

Something Rhymes with Purple
Sony Music Entertainment
Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth invite you to enhance your vocabulary, uncover the hidden origins of language and share their love of words in this award-winning podcast.
We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us here: purple@somethinelse.com
Want more Purple, people? Join the Purple Plus Club by clicking the banner in Apple podcasts or by heading to purpleplusclub.com to listen on other platforms for ad-free listening, and not 1 but 2 episodes of the show every week.
You can buy our branded mugs, tote bags and T-shirts here: https://bit.ly/37huhqs
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We love hearing from you, find us @SomethingRhymes on Twitter and Facebook, @SomethingRhymesWith on Instagram or you can email us here: purple@somethinelse.com
Want more Purple, people? Join the Purple Plus Club by clicking the banner in Apple podcasts or by heading to purpleplusclub.com to listen on other platforms for ad-free listening, and not 1 but 2 episodes of the show every week.
You can buy our branded mugs, tote bags and T-shirts here: https://bit.ly/37huhqs
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2019 • 29min
Sphallolalia
Dive into the delightful complexities of love as the hosts explore its limited vocabulary. From historical terms like limerence to quirky euphemisms for intimacy, the discussion is sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes. They reflect on the cultural implications of language and how romance has evolved over time. Plus, enjoy some playful words like 'philodox' and amusing tales about secret weddings. It's a charming mix of linguistic exploration and heartfelt reflection on love's many facets.

9 snips
Sep 17, 2019 • 29min
Quisquilious
Dive into the whimsical world of lexicography, where childhood dreams collide with the art of words. Enjoy amusing tales from first jobs that capture the essence of youthful ambition and unforgettable customer interactions. Discover the quirky origins of culinary terms and the playful side of language with listener-submitted wordplay. Reflect on the humorous evolution of job titles and how language shapes our perceptions. It's a delightful journey that blends nostalgia, etymology, and laughter.

Sep 10, 2019 • 33min
Testiculate
Dive into the hidden meanings behind fashion and language, exploring how clothing shapes communication and identity. Discover the quirky history of edible underwear from the 1970s and the phrase 'dressed to the nines' along with its cultural significance. Uncover the origins of terms like 'domino' in fashion and games, as well as the playful nature of unique words. Plus, enjoy tales about sustainable fashion and the delightful oddities of historical clothing phrases that reveal language's vibrant evolution.

Sep 3, 2019 • 28min
Gyldenbollockes
Dive into the whimsical world of quirky vocabulary, with playful terms like 'darkle' and 'fandangle' taking center stage. Discover the fascinating origins of surnames, especially those tied to medieval occupations, as the speakers humorously explore how names have shaped personal identities. Learn about the intriguing etymology behind everyday words, revealing surprising links to history and societal roles. This lively discussion uncovers the rich narratives behind our names and their evolution over centuries.

Aug 27, 2019 • 29min
Corpsicle
Dive into the fascinating and lighthearted exploration of death and its vocabulary. Discover the historical attitudes towards mortality, from the frankness of the Middle Ages to today’s euphemisms. Uncover whimsical jargon used in the funeral industry and laugh along as the hosts share odd terms like 'ash cash.' Enjoy tales of being buried alive and quirky word origins that spice up this serious subject. It’s a lively conversation that balances humor and thoughtfulness while unraveling language’s playful side.

Aug 20, 2019 • 33min
Brabble
Dive into the delightful world of unlikely word pairs like 'mouse and muscle' or 'rectum and rectitude.' The discussion playfully intertwines etymology with personal anecdotes about home ownership and the quirks of language. Explore unique connections, from 'pupil' to 'puppet,' revealing deeper meanings and histories. Enjoy a humorous celebration of iconic comedy duos and the rich tapestry of quirky words that connect us all. It's a joyous exploration of language, laughter, and the magic of communication.

Aug 13, 2019 • 39min
Zwoddery
Dive into the whimsical world of sleep language, uncovering the origins of phrases like '40 winks' and 'sleep tight.' Enjoy humorous insights on bedding choices, from sheets to duvets, while reminiscing about childhood comforts. Explore the quirky interplay between dreams and language, discussing terms like 'hypnic' and sharing personal anecdotes. The hosts weave in nostalgia and laughter, making the exploration of sleep an entertaining adventure filled with linguistic whimsy and cultural significance.

Aug 6, 2019 • 33min
Firkytoodle
Dive into the fascinating world of theatrical language and its quirky origins. Discover the meanings behind idioms like 'break a leg' and how they tie into rich performance history. Have a laugh with unique jargon from both theater and the adult film industry, exploring terms that stir up both humor and chaos. Unearth superstitions linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth and hear about bizarre productions shaped by bad luck. Enjoy delightful anecdotes that celebrate the evolution of vocabulary and the colorful stories behind them.

Jul 30, 2019 • 40min
Pumpernickel
Dive into the delightful world of food-related linguistics! Discover quirky Australian slang like 'bum nuts' for eggs and the charming history behind Magnum ice cream. Enjoy rib-tickling tales of coffee addiction and breakfast favorites, featuring avocados' Aztec roots. Delve into the evolving meanings of words like 'meat' and laugh along with amusing cultural quirks and idioms. It's a flavorful journey that blends humor and language, celebrating the tasty connections we share!

Jul 23, 2019 • 36min
Dogsbody
Discover why our language often carries negative animal references, like 'sick as a pig' and 'dog tired.' Delve into the whimsical world of idiomatic expressions, where phrases like 'the bee's knees' spark joy amidst their histories. Hear humorous insights on language evolution, from the perplexities of 'hung' versus 'hanged' to the playful mispronunciations of common words. Unearth fun etymology behind food phrases and enjoy lighthearted banter that ties language to personal experiences, all served up with a side of laughter.