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Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Leon Bailey-Green
Word History is a podcast for people who enjoy words and history. Each episode takes a small set of words linked to a theme. You'll hear what they mean, where they come from and which familiar words share the same linguistic roots, along with stories from the past related to their use. Listen for words that sharpen expression, and brief histories that show how ideas and practices, as well as language, took shape. Across an archive of more than a hundred episodes, you'll find explanations of word, name and phrase origins. The majority of etymologies featured return to Old English, Ancient Greek, Latin and Old French, providing a look into languages of the past that underpin English. New episodes on Sundays. Get in touch: https://etymoleon.com Etymoleon is produced by Leon Bailey-Green.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 6 days ago15 min
127. Spiders
An Italian folk dance has origins in medieval beliefs about a spider bite. Japanese folklore has a shapeshifting spider that lures young men. An 18th century illustration is behind the name of one of the world's largest spiders. Alongside these histories, this episode uncovers the origins of words such as cobweb, Anansi, matriphagy, tarantula, Jorogumo, arachnomelia, chelated and autotomy. Transition sound by https://audionautix.com - https://www.youtube.c...
- 1 weeks ago13 min
126. Silence
A 13th century city restricted the movements of glassmakers to protect valuable production secrets. For much of history, reading aloud was more common than reading silently in the mind. An early music player without a volume control may have inspired a popular phrase. Alongside these histories, this episode traces the origins of words such as divulge, recite, endophasia, expose, radio silence and schtum. Transition sound by https://audionautix.com - https://www.prospectm...
- 2 weeks ago16 min
125. Maps
A 4,000-year-old carving may be one of the oldest maps in Europe. A west coast American state appeared as an island on maps for centuries. An African territory remains unclaimed because colonial boundary agreements make ownership disadvantageous for both neighbouring countries. Alongside these histories, this episode traces the origins of words such as atlas, treaty, latitude, California, occident, plagiarism and condominium. Transition sound by https://audionautix.com - ...
- Jun 28, 202615 min
124. Consequences
This podcast returns on July 12th 2026. A 19th century decision involving 24 rabbits reshaped an entire continent. The inventor of an explosive became synonymous with peace. A president's speech turned a game into a metaphor for consequence. Alongside these histories, this episode traces the origins of words such as sequela, corollary, irruption, repercussion and domino. Transition sound by https://audionautix.com - https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/rabbi...
- Jun 14, 202616 min
123. Boredom
This podcast returns on June 28th 2026. An experiment suggests most people would rather give themselves an electric shock than sit alone with boredom. Excavations reveal students were being punished with the monotony of writing lines thousands of years ago. The computer game millions of office workers have used to kill time was created by an intern. Alongside these histories, this episode traces the origins of words such as monotony, ennui, onychophagy, ad nauseam, flâneur, meander and clich...
- Jun 7, 202613 min
122. VCR
A Hollywood actress's workout helped drive sales of VCRs. A video rental chain laughed at the chance to buy a future streaming giant. Video replay transformed how NFL referees judged the game. Alongside these histories, this episode traces the origins of words such as betamax, footage, record, kinescope, bootleg, blockbuster and leotard. Transition sound by https://audionautix.com - https://www.wipo.int/en/web/wipo-magazine/articles/50-years-of-the-video-cassette-recorder-35495 ht...
- May 31, 202615 min
121. Attraction
A queen travelled with her dead husband's corpse, reportedly opening the coffin along the journey to kiss his feet. The rejection of repeated marriage proposals may have helped shape some of a poet's best work. Studies suggest pheromones can influence how discerning people are when judging the attractiveness of others. Alongside these histories, this episode traces the origins of words such as callipygian, panache, olfactophilia, limerence, pulchritude, uxorious and sillage. Transition soun...
- May 17, 202617 min
120. Mythology II: Controversy
This podcast returns on May 31st 2026. A rejected advance gives rise to a false accusation. Twins are born, each to a different father. A king kills his nephews and serves them at a feast. Greek mythology is full of controversial tales. Alongside these mythological stories, this episode traces the origins of words such as oppugn, vitriol, infandous, cannibal, inveigh, lurid and obscene. Transition sound by https://audionautix.com - https://www.greekmythology.com/ h...
About Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.
Word History is a podcast for people who enjoy words and history. Each episode takes a small set of words linked to a theme. You'll hear what they mean, where they come from and which familiar words share the same linguistic roots, along with stories from the past related to their use. Listen for words that sharpen expression, and brief histories that show how ideas and practices, as well as language, took shape. Across an archive of more than a hundred episodes, you'll find explanations of word, name and phrase origins. The majority of etymologies featured return to Old English, Ancient Greek, Latin and Old French, providing a look into languages of the past that underpin English. New episodes on Sundays. Get in touch: https://etymoleon.com Etymoleon is produced by Leon Bailey-Green.
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