

Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Jess Zafarris and Rob Watts unravel the stories behind everyday words.
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Want to watch our episodes too? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8R3ZnESMdsuTevq4ib9CvA
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 30, 2025 • 51min
How did currencies get their names? | MONEY WORDS
Dive into the origins of currency and discover where the dollar sign came from. Unravel the meaning of the British pound and learn about the goddess after whom all money is named. Explore the playful evolution of slang terms for money, and see how Yiddish has influenced American commerce language. Delight in the intertwining histories of currency symbols and their cultural significance, shedding light on how money reflects societal values and historical figures.

Jul 23, 2025 • 43min
Does English use the wrong word for clouds? | WEATHER WORDS
Dive into the fascinating world of weather language! Discover why meteorologists ignore meteors, and how we might be misnaming clouds. Uncover the intriguing history behind the term 'rain check' and why one host has an aversion to 'petrichor.' Explore regional variations in weather terminology, the rich vocabulary of Arctic languages, and the humorous origins of phrases like 'brass monkeys.' This whimsical journey brings life to the words that describe our atmosphere.

Jul 16, 2025 • 45min
Exposing grammar myths and mistakes with Grammar Girl
Mignon Fogarty, the genius behind Grammar Girl, joins the conversation to demystify grammar myths. She tackles whether it’s 'on accident' or 'by accident' and the truth behind the Oxford comma. The guest also reveals if using 'fun' as an adjective is really incorrect and discusses the quirky nature of flat adverbs with examples. Dive into the evolution of language and the fascinating world of slang as Mignon shares insights that illuminate the playful side of grammar and writing.

Jun 25, 2025 • 49min
Why is English full of French words?
Discover the fascinating influence of French on English! Rob and Jess break down how nearly 30% of English words come from French, especially post-Norman Conquest. They delve into why meats bear French names and explore intriguing borrowed terms like 'chauffeur' and 'panache.' The evolution of words, from 'boudoir' to modern usage, adds a captivating twist. Language reflects social dynamics, with discussions on terms related to conflict and society revealing the historical tapestry woven between these two languages.

Jun 18, 2025 • 41min
Precisely how long is a 'moment'? | TIME WORDS
Jess and Rob present a brief history of time words in an episode filled with chronological etymology.
⌚️ How did "seconds" get their name?
🕰️ What does "clock" literally mean?
🇫🇷 How did France's decimal calendar work?
These questions answered – and so many more – in this timely episode of Words Unravelled.
Our mythology episode: https://youtu.be/b8s2uxWrMhQ?si=G--tQQwAj9mKHk-S
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WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/-nhPlHrJDsQ

Jun 11, 2025 • 46min
What was the original "blockbuster"? | MOVIE WORDS
Rob and Jess dive into the fascinating world of film and television terms. Discover why 'films' is the preferred term in Britain and the mystery behind the pseudonym 'Alan Smithee.' They also unveil quirky industry jargon like 'gaffer' and 'dolly,' and share hilarious insights from behind the scenes. Listen in to explore the playful evolution of language in popular culture, from 'yada yada yada' to the infamous 'winningest.' This lively discussion is a treat for movie buffs and word lovers alike!

Jun 4, 2025 • 42min
How can you tell a bug from a beetle? | ENTOMOLOGY ETYMOLOGY
Dive into the captivating world of insects as playful banter unveils the meaning behind words like 'bug' and 'beetle.' Discover why spiders spin 'cobwebs' and whether butterflies were ever called 'flutterbys.' Enjoy humorous stories about wasps crashing a football game, and explore the delightful etymology of intriguing insects. From the love for beneficial critters like spiders to the quirky names of locusts and cicadas, this lively conversation connects language and nature in ways you'll find utterly fascinating!

May 28, 2025 • 40min
Why is the Pope "the daddy"? | HOLY WORDS
Dive into the fascinating world of religious words and their history! Discover what treasures were hidden in the first chapel and learn about the original behemoth’s identity. Explore the captivating origins of terms like 'conclave' and how religious titles have evolved over time. Uncover the transition of words such as 'regular' and 'irregular,' and how they reflect cultural changes. Plus, delve into the concept of 'shibboleth' and its role in defining group identity. It's a witty and enlightening journey through language and faith!

May 21, 2025 • 39min
Why do Brits think 'pants' are underwear? | CLOTHING WORDS
Discover why 'pants' mean different things across the pond and which city inspired the name for jeans. Uncover the playful history of the flapper girl and dive into the intriguing origins of nylon, linking New York and London. Explore the evolution of legwear terminology and the societal impacts behind iconic garments like cardigans and Wellington boots. Learn how words like 'ruff' and 'bikini' have transformed through time, revealing the ever-changing landscape of fashion language.

12 snips
May 14, 2025 • 43min
Why is there an N in "passenger"? | TRANSPORTATION
Discover the surprising differences in transportation language between British and American English. Unravel the quirky etymology behind words like 'passenger' and 'omnibus', which even has roots in a hat shop! Explore the fascinating distinctions in train terminology and hear some amusing anecdotes from railway enthusiasts. Learn about the slang-rich world of trucking and the cultural significance of CB radios. This journey is packed with fun facts and a fresh perspective on the words that move us.