Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.

This episode peels back the layers of criminal language, exposing the etymology behind words linked to true crime. Journey through the linguistic roots of terms like detective, suspect, forensic and motive. The word landscape of taking without permission is explored with words like loot, shoplifting, theft and burglary, as are words of mortality like murder, manslaughter and homicide. Also looked...

This time we're diving into positivity, dissecting the origins of uplifting words like resolution, goal, determined and aspiration. Delve into the history behind 'turn over a new leaf' and origin theories surrounding 'bite the bullet.' Also explored are the words ambition, self improvement and persevere.

This episode unwraps the enchanting origins and meanings of Christmassy names. Discover the history behind names like Holly, Noel, Carol and even Jesus. Rudolph may be a famous deer but his name translates to 'famous wolf'. Explore the connection between Nicholas and Santa Claus, and delve into the festive names of Ivy, Joseph, Gabriel and Mary, which has many purported origins.

This episode ventures into the wintry realm, unravelling the origins of words that paint the chilly landscape of December, January and February, from the linguistic evolution of winter clothing like jumpers, or sweaters as they're better known in America, to the history of the beloved warming 'hot chocolate' and 'mulled wine' beverages. Also explored are the beginnings of...

This episode takes a look at street names, starting with suffixes we use for streets such as road, avenue, crescent and the ubiquitous street itself. Interesting history is uncovered by exploring the name origins of famous London streets Downing Street, Oxford Street and Abbey Road, as well as Birmingham's Broad Street. Also explored are the etymologies of the fictional Coronation Street and...

This episode exposes theories behind the origins of  what we call pets. While 'cat' has its roots in the Old English 'catte' and 'dog' in 'docga,' the origins of 'guinea pig' and 'budgerigar' remain shrouded in mystery. Also explored are the meanings of the UK's favourite pet names including Luna, Milo, Lola, Bella and Simba, and a t...

This episode explores the roots of social media terminology. Find out why influencer and influenza sound so alike, and listen on to learn the origins of the words such as like, tag, post, meme and the term 'social media' itself. Learn what trolling has to do with fishing, and what blocking has to do with a log of wood.

This episode delves into the origins of words intertwined with cancer, from oncology to chemotherapy, tumour and remission. Also explored are the name meanings and legacies of individuals who have made significant contributions to cancer research, such as Jane C. Wright, Richard Doll and Austin Bradford Hill.

This episode reveals the name meanings and origins of given names beginning with A including Amy, Angela, Archibald and Adam. We delve into the Ancient Greek anēr which means man, and can be found in the name Andrew, and in the 'ander' of Alexander, and Achilles, Athena and Aphrodite, three iconic figures from Greek mythology that have left their mark on the modern English language.

This episode takes a look at the etymologies of dating lingo. From modern terms such as ghosting, orbiting and catfishing, to the rather old-fashion synonym for dating 'courting'. Find out the name meanings behind dating app names Tinder and Grindr, and when the word 'date' first picked up its meaning in relation to two people seeing each other romantically.

This episode delves into the history of words related to cosmetic surgery and procedures. Botox can be traced back to poisonous sausages, collagen goes back to an ancient word meaning glue and veneer comes from the same root as the word furniture. Also unearthed in this episode are the etymologies of the words aesthetic, liposuction and rhinoplasty.

This episode looks at culture war slurs such as woke, gammon and snowflake, exploring the origins of their use in political commentary and the roots of the words in the English language. Listen on to find out who is credited with the controversial phrase 'pale, male and stale' and what the term 'loony left' has to do with the moon.

This episode is all about words related to sustainability, looking at the origins of words like climate, environment, eco and carbon. Find out where the 'denier' in climate denier comes from and why the word 'zealot', as in an eco zealot, is related to jealousy.

This episode delves into words with double meanings. From words with contradictory meanings, to those that have had their meanings change over decades and centuries. To 'dust' can mean to wipe fine particles away, or to sprinkle them, and 'sanction' can mean to allow or to restrict. Just like the word 'sick', the word 'bad' can, in some contexts, mean good....

This episode takes a look at the origins of words, terms and phrases related to the state of inebriation. From bladdered, legless and steaming to 'three sheets to the wind' and 'Dutch courage', this episode explores where the underlying words originate and how the terms may have come about. If you want to know what dog hair has to do with a hangover - 'hair of the dog&apos...

This episode explores the etymology of words associated with house buying. From the origins of 'realtor', the US term for an estate agent, to the connection between conveyancing and a group of ships, this episode takes a look at the roots of the words related to buying a home. The words mortgage, deed, deposit and leasehold all feature.

This episode explores the etymology behind the titles, styles and royal abodes associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The name Elizabeth, which means 'God is my oath', is a fascinating one with many variants and diminutives. Listen for the origins of Buckingham, Windsor and Balmoral, names of royal residences, as well as the meanings behind the late Queen's middle names Alexan...

This episodes explores the etymology behind words of matrimony. The hus in husband comes from the Old English word for a house, which was hūs, and wife comes from a word which simply meant woman, which explains why midwives are called midwives. This episode looks at the origins of the words wedding, nuptials and civil partnership, as well as theories for the history of the term 'cold feet&apo...

This episode explores the etymology behind words rising to prominence in conversations around the cost of living. Closing with the first recorded use of the term 'cost of living' this episode reveals where the words inflation, interest rates, bills, price hikes and air fryer originate. 

This episode explores the etymology behind royal titles and ranks of nobility. The titles of Lord and Lady have an interesting history connected to bread, both originating from the Old English word for bread which was hlaf - the root of the word loaf. This episode uncovers what is known about the origins of the words King, Queen, Duke/Duchess, Prince/Princess, Marquess/Marchioness, Earl, Count/Cou...

This episode explores the etymologies and meanings behind the names of British dishes and chefs. Did you know the cookery author who gave the Yorkshire pudding its name (it used to be called the dripping pudding) had no connection to Yorkshire? Why is a cottage pie called a cottage pie? Learn more in this episode which also features the etymologies behind Bangers & Mash, Chicken Tikka and Roas...

This episode explores the etymologies behind luxury brand names. From Victoria Beckham to Gucci, Chanel to Burberry to Represent, this episode takes a look at the meanings behind these names, as well as Flannels, Net-A-Porter, Hugo Boss and Prada.

This episode explores the etymology of retailer names. Find out what Gymshark, rather ironically, has to do with being unclothed, and how the surname of Sainsbury formed from the name Saewine. Argos is named after the Greek city but is the city so named because of a mythological character or an abundance of silver? This episode also looks at the etymology behind Homebase, Ocado, John Lewis and Ama...

This episode explores the etymology behind words associated with retail. The word retail comes from an Old French word retaillier, but what does the Latin tāliāre, which means cut, have to do with selling goods? Shopping centres are referred to as malls in the US, and that comes from the Latin malleus, the word for a hammer - what's the connection between a hammer and shopping? The origins of...