Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

From mountain high to valley low, Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris are exploring the origins of geography words. 🐻‍❄️ Why are the poles called 'poles'? 🗻 What is the difference between a hill and a mountain? 🧭 What do the points of the compass literally mean? These questions answered – and many more – in another worldly, wordy and nerdy episode of Words Unravelled. 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/0TTPpHUVL3Y 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/

Internet word nerds RobWords and Jess Zafarris share 100 word facts. They met in person for the first time after Words Unravelled reached 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Prepare for 49 minutes of pure linguistic geekery. 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/uPfbuo6iP6Y 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 👂LISTEN: https://podfollow.com/words-unravelled-with-robwords-and-jess-zafarris or search for "Words Unravelled" wherever you get your podcasts. ==LINKS== Rob's YouTube channel: youtube.com/robwords Jess' Useless Etymology blog: https://uselessetymology.com/ Rob on X: x.com/robwordsyt Jess on TikTok: tiktok.com/@jesszafarris

Discover the quirky origins of food-related idioms! Learn why 'going bananas' signifies losing it and the surprising roots of 'cup of Joe.' Ever wondered what 'know your onions' really means? Jess and Rob delve into the evolution of phrases, from 'spill the beans' to 'bad apples.' Explore the culinary connections behind 'humble pie' and how 'apple pie order' became a symbol of American culture. This delightful journey through language is both informative and a dash of fun!

Discover the fascinating etymologies of powerful titles like 'lord', 'queen', and 'emperor'. Uncover how 'Caesar' evolved into a symbol of authority across Europe. Learn what 'pharaoh' meant to the ancient Egyptians and the unique histories of terms like 'timocracy' and 'kakistocracy'. Delve into how language mirrors historical power dynamics, and enjoy humorous anecdotes that weave together politics, governance, and even dried fruits like sultanas and currants!

Explore the whimsical origins of dinosaur names and their often hilarious meanings. Learn why Stegosaurus translates to 'roof lizard' and the fascinating stories behind terms like 'thagomizer.' Delve into the vibrant debate of whether dinosaurs are more like birds or lizards and uncover the significant distinctions within dinosaur classifications. Each name tells a tale, from Tyrannosaurus rex to the misnamed Oviraptor. Get ready for a fun and educational journey through the quirky world of prehistoric linguistics!

Take a linguistic journey exploring the origins of various country names. Discover how America got its name from Amerigo Vespucci and why Britain is called 'Great.' Unravel the intriguing tales behind names like Canada and Moldova, linked to historical legends. The hosts delve into the cultural narratives that shape these identities while discussing the significance of naming conventions in geography and politics. It's a fascinating blend of etymology and history, showcasing the complexities of our world's names.

Rob and Jess dive into the quirky world of journalism, discussing why news anchors have peculiar speech patterns and examine the strange spelling of terms like 'lede.' They explore the creative yet often confusing nature of headline writing, featuring amusing concepts like 'knobbly monsters.' The duo also unravels the etymology of the word 'magazine' and critiques common journalistic clichés, highlighting how language shapes narratives and influences the integrity of news reporting.

Dive into the fascinating world of Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary, a monumental yet imperfect achievement. Discover quirky entries and the 'ghost words' that mischievously slipped in. Hear about Johnson's life journey, including the challenges he faced and the influence of his marriage. Enjoy humorous insights into the origins of curious words, gendered language, and the tension between traditional and modern definitions. This lively discussion celebrates the whims and eccentricities of language evolution in an entertaining way!

Join a linguistic journey through the skies as the hosts uncover the origins of aviation terms like 'cockpit' and 'aeroplane.' Discover why English dominates in aviation and the intriguing history of the NATO phonetic alphabet. Humor shines through as they explore playful anecdotes around terms like 'dirigible' and 'taxiing.' With personal stories and rich historical context, the conversation highlights the fascinating intersection of language and flight, making aviation terminology as entertaining as it is informative.

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.