
Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
87 episodes — Page 1 of 2
Who should you hit with a 'slapstick'? | COMEDY WORDS
The Arabic words hiding in English
What was so "complex" about Oedipus? | PSYCHOLOGY TERMS
The literal meaning of 'tiramisu' | WORLD FOODS
Why is a false clue a "red herring"? | IDIOM ORIGINS
Ep 81Why does Berlin mean 'swamp'? | CITY NAME ORIGINS
What's in a names? Jess and Rob are exploring why major cities are called what they're called and what their names literally mean.🇩🇪 Why does BERLIN mean 'swamp'?🇯🇵 Why are KYOTO and TOKYO anagrams?🇿🇦 Who is the Johannes of Johannesburg?These questions answered, and many more, in a globe-trotting episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODEhttps://youtu.be/p4bB1fOPtXI
Ep 80Why do Brits eat their entrees first? ? UK v US ENGLISH
Rob and Jess are engaged in another transatlantic war of words, pitting their British and American accents against one another.🍽️ Why do Brits eat their entrees first?👰🏽 Why do Americans pronounce "merry", "marry" and "Mary" the same?🚿 Why can't we agree on whether to "have" or "take" a shower?These questions answered, and many more, in another Words Unravelled.Evan Edinger: https://www.youtube.com/evanLost in the Pond: https://www.youtube.com/lostinthepond👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/IvWUmPs12UU==LINKS==Rob's YouTube channel: youtube.com/robwordsJess' Useless Etymology blog: https://uselessetymology.com/Rob on X: x.com/robwordsytJess on TikTok: tiktok.com/@jesszafarris
Ep 79Slurs and taboos with Professor John McWhorter
Rob and Jess are joined by the brilliant John McWhorter to discuss words you're not allowed to use. Professor McWhorter has written extensively about taboos, slurs and profanities and brings his unparalleled expertise on the English language. 🤬 Is "the R word" becoming even more taboo?🤐 Are we "unaliving" our way to a new era of self-censorship?🔄 Can a slur ever be truly "reclaimed"?These questions answered, and many more, in a fascinatingly frank episode of Words Unravelled.More about John: https://johnmcwhorter.org/📕 Nine Nasty Words: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/624619/nine-nasty-words-by-john-mcwhorter/👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/6JYqGa_-UZE
Ep 78What was Pepsi originally called? | BRAND NAME ORIGINS
What does IKEA mean? What language is Häagen-Dasz? Who came up with the name Adidas? Why is Danone spelled Dannon in the US? These questions answered, and many more, as Jess and Rob explore the origins of brand names.Enjoy some more trademark word nerdery in this episode of Words Unravelled exploring Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Lego, Shell, ExxonMobil, Aldi and other famous product names.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/7jPjtgg06L0
Ep 77What does 'philosophy' even mean? | PHILOSOPHICAL WORDS
Jess and Rob are digging into the origins of the words behind some of history’s biggest ideas – from stoicism and cynicism to logic, ethics, and metaphysics. Along the way, they trace how ancient Greek schools of thought shaped the language we still use to argue, reason, and disagree today. Enjoy this particularly pensive episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/6pya-WuePwo
Ep 76Why so many terms for 'doing it'? | SEX & LOVE
Jess and Rob are discussing "the shaking of the sheets". Join them to explore the origins of words for 'doing it' and a host of historic terms for firkytoodling, quiffing and dancing Moll Peatley's Jig. Welcome to a very sex episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/3bvK3bz_AlY
Ep 75The words English forgot to invent | LEXICAL GAPS
Why doesn't English have a word for someone who is alive? Or a general term for your aunties and uncles? Should we bring back the word 'uhtceare' from Old English or steal 'Torschlusspanik' from German?Rob and Jess answer these questions and more as they investigate the words that English has forgotten to invent. Join them to explore silly sniglets, outrageous orphaned negatives and untranslatable terms in another nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/PH64PZAjK_s
Ep 74Could something 'escalate' before the escalator? INVENTIONS
Is necessity the mother of invention? NO! Latin is, etymologically speaking. That's just one of many revelations as Jess and Rob investigates words for innovations.🛗 Could you 'escalate' something before the escalator?🍞 When was sliced bread actually invented?🩹 What connects zippers, band aids and aspirin?These questions answered – and many more – in another inventive episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/qheviaPndXU
Ep 73Does anyone know what 'London' means? | CITY NAME ORIGINS
Rob and Jess are touring the US and the UK in search of the most interesting city name origin stories.💨 Does 'Chicago' have anything to do with wind?🗽 Is New York actually named after York?🚇 Does anyone know what 'London' means?🏹 And what was Nottingham's hilarious old name?Find out as we climb aboard the etymological city-hopper in another wordy, nerdy Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/fR7IIZAy4Js
Ep 72What does 'espionage' actually mean? | SECRETS & SPIES
Rob and Jess are going deep undercover to unearth the origins of words from the word of espionage.🕵️♀️ What's the difference between a SPY, and ASSET, and an AGENT?🔍 What does ESPIONAGE literally mean?🇬🇧 Was there ever an MI4 as well MI5 and MI6?These questions answered – and many more – in a supremely secretive episode of Words Unravelled.🎥 Dr Geoff Lindsey's COVERT vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeHRN6GlNOs👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/
Ep 71What did the first internet troll write? | TECH WORDS
Rob and Jess are talking tech! In this episode, they explore the linguistic origins of terms from technology, Sci-fi and the internet.🧌 Who was the first internet troll?🤖 What does 'robot' literally mean?🔫 Does Jedi actually mean something?⌨️ Are we pronouncing 'meme' correctly?These questions answered, and a whole lot more, in an extra nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.🚨ROBWORDS LIVE🚨Ticket: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bloomsbury-theatre/events/2026/apr/evening-etymology-rob-words👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/vrZwAuQ6X0c
Ep 70What is the 'Nocebo Effect'? | MEDICAL TERMS EXPLAINED
Rob and Jess are taking a surgical look at words from the world of medicine.💊 What is the Nocebo Effect?🩺 Are doctors named after leeches (or the other way round)?🚑 What does "ambulance" literally mean?These questions answered, and many more, in another wordy nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/KVFMuOBPjNs
Ep 69What does 'chupacabra' literally mean? | CRYPTIDS & MYTHICAL BEASTS
Jess and Rob are exploring the etymological origins of mythical beasts and cryptids.🐺 What does "Chupacabra" mean?🦑 Why are we getting the name "Kraken" wrong?🐉 What animal was the original "dragon"?These questions answered – and many more besides – in another Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/hcVF8b2w6n4
Ep 68Why do we say 'bury the hatchet'? | SAYINGS EXPLAINED
In this episode, Rob and Jess explore the stories behind a host of common sayings. 🪓 Does anyone actually 'bury the hatchet'? 😈 Was there ever a 'devil's advocate'? 🔫 What is a 'son of a gun'? 🪶 Why would you have a 'feather in your cap'? These questions answered – and many more – in another idioms episode of Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/d2q4bBjWmtI
Ep 67Vulgar language and criminal slang
This episode of Words Unravelled is not for the easily offended, as Rob and Jess explore dictionaries dedicated to underground slang. Focusing first on Francis Grose's 'Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue', our hosts pick out some of the rudest, meanest and funniest words recorded in 18th century London.They also discuss other attempts to document the everyday talk of the criminal classes, and take a special look at London's 20th century 'gay language', Polari.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/GHqlu7p6GQ0
Ep 66Is English a Germanic language?
It's sometimes said that English has taken on so many Latin and French words that it is now a Romance language. Rob and Jess believe this is false, and in this episode they explain why.Join them as they explain just how similar English is to its siblings Dutch and German and its cousins Swedish, Danish and Norwegian. Learn about the many words borrowed from other Germanic languages. And discover why English has Germanic DNA.Enjoy another wordy, nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/DSD_kMu1INk
Ep 65Getting quizzed on the quirks of English (with Joshua Blackburn)
What is the Baader-Meinhof effect? How many quotes are wrongly attributed to Churchill? What's Jess's funniest linguistics joke?These questions answered, and many more, in a special episode of Words Unravelled featuring League of the Lexicon founder Joshua Blackburn.You can find out more about his board game and accompanying book, The Language-Lover's Lexipedia, here: https://www.leagueofthelexicon.com/👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/TFMaxYzWvJc
Ep 64Which was the original 'football'? | SPORTS WORDS
In this episode, Jess and Rob get sporty as they trace the origins of the words behind our favourite games. ⚾️ What is the word "sport" short for?🏉 Why does American "football" barely involve your feet?🏏 What do Brits mean when they say something "isn't cricket"?Expect Victorian public schools, Indigenous ball games, and a few linguistic own goals in another Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/ClRqFWMR15Y
Ep 63What does your name mean? | FIRST NAMES EXPLAINED
Rob and Jess are exploring the origins of first names. 👩 Are all MARYS actually MIRIAMS? 🕵️♀️ How can JAMES, IAGO and JACOB be the same? 💡 What do ROBERT and JESSICA mean? These questions answered – and many more – in this nominally fascinating etymological exploration of why we're called what we're called. It's time for Words Unravelled! 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/P7OrRqykwWc
Ep 62Are pets called 'pets' because we pet them? | PET WORDS
In this episode, Rob and Jess dig into the origins of the words we use for our furry, feathered, and occasionally scaly companions. 🐕 Where does the word 'dog' come from?🐈 What does 'cat' literally mean?🐹 Are guinea pigs even from Guinea?These questions answered, and many more, in this edition of Words Unravelled dedicated to our beloved pets.WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/_r2HMeiDhKA👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/
Ep 61Can a hill be taller than a mountain? | GEOGRAPHY WORDS
From mountain high to valley low, Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris are exploring the origins of geography words. 🐻❄️ Why are the poles called 'poles'? 🗻 What is the difference between a hill and a mountain? 🧭 What do the points of the compass literally mean? These questions answered – and many more – in another worldly, wordy and nerdy episode of Words Unravelled. 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/0TTPpHUVL3Y 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/
Ep 60100 Word Facts... and Rob & Jess meet!
Internet word nerds RobWords and Jess Zafarris share 100 word facts. They met in person for the first time after Words Unravelled reached 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Prepare for 49 minutes of pure linguistic geekery.🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/uPfbuo6iP6Y👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👂LISTEN: https://podfollow.com/words-unravelled-with-robwords-and-jess-zafarrisor search for "Words Unravelled" wherever you get your podcasts.==LINKS==Rob's YouTube channel: youtube.com/robwordsJess' Useless Etymology blog: https://uselessetymology.com/Rob on X: x.com/robwordsytJess on TikTok: tiktok.com/@jesszafarris
Ep 59Who was the first to 'spill the beans'? | IDIOM ORIGINS
In this episode, Jess and Rob 'spill the beans' about all manner of food-related idioms.🍌 Why does 'going bananas' mean going mad?☕️ Who is the Joe in a 'cup of Joe'?🍏 What did we compare apples to before oranges?🧅 What does it really mean to 'know your onions'?Answers to these questions and many more as we explore the origins of commons sayings in Words Unravelled.OTHER IDIOM EPISODEShttps://youtu.be/Fkf61-j8VmQ?si=3GWneox_uAN1NsXIhttps://youtu.be/ca3lz3dXgW8?si=9D_DE4-MiJ9jV5IK👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/6Rr6qfIIapY==LINKS==Rob's YouTube channel: youtube.com/robwordsJess' Useless Etymology blog: https://uselessetymology.com/Rob on X: x.com/robwordsytJess on TikTok: tiktok.com/@jesszafarris
Ep 58Why are we saying 'Caesar' wrong? | TITLES & POWER
In this episode, Rob and Jess take a right royal romp through the etymologies of eminent titles. They discuss the origins of words like "lord", "emperor", "queen" and a whole host of others: 🏛️ How did Caesar become a title all over Europe? 𓁏 What did 'pharaoh' mean to the ancient Egyptians? 👑 What is the etymology of the word 'king'? 🗳️ What is a 'timocracy' or a 'kakistocracy? These questions answered – and many more – in another Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/MrsqUCgXGBk
Ep 57What does 'stegosaurus' literally mean? | DINOSAUR NAMES
We’re digging into prehistoric word origins. In this episode, Jess and Rob unearth the literal meanings behind the names of the dinosaurs. 🦖 What does Tyrannosaurus rex really mean? 🦕 Why is Stegosaurus called the “roof lizard”? 🐦 Are dinosaurs birds or lizards? 🦴 Are dinosaur names Latin or Greek? These questions answered – and many more – in another monstrous episode of Words Unravelled. 🌐 LINKS 🌐 Charlie the Unicorn: https://youtu.be/CsGYh8AacgY?si=s0AwwpXqwB_1_GhX Rob's dinosaur video: https://youtu.be/7FOamlJf-28?si=sKbN6Bjw0s7LukG7 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/y0Bv7Rt2L54
Ep 56Why is England called 'England'? | COUNTRY NAME ORIGINS
We're taking a world tour of word origins. In this episode, Jess and Rob discuss how a multitude of countries got their names.🇺🇸 Where was the original "America"?🇬🇧 Why is Britain called "Great"?🇨🇦 What does "Canada" mean?🇩🇪 Why do the Germans call themselves "Dutch"?These questions answered – and many more – in another worldly wise episode of Words Unravelled.🌐 LINKS 🌐Rob's UK country names video: https://youtu.be/aXAjMlTO7Dc?si=DpZ8oZlH8h6iVX0ORob's European countries video: https://youtu.be/2Pcv2ySMi40?si=4YQMmeUL4FcPBOn7👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/HJVrBYFf4Ps
Ep 55Why do news anchors talk like that? | JOURNALESE
BREAKING: Rob and Jess uncover news clichés and weird journalistic words. 📺 Why do TV news anchors talk in that strange way?🗞️ Why do newspaper journalists spell lead as "lede"?🎤 Why do journalists use clichés like "on the rise"?🐊 What is a "knobbly monster"?These questions answered – and many more – in another hot-off-the-press episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Q_A1OtVd8RA
Ep 54How could one man write a dictionary? | SAMUEL JOHNSON
Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary was one heck of an achievement. But it is also far from perfect. In this episode, Jess and Rob discuss some of the more amusing entries within its pages, and even the words that landed dear Samuel in hot water. Enjoy this cover-to-cover exploration of English's most important dictionary and the extraordinary man who wrote it.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/📘 JESS'S BOOK 📘Bookshop . org: tinyurl.com/UselessEtyAmazon: tinyurl.com/UselessEtyAZB&N: tinyurl.com/UselessEtyBNWATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/GW0em6wW15A
Ep 53Why do pilots sit in a 'cockpit'? | AVIATION WORDS
Welcome aboard flight WU321 bound for Etymology Island. In this episode, Rob and Jess take to the skies and soar through the word origins of a multitude of aviation terms.✈️ Is it an 'airplane' or an 'aeroplane'?🐓 Why do pilots sit in a 'cockpit'?🛩️ Why is English the language of aviation?🔠 How did the NATO alphabet come to be?These questions answered – and many more – in a high-flying episode of Words Unravelled charting the etymology of flight.🍾BECOME A MEMBER🍾Click "join" here: https://www.youtube.com/@wordsunravelled👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/v2pWWECvdvc
Ep 52How did currencies get their names? | MONEY WORDS
In for a penny, in for a pound: Rob and Jess discuss money word origins in this episode of Words Unravelled.💰 Where did the dollar sign come from?💷 What is the British currency a pound of?🤑 Which goddess is all money named after?These questions answered – and many more – in another financially sound episode of Words Unravelled.🏆 VOTE FOR US 🏆The British Podcast Awards listeners' choice award: https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/...👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreads...EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreads...🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/iUnj_TSLqgw
Ep 51Does English use the wrong word for clouds? | WEATHER WORDS
Jess and Rob have got their heads in the clouds, exploring the origins of our words for weather.☄️ Why don't meteorologists deal with meteors?☁️ How are we using the wrong word for 'cloud'?☔️ What was the original 'raincheck'?🤬 Why does Jess hate the word 'petrichor'?These questions answered, and many more, in this etymological meteorological episode of Words Unravelled.🌐 LINKS 🌐Our games video (re: chess): https://youtu.be/vBa8CIltJ24?si=BxcDAYTk7yLYq5jaOur Christmas video (re: reindeer): https://youtu.be/9A0hAxeFyo4?si=ECL0SFZJUcKUo50LRob's video about ugly and beautiful words: https://youtu.be/hh5yEKPNEtM?si=LMvCxuv7KvH4E23T👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/JC79Go-MmaE
Ep 50Exposing grammar myths and mistakes with Grammar Girl
Is it "on accident" or "by accident"? Should "red, white, and blue" have that second comma? Is "10 items or less" okay? Jess and Rob are joined by the internet's Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty, to examine some common grammatical myths and mistakes.🥳 Is it wrong to use "fun" as an adjective?🏎️ Is "drive SLOW" bad grammar? (or just a flat adverb?)🥃 Why does "tonic and gin" sound weird?These questions answered, as well as many more, on Words Unravelled.Mignon's podcast: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl/👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/9C9nvVUEuOI
Ep 49Why is English full of French words?
Bienvenue dans cet épisode de "Mot Décortiqué"! Rob and Jess are exploring the enormous influence French has had on the English language. 📊What proportion of English words are French?🥩Why do our meats have French names?🇫🇷Which words have we borrowed from French twice?These questions answered and many, many more in another merveilleux, fabuleux Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/PfK6C7NASqQ
Ep 48Precisely how long is a 'moment'? | TIME WORDS
Jess and Rob present a brief history of time words in an episode filled with chronological etymology.⌚️ How did "seconds" get their name?🕰️ What does "clock" literally mean?🇫🇷 How did France's decimal calendar work?These questions answered – and so many more – in this timely episode of Words Unravelled.Our mythology episode: https://youtu.be/b8s2uxWrMhQ?si=G--tQQwAj9mKHk-S👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/-nhPlHrJDsQ
Ep 47What was the original "blockbuster"? | MOVIE WORDS
Lights, camera, action! Rob and Jess are discussing movie and TV terms in this filmic episode of Words Unravelled. 🎥 Why do Brits call movies "films"? 🤷🏼♂️ Why has Allen Smithee directed so many terrible movies? 🙀 Why is there a "dead cat" on every Hollywood set? These questions answered, and many more, in this episode crammed with film and television etymology. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreads... EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreads... WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/wtOpyi_xjKw
Ep 46How can you tell a bug from a beetle? | ENTOMOLOGY ETYMOLOGY
Time for some entomology etymology! Rob and Jess will have you in bits as they explore the literal meaning of "insect" and all manner of other term for creepy crawly. 🕷️ Why do spiders spin "cobwebs"? 🦋 Was a butterfly ever a "flutterby"? 🐞 Which is older, "ladybug" or "ladybird"? These questions answered, and many more, a critter-crammed episode of Words Unravelled. 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Iw3nl9Xyjik
Ep 45Why is the Pope "the daddy"? | HOLY WORDS
Holy heck! Rob and Jess are back with an episode of biblical proportions. Join them as they get to the gospel truth about the origins of religious words.⛪️ What was kept in the very first chapel?🦛 Which animal was the original behemoth?🗝️ Where does the word "conclave" come from?These questions answered – and many more – in another Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👀WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Gvyn8XrBinU
Ep 44Why do Brits think 'pants' are underwear? | CLOTHING WORDS
Jess and Rob are unravelling the origins of our words for fabric and clothing in this highly fashionable episode of Words Unravelled.🩲 Why do 'pants' mean different things in the UK and US?👖 Which city are your jeans named after?🪶 What's flappy about a 'flapper girl'?✈️ Is 'nylon' really named after New York and London?These questions answered, and many more, in our most unravelly episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/s9B1o2ydCmg
Ep 43Why is there an N in "passenger"? | TRANSPORTATION
It's time to hit the road with Rob and Jess as they journey through the origins of words from road and rail.🚃 Why do Brits say "transport" and Americans "transportation"?🚊 What's the difference between a train and a locomotive?🚙 How do you actually pronounce Hyundai?These questions answered – and many more – in this transport[ation] special of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/kf81cdpXteA
Ep 42Why were hatters mad? | IDIOM ORIGINS
Rob and Jess "pull out all the stops" in this episode explaining idiom origins. ✈️ Why do we say "balls to the wall" and "push the envelope"? 🐘 What's so useless about a "white elephant"? 👕 Where were the original "whole nine yards"?These questions answered and many more in this common sayings special of Words Unravelled.Here's our other idioms episode: https://pod.fo/e/2a54baAnd the video version of this one: https://youtu.be/ca3lz3dXgW8👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/
Ep 41Is it a restroom or a loo? | UK v. US English
Let's explore British English and American English. In another transatlantic war of words, Rob (a Brit) and Jess (an American) debate the differing words for the same things either side of the pond. For our new Channel Memberships click "Join" just below the video. Our previous 🇺🇸 vs. 🇬🇧 episode 📺 https://youtu.be/o6KlBd7TPFI?si=EHmBIMV3PatoSQi9 🔊 https://pod.fo/e/240f60 👕 OUR MERCH 👚 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/ EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/ 🎥 Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/kf6zkx3Zg_4
Ep 40Did Shakespeare write all his plays? | THE BARD
We're back for a new 🇬🇧series/🇺🇸season of Words Unravelled. In this episode, transatlantic word nerds Rob and Jess tackle the truth and lies surrounding Williams Shakespeare.✍️ Did the Bard really invent 1,700 words?🤬 Which insults did Willy give us?🎭 Could he actually have written all of those plays?These questions answered and many more, just As You Like It.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/91ZxuC2jLo4
Ep 39How do you pronounce lieutenant? | MILITARY WORDS
There's fightin' talk in this episode of Words Unravelled, in which Jess and Rob discuss words of warcraft.🔫 Which woman are all guns named after?🪖 Where does the word "war" come from?👮 Is lieutenant pronounced loo-tenant or lef-tenant?These questions answered – and many more – in this military etymology special of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/4CJRYBxDdGg
Ep 38Why do we mind our Ps and Qs? | PRINTING TERMS
In this printing special of Words Unravelled, Jess proves herself a font of knowledge on names for typefaces and Rob makes a bit impression with the history of the printing press.🆎 What's the difference between a font and a typeface?😈 Who was the printer's devil?📖 How did the printing press ruin English spelling?These questions answered — and many more — in this cliché-free episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚🇺🇸 US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/🇬🇧 EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/👂WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/cd5iFbuNKv8
Ep 37Where the f*** do swear words come from?
It's here: the much-requested swearing episode of Words Unravelled. Join Rob and Jess as they explore the origins of all manner of profanity.#️⃣ Where did the F word come from?📍 Which place names originally contained swear words?📺 What are the worst words you can say on TV?These questions answered, and many more, in this NSFW edition of Words Unravelled.👕WORDY NERDY MERCH👚Our EU and US shops cover most of the world between them:🇪🇺🇬🇧: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.net/🇺🇸 https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/WATCH THIS EPISODEhttps://youtu.be/NqvT3gVz2aw