Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

This episode of Words Unravelled is not for the easily offended, as Rob and Jess explore dictionaries dedicated to underground slang.  Focusing first on Francis Grose's 'Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue', our hosts pick out some of the rudest, meanest and funniest words recorded in 18th century London. They also discuss other attempts to document the everyday talk of the criminal classes, and take a special look at London's 20th century 'gay language', Polari. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/GHqlu7p6GQ0

Explore the debate on whether English can truly be classified as a Romance language. Discover its strong Germanic roots, the influence of Old Norse, and how Viking borrowings have shaped the language. Learn about linguistic phenomena like Grimm's Law and i-mutation, and uncover the fascinating impacts of Dutch and Yiddish on modern English. Delve into the intricacies of Germanic compounds and unique numbering systems, all while celebrating English's rich ability to adapt and incorporate from various linguistic sources.

Join Joshua Blackburn, creator of the board game League of the Lexicon and author of The Language-Lover's Lexipedia, as he dives into quirky linguistic discussions. Discover the fascinating Baader-Meinhof effect and the only country named after a woman—Saint Lucia. Joshua reveals the peculiarities of convict slang and misquotes like those wrongly attributed to Churchill. With laughter, he quizzes the hosts on unique words and their meanings, while sharing enlightening and humorous language tidbits that will spark your curiosity!

In this episode, Jess and Rob get sporty as they trace the origins of the words behind our favourite games.  ⚾️ What is the word "sport" short for? 🏉 Why does American "football" barely involve your feet? 🏏 What do Brits mean when they say something "isn't cricket"? Expect Victorian public schools, Indigenous ball games, and a few linguistic own goals in another Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 👀WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/ClRqFWMR15Y

Rob and Jess are exploring the origins of first names.  👩 Are all MARYS actually MIRIAMS? 🕵️‍♀️ How can JAMES, IAGO and JACOB be the same? 💡 What do ROBERT and JESSICA mean? These questions answered – and many more – in this nominally fascinating etymological exploration of why we're called what we're called. It's time for Words Unravelled! 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/P7OrRqykwWc

In this episode, Rob and Jess dig into the origins of the words we use for our furry, feathered, and occasionally scaly companions.  🐕 Where does the word 'dog' come from? 🐈 What does 'cat' literally mean? 🐹 Are guinea pigs even from Guinea? These questions answered, and many more, in this edition of Words Unravelled dedicated to our beloved pets. WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/_r2HMeiDhKA 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/

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!