. Following the Norman conquest, English law adopted numerous French terms, with legal language largely derived from Romance languages, while more brutal Anglo-Saxon terms remained for certain crimes. This blend contributed to the evolving definition of crime, expanding from simple acts of naughtiness to violations of established societal norms.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
