Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
How do you pronounce lieutenant? | MILITARY WORDS
Apr 2, 2025
This podcast dives into the fascinating world of military terminology. Discover the surprising origins of words like 'war,' influenced by Norman French and Germanic roots. Uncover the debate on how to pronounce 'lieutenant' and its historical evolution. The conversation also spans terms such as 'infantry' and 'SNAFU,' revealing the humor and chaos inherent in military life. Explore how these terms reflect not just military roles, but also cultural nuances that shape our understanding of language.
41:07
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Quick takeaways
- The term 'war' embodies historical chaos and reflects linguistic evolution influenced by various cultural and linguistic traditions.
- Military ranks reveal surprising etymologies tied to servitude, challenging modern perceptions of authority and honor in the military context.
Deep dives
The Etymology of 'War' and Its Roots
The term 'war' originates from Norman French, which was influenced by Germanic speech patterns due to the Viking roots of the Normans. This word reflects chaos rather than merely conflict, as its proto-Indo root means to confuse or mix up. The evolution of language shows that what we understand as war today stems from a blend of influences, including a contrast between the Latin 'bellum,' which suggests beauty, and the Germanic terms that highlight tumult. Such complexities make the etymology of 'war' not just a linguistic curiosity but a reflection of historical upheaval.
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