Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris cover image

Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

Latest episodes

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Apr 2, 2025 • 41min

How do you pronounce lieutenant? | MILITARY WORDS

There's fightin' talk in this episode of Words Unravelled, in which Jess and Rob discuss words of warcraft. 🔫 Which woman are all guns named after? 🪖 Where does the word "war" come from? 👮 Is lieutenant pronounced loo-tenant or lef-tenant? These questions answered – and many more – in this military etymology special of Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/4CJRYBxDdGg
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Mar 26, 2025 • 40min

Why do we mind our Ps and Qs? | PRINTING TERMS

In this printing special of Words Unravelled, Jess proves herself a font of knowledge on names for typefaces and Rob makes a bit impression with the history of the printing press. 🆎 What's the difference between a font and a typeface? 😈 Who was the printer's devil? 📖 How did the printing press ruin English spelling? These questions answered — and many more — in this cliché-free episode of Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 🇺🇸 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ 🇬🇧 EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 👂WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/cd5iFbuNKv8
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Mar 19, 2025 • 51min

Where the f*** do swear words come from?

It's here: the much-requested swearing episode of Words Unravelled. Join Rob and Jess as they explore the origins of all manner of profanity. #️⃣ Where did the F word come from? 📍 Which place names originally contained swear words? 📺 What are the worst words you can say on TV? These questions answered, and many more, in this NSFW edition of Words Unravelled. 👕WORDY NERDY MERCH👚 Our EU and US shops cover most of the world between them: 🇪🇺🇬🇧: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 🇺🇸 https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ WATCH THIS EPISODE https://youtu.be/NqvT3gVz2aw
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Mar 12, 2025 • 44min

Which flower makes you wet the bed? | FLOWER NAME ORIGINS

Welcome to another bloomin' wonderful episode of Words Unravelled. This time, Rob and Jess are discussing the origins of all manner of flower name. 🌻Which flower makes you wet the bed? 👁️Which flower's name means "day's eye"? 🌹What is the origin of the word rose? 🥒What did Jess name her cucumber plant? These questions answered - and many more - in this anthology of horticultural etymologies. 🎥 Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/9Z2kjEJAscs 🤬 Merriam-Webster's flowers that sound like insults: https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/plant-names-that-sound-like-insults 
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Mar 5, 2025 • 39min

Is this a rhetorical question? | RHETORIC & LITERARY DEVICES

Who wants to learn how to talk pretty? In this episode, Rob and Jess explore the clever tricks used by poets, novelists and speechwriters to surprise, move and persuade us. Join them as they discuss rhetoric and literary devices. 😉 What are the three types of irony? ❓Do you now an anaphora from an epistrophe? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Why is tmesis so un-flippin'-believable? These questions answered and many more in another Words Unravelled. WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/sKcuTYOT0yY
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Feb 26, 2025 • 45min

How did our naughty bits get their names? | BODY ETYMOLOGY

Let's discuss the etymology of the body from "head" to "toe". Join Rob and Jess on an adventure through anatomical word origins. 👅 Why is tongue spelt that way? 🍎 What did we originally call our Adam's apple? 🍆 How did our naughty bits get their names? These questions answered and many more in a body-positive episode of Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR NEW MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/c1PM3kbeOYY
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Feb 19, 2025 • 29min

What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? | MUSIC WORDS

Dive into the delightful world of musical terminology. Discover why a violin was once called a 'ho boy' and the literal meaning of 'karaoke.' Uncover the saxophone's intriguing namesake and enjoy a hilarious theremin impression. Journey through the evolution of musical instruments and explore the fascinating stories behind terms like 'violoncello' and 'banjo.' Learn how 'run the gamut' links back to medieval music theory, blending humor and insight for a melodious experience.
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Feb 12, 2025 • 33min

Who invented zero? | MATH & NUMBERS

Discover the fascinating origins of mathematical terms and how they vary across cultures. Learn about the surprising roots of the word 'hundred' and its historical representation as 120. Delve into the transformative role of zero and its impact on mathematics through the ages. Unravel the etymology behind counting systems and numbered expressions in different languages. There’s also a light-hearted segment where the hosts playfully brainstorm branding ideas while exploring the quirks of language in math.
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Feb 5, 2025 • 48min

Who was the original "goodfella"? | CRIME WORDS

Dive into the criminal underbelly of language as Rob and Jess unravel the origins of terms like 'blackmail' and 'burglary.' Discover the stark differences between 'robbery' and 'theft.' Explore how Victorian prison slang influences our vocabulary today. Unpack the etymology of words related to deception, such as 'sabotage' and 'arson.' Finally, learn about the fascinating journey of the term 'scapegoat' and its cultural implications. A richly entertaining dive into the dark side of words awaits!
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Jan 29, 2025 • 48min

Who was the first to "paint the town red"? | IDIOM ORIGINS

Explore the curious origins of common idioms that pepper our everyday speech. Discover who really 'painted the town red' and the bizarre history behind 'to screw the pooch.' Tune in to learn how to 'steal someone's thunder' became a phrase that captures the essence of rivalry. Delve into delightful tales of idioms related to cats and the cultural significance of expressions tied to Sundays. This playful journey shines a light on language and the captivating stories that shape our expressions.

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