Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

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!

Set sail on a wordy adventure! Discover why a 'poop deck' might have a cheeky reputation. Unravel the meaning behind 'shiver me timbers' and other colorful pirate slang. Dive into the rich history of nautical idioms and their influence on the English language. Learn how terms like 'booty' and 'avast' evolved, and explore their pop culture roots. From clumsy 'lubbers' to the mystery of 'Pieces of Eight,' this journey through maritime vocabulary is both enlightening and entertaining!

Dive into the fascinating world of orphaned negatives and lost positives in English! Discover why we say 'nonchalant' but not 'chalant.' Explore the whimsical evolution of 'whelm' and its cousins—'overwhelm' and 'underwhelm.' Unpack the emotional nuances of words like 'maculate' and 'gruntled.' Get ready for a delightful linguistic journey that highlights how language shapes our feelings and the importance of context. Join the fun as they invite listeners to share their own unique word findings!

Dive into the whimsical world of collective nouns, where you’ll learn why crows are called a 'murder' and flamingos flaunt a 'flamboyance.' Discover the intriguing origins behind these quirky terms, revealing insights from a 15th-century hunting manual. Explore the playful evolution of language as it reflects societal views through whimsical phrases like 'parliament of owls' and 'crash of rhinos.' Join the fun as humor blends with history to uncover the creativity behind our language.

Jess Zafarris, an etymology expert, joins Rob Watts, known as RobWords, to tackle popular language myths. They hilariously debunk misconceptions like 'tip' meaning To Insure Promptness and the origin of the F word. The duo delves into the true story behind 'posh' and explores the intricacies of bacronyms, including the USA PATRIOT Act. They also uncover the fascinating evolution of slang, like 'Riz' for charisma. Their discussions reveal the richness of language and the importance of skepticism in etymology.