Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

Dive into the fascinating world of animal words and their mysteries! Explore why bears remain nameless in our language and why the origin of the word 'dog' is a riddle. Uncover the playful linguistics behind unique animals like the ghost of the jungle and the complex nature of names like 'platypus.' Delve into delightful etymological journeys, from the surprising roots of dog breeds to the intriguing term 'dandelion.' This podcast is a treasure trove of language and animal lore that will leave you curious for more!

Uncover the intriguing origins of everyday words rooted in ancient mythology. Discover how the first 'clue' was used and meet the god who inspired 'panic.' Dive into the tragic tales of Tantalus, Echo, and Narcissus, exploring their relevance in modern language. Learn about linguistic ties between Greek mythology and terms like 'narcotic' and 'aphrodisiac.' Plus, find out how mythological figures influence scientific naming conventions and modern pop culture through avatars and juggernauts.

Joining the conversation is Robin Mahfood, known for his unconventional job experiences. They explore the intriguing concept of contronyms, like 'cleave,' which can mean both to join and separate. The hosts discuss the quirky world of demonyms, revealing humorous regional nicknames. They also ponder on how eponyms evolve, like sideburns named after Burnside. The dynamic dialogue unveils the playful intricacies of language and invites listeners to reflect on their personal encounters with these fascinating terms.

Dive into the delicious world of food etymology! Discover how 'dinner' and 'lunch' evolved through history and social class. Uncover the surprising transformation of 'meat' from a general food term to something more specific. Challenge your perceptions with the debate on whether 'vegetables' even exist. Enjoy quirky tales about food words, including the eye-opening meaning behind 'vanilla.' Get ready for a flavorful exploration of language and culinary traditions!

Explore the captivating realm of fossil words and their quirky histories! Discover the origins of intriguing phrases like 'hoist by your own petard' and 'give short shrift.' Learn about the playful evolution of language through terms such as 'kit and caboodle.' Uncover the darker roots of expressions tied to crime and societal attitudes, while humorously examining the morbid implications of phrases related to finality. Join in on the linguistic journey through time, where words reveal their secrets and invite creative contributions!

Join the hosts as they revive long-lost words, diving into their quirky meanings and historical roots. Discover the amusing origins of job titles and animal names, revealing how language reflects society. Explore whimsical terms like 'mulligrubs' and 'pterididdle,' while enjoying lighthearted banter about the evolution of English. The discussion also touches on the charm of obsolete vocabulary and encourages listeners to share their own favorite words, making for a delightful linguistic journey.

Discover the fascinating origins of planet names, from the mythical tales behind Mars and Venus to the linguistic roots of Earth. Learn the correct pronunciation of Uranus, and explore the differences between meteors, comets, and asteroids. Unravel the delightful etymology of terms like 'Milky Way' and dive into the cosmic journey that connects language to the stars. With humor and anecdotes, it’s a stellar exploration of how mythology and language intertwine in our understanding of the universe.

Ever wondered if pink really exists? Explore the surprising absence of a word for blue in ancient Greek culture. Delve into the evolution of color terms, uncovering how 'black' can mean 'white.' Discover the debate between 'gray' and 'grey,' including the curious origins of the term 'Greyhound.' It's a vibrant journey into how language shapes our understanding of colors, revealing the deep connections between culture, emotions, and our world.

Dive into the fascinating battle of words between British and American English! Discover quirky vocabulary differences, like 'lift' versus 'elevator' and 'chips' versus 'French fries.' Enjoy humorous insights about the term 'fanny' and uncover the cultural significance behind clothing and food terminology. Explore the etymology of words like 'raccoon' and laugh at regional misunderstandings. Unravel spelling and pronunciation variations that reflect unique societal developments on both sides of the pond!

Dive into the whimsical world of word mash-ups! Discover whether an orange was ever a 'norange' and why cheeseburgers puzzle linguists. Explore how playful portmanteaus blend meanings and learn the quirky transformations words undergo, like rebracketing and metathesis. Unearth culinary curiosities, from turduckens to cronuts, and uncover amusing misconceptions about food terms. Plus, enjoy insights into political jargon with terms like gerrymander and shrinkflation. Language has never been this fun!