Something Rhymes with Purple Battology
Jun 4, 2019
Dive into the captivating world of eponyms, where words like 'Hoover' and 'leotard' reveal fascinating stories of their namesakes. Discover how language evolves with expressions like 'not on your Nelly,' linking history to modern slang. Unravel peculiar tales, including the origin of 'Caesarean section' tied to Julius Caesar, and explore haunting family histories intertwined with words like 'silhouette.' The playful banter offers deep reflections on how language mirrors our experiences and identities.
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Leotard on Countdown
- Susie Dent and Giles Brandreth reminisce about their time on Countdown.
- The word "leotard" frequently appeared, amusing host Richard Whiteley.
Eponyms
- Eponyms are words derived from people's names.
- Leotard is named after Jules Leotard, a French trapeze artist.
Brandreth's Favourite Eponyms
- Giles Brandreth shares his favourite eponyms, including Wellington boot and Hoover.
- He highlights the lesser-known Philippe Fallop, inventor of beach sandals.