Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

Discover the intriguing origins of holiday terms like Santa Claus and the fascinating evolution of 'nice' and 'naughty.' Delve into the etymology of reindeer names and the debate over a famous Christmas poem’s authorship. Learn about mistletoe's significance and the linguistic history behind Christmas carols. Explore how the meanings of 'merry' and Christmas traditions have transformed over time. Each topic unravels the linguistic magic behind our most beloved festive customs!

Dive into the quirky origins of job titles and discover what carpenters once crafted and which animal butchers originally worked with. Learn about the surprising role of 'gong farmers' and the intriguing function of 'sin eaters' in history. Unpack the etymology behind professions like cobblers, milliners, and more, while enjoying insights into how language shapes our understanding of work. With a humorous twist, this exploration highlights the oddities of obsolete jobs and their modern counterparts.

Dive into the quirky world of punctuation and discover which marks came first. Uncover the playful art of punctuating sarcasm and the history behind the question mark's unique shape. Learn about the evolution of apostrophes, the nuances of the Oxford comma, and the whimsical 'Grawlix' used in comics. Explore the fascinating significance of the word 'tittle,' and how punctuation symbols have transformed communication through ages. Each segment reveals the hidden charm and complexity of our writing conventions.

Dive into the tangled world of corporate jargon and legalese, from the origins of the term 'jargon' to the absurdity of modern job titles. Discover the playful nature of terms like 'swag' at conferences and the historical roots of legal phrases such as 'habeas corpus.' The discussion humorously critiques the stale language of AI-generated content and tackle buzzwords that hinder real communication in the workplace. Join in for a light-hearted exploration of how jargon can be both charming and unnecessarily complex!

Uncover the whimsical history behind our favorite games! Explore how 'chess' and 'poker' earned their names, and discover the true meaning of a 'pawn.' Ever wanted to know how Jenga got its title? Dive into the art of Scrabble and learn about high-scoring words, while also teasing out the origins of popular childhood games. Finally, unravel the significance of the 'Jack' in playing cards. Get ready for a fun-filled journey through the etymology of entertainment!

Get ready for a spirited conversation on the origins of your favorite drinks! Discover where 'beer' comes from and the amusing stories behind iconic cocktails like the Negroni. Ever wondered how many ways Brits describe being drunk? You'll be surprised! Plus, explore the fascinating roots of words like 'alcohol' and 'wormwood', blending history with humor. This lively discussion reveals how language and drinking culture intertwine, making for a fun and educational sip through etymology.

Dive into the enchanting world of woodland words as the hosts explore the surprising origins behind tree names and their cultural significance. Discover which trees inspired book titles and learn what it truly means to be 'badgered.' Enjoy a humorous take on the etymology of 'raspberry' and a delightful discussion about hedgehogs and their quirky history. The conversation also touches on mushroom foraging and the fascinating connections between language and nature, making it a whimsical journey through words and the wild.

Uncover the fascinating roots of emotional vocabulary! Explore how words like 'sad' have ties to fulfillment and delve into the historic connections of 'melancholy' with medical theories. Discover the evolution of terms like 'humble' and 'mortified' against modern contexts. Investigate the linguistic history behind desires and deadly sins, and how cultural perceptions shift meanings. Join a journey through expressions of joy and the surprising relationship between language, emotion, and human experience!

Discover the spooky origins of Halloween vocabulary, diving into the etymology of terms like 'ghost' and 'ghoul.' Learn the intriguing meaning behind 'were' in werewolf and the literal definition of 'vampire.' Explore the whimsical tradition of jack-o'-lanterns and the folkloric tale of Stingy Jack. Enjoy funny Halloween costume stories and uncover the fascinating history of witchcraft terminology. Delve into language quirks, ghost words, and the evolution of terms related to fear, connecting them to our cultural legends.

Dive into the whimsical world of element names, where history and culture collide! Discover why oxygen's name is a bit misleading and learn about elements named after mischievous mythological beings. Unearth the quirky origin stories that connect elements like tungsten and cobalt to miners’ folklore. Plus, explore how a small Swedish village inspired multiple element names. This enlightening journey reveals how language shapes our understanding of chemistry in unexpected ways.