Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

In this episode, Jess and Rob 'spill the beans' about all manner of food-related idioms. 🍌 Why does 'going bananas' mean going mad? ☕️ Who is the Joe in a 'cup of Joe'? 🍏 What did we compare apples to before oranges? 🧅 What does it really mean to 'know your onions'? Answers to these questions and many more as we explore the origins of commons sayings in Words Unravelled. OTHER IDIOM EPISODES https://youtu.be/Fkf61-j8VmQ?si=3GWneox_uAN1NsXI https://youtu.be/ca3lz3dXgW8?si=9D_DE4-MiJ9jV5IK 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/6Rr6qfIIapY ==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 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.

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.

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.