Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Jess Zafarris and Rob Watts explore the origins and stories behind everyday words. They discuss etymology, language history, and the surprising connections between words. The podcast is available in audio and video formats on YouTube.
Episodes
Why is English full of Latin? | LATIN WORDS
You speak more Latin than you think. Not only are the many French words in English derived from Latin, but almost 30% of our vocabulary comes directly from the language of the Romans. In this episode, Rob and Jess explore how those words got there, what they literally mean, and whether we are using them correctly.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https
Are sharks named after people? | OCEAN WORDS
Rob and Jess are taking the deepest of dives into the origins of words from the ocean.🐟 Are many fish 'fish' or 'fishes'?🦈 Why is there a mystery around sharks?🐠 What is a sarcastic fringehead?These questions answered, and many more, in this subaquatic special of Words Unravelled.🏴 ROB EDINBURGH TICKETS: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/robwords-live👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wo
Does 'Abracadabra' mean anything? | MAGIC WORDS
Take a pinch of witchcraft, add a touch of sorcery, and "Hey presto!" you have a wordy nerdy episode about magical terms.🧙 Can only women be witches?🔒 What did a warlock originally do?🪄 What is the literal meaning of 'Alakazam'?These questions answered – and many more – in another enchanting episode of Words Unravelled. 🏴 ROB'S EDINBURGH SHOW: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/robwo
What's so great about 'seventh' heaven? | NUMBER IDIOMS
We're exploring the origins of common sayings relating to numbers in this episode.🥉 Why is the third time a charm?⛅️ What's so great about "seventh heaven"?🙃 Why do we say "at sixes and sevens"?Rob and Jess explore these numerical idioms – and many more – in this magnificently mathematical edition of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: h
Words the Vikings left behind | OLD NORSE
What did the Vikings do for us? Rob and Jess are exploring the words left behind by the Scandinavian invaders.🪓 How much of English is Old Norse?🗺️ Which place names are inherited from "the Danes"?📝 How did the Norsemen change English grammar?These questions answered, and many more, in another Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://
Are you pronouncing 'caramel' wrong? | ACCENTS (ft. Valerie Fridland)
Why do Americans and Brits have the accents they have? Sociolinguist, professor and author Valerie Fridland joins Rob and Jess this week to discuss why we talk funny.🍮 Does 'caramel' have one or two syllables?🪶 Do Americans sound more like Shakespeare than Brits?🎩 Why do some accents sound 'posher' than others?These questions answered, an many more, in another gloriously nerdy episode of Words Un
What does 'Mona Lisa' even mean? | ART WORDS
How does an artist use a 'donkey'? What does 'Mona Lisa' actually mean? Who is the "dada" in Dadaism? Rob and Jess are explaining word origins from the art world in the latest Words Unravelled, exploring artists, artworks and art supplies.🏴ROB'S EDINBURGH SHOW🏴Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/robwords-live👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop
False Friends: Dangerous words in other languages
Rob and Jess are exploring deceptive words in other languages, like French, German and Spanish. So-called 'false friends' look familiar to English speakers but mean something very different. Watch this episode to avoid any sticky situations when you're next abroad.🏴 ROB'S EDINBURGH SHOW 🏴Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/robwords-live👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://word
How did The Beatles get their name? | ROCK 'N' ROLL
Why is it called "Rock and Roll"? Who came up with "The Beatles"? Which bands took their names from literature? Rob and Jess are answering all manner of musical etymological question in this off-beat 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/JlgQIDxufh
Spanish words hiding in English
¡Hablas más español de lo que crees! You speak more Spanish than you think! In this episode, Rob and Jess are exploring the Spanish words that have entered English both sides of the Atlantic.🤠 Which words entered English in the old West?🐴 Which animals are surprisingly Spanish?🇪🇸 Why do people in Spain sound like they have a lisp?These questions answered – and many more – in another Words Unravel
The origins of the alphabet
Let's explore the mysteries of our weird alphabet. Rob and Jess are joined by Danny Bate, author of Why Q Needs U, to discuss where our letters came from and why they make the noises they make.🅰️ How was A originally an ox?𝑄 Why does Q always appear with U?🦓 Is it ZEE or ZED?These questions answered and so many more in an alphabetically astounding episode of Words Unravelled.📖 Buy Danny's book, W
Who should you hit with a 'slapstick'? | COMEDY WORDS
Rob and Jess are guffawing their way through a world of comedic words. 🎭 What does 'comedy' literally mean?🤡 Who should you hit with a 'slapstick'?🥄 What was a spoof? (It's not a type of spoon)These questions answered, and many many more, in this hilarious edition of Words Unravelled.👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/56YLffYfQ7M👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.c
The Arabic words hiding in English
Rob and Jess are exploring the Arabic words hiding in English.🛜 Who was the original ‘algorithm’ named after?🥷 How did ‘assassins’ get their name?🔢 Why does English use Arabic numerals?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: h
What was so "complex" about Oedipus? | PSYCHOLOGY TERMS
This episode is all in the mind, as Rob and Jess explore the origins of psychological terms.💕 What did Oedipus doe to his mother?🛋️ What did Sigmund Freud actually believe?😳 What is "catagelaphobia"?🥼 Why has "therapy speak" become such a problem?These questions answered, and many more, in this psychoanalytical edition of Words Unravelled that is sure to make you think.👀 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https
The literal meaning of 'tiramisu' | WORLD FOODS
Rob and Jess are touring the world and translating the names of popular foods.🍝 What does "chow mein" mean?👅 Which pasta is "little tongues"?🌭 What is a Frankfurter called in Frankfurt?These curious culinary questions answered, and many more, in another deliciously nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadshop.com/EU/UK SHOP: https://wordsunravel
Why is a false clue a "red herring"? | IDIOM ORIGINS
Rob and Jess explore the origins of common sayings in another episode dedicated to the stories behind idioms.🐟 What was the first "red herring"?🪿 Is there a goose in a "wild goose chase"?👮 Why is prison called "up the river"?Find the answers to these questions and many more in another wordy nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/tRR-DHzD7mw👕 OUR MERCH 👚US SHOP: htt
Why 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
Why 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.c
Slurs 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 questio
What 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 SH
What 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://wordsunravelledsh
Why 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: ht
The 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 untranslatabl
Could 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.
Does 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: http
What 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
What 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: htt
What 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://wordsunravelledsho
What 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.ne
Why 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
Vulgar 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, a
Is 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 w
Getting 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.leagueofthelexico
Which 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:
What 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
Are 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 M
Can 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/0TT
100 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/👂LISTE
Who 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://yout
Why 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 answer
What 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 🌐Char
Why 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
Why 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://wordsunrave
How 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://wordsunrav
Why 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
How 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: http
Does 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 (r
Exposing 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
Why 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://wordsun
Precisely 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: htt
What 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://wordsunra
How 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://words
Why 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
Why 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
Why 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://wordsun
Why 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
Is 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://
Did 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://wordsunr
How 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
Why 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 Unrave
Where 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
Which flower makes you wet the bed? | FLOWER NAME ORIGINS
Welcome to another bloomin' wonderful episode of Words Unravelled. This time, Rob and Jess are discussing the origins of all manner of flower name.🌻Which flower makes you wet the bed?👁️Which flower's name means "day's eye"?🌹What is the origin of the word rose?🥒What did Jess name her cucumber plant?These questions answered - and many more - in this anthology of horticultural etymologies.🎥 Watch thi
Is this a rhetorical question? | RHETORIC & LITERARY DEVICES
Who wants to learn how to talk pretty? In this episode, Rob and Jess explore the clever tricks used by poets, novelists and speechwriters to surprise, move and persuade us. Join them as they discuss rhetoric and literary devices.😉 What are the three types of irony?❓Do you now an anaphora from an epistrophe?🤷🏼♀️ Why is tmesis so un-flippin'-believable?These questions answered and many more in anot
How did our naughty bits get their names? | BODY ETYMOLOGY
Let's discuss the etymology of the body from "head" to "toe". Join Rob and Jess on an adventure through anatomical word origins.👅 Why is tongue spelt that way?🍎 What did we originally call our Adam's apple?🍆 How did our naughty bits get their names?These questions answered and many more in a body-positive episode of Words Unravelled.👕 OUR NEW MERCH 👚US SHOP: https://wordsunravelledshop.myspreadsho
What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? | MUSIC WORDS
Let this episode be music to your ears as Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris explore the melodic origins of all manner of musical words.👦 Which instrument used to be called a "ho boy"?🎤 What does "karaoke" literally mean?🎷 Who is the saxophone named after?🎶 How good is Rob's theremin impression?These questions answered, and many more in another Words Unravelled.WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/Kbvsg8
Who invented zero? | MATH & NUMBERS
Join Rob and Jess as they explore the origins of a myriad of mathematical terms and innumerable number words.💯 What number was the original "hundred"?♾️ What is the infinity symbol called?🕚 Why does English have weird words for 11 and 12?These questions answered - and numerous others - in an incalculably fun episode of Words Unravelled.WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/ey38pmqPBnM
Who was the original "goodfella"? | CRIME WORDS
Rob and Jess are on the wrong side of the law in this criminal episode of Words Unravelled. Join them as they discuss the origins of all manner of words for felony, misdemeanour and malfeasance.🏴☠️ What is so black about blackmail?🏚️ What is the "burg" in burglary?💰 What's the difference between "robbery" and "theft"? 🎩 What Victorian prison slang are we still using today?Those questions answered
Who was the first to "paint the town red"? | IDIOM ORIGINS
In this episode, Rob and Jess debunk some myths about the origins of common sayings, and prevent the even more fascinating true stories behind the idioms we use day-to-day.🔴 Who was the first to "paint the town red"?🌩️ How can someone's "thunder" be "stolen"?🐕 What's the (horrible) origin of "to screw the pooch"?🥃 Where did the phrase "on the wagon" come from?These questions answered and many more
Is he Santa Claus or Father Christmas? | FESTIVE ETYMOLOGY
Join Rob and Jess for a festive feast of Christmas etymology.🎅🏼 Is Santa Claus an Americanism?🎩 Who was Sir Christmas?🦌 How did the Santa's reindeer get their names?🎶 Is it "four calling birds" or "four colly birds"?These questions answered and many more as we deck the halls with linguistic intrigue in another episode of Words Unravelled.👀WATCH THIS EPISODE 👀 https://youtu.be/9A0hAxeFyo4
What did a "sin-eater" do? | JOB ETYMOLOGY
Let's explore our words for jobs, professions and trades.🪵What did carpenters originally make?🐐Which animal did butchers originally butcher?💩Where did a "gong farmer" actually farm?🛒What is so gross about a grocer?These questions answered and many more in another Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris.👀WATCH THIS EPISODE👀 https://youtu.be/L8QXVs2DNFk
Is it a 'full stop' or a 'period'? | PUNCTUATION
Join Rob and Jess for a period as they get straight to the point about punctuation.🏛️ Which punctuation mark came first?💀 How can you punctuate sarcasm?❓ Why does a question mark look like that?These questions answered - and many more - in another punctilious episode of Words Unravelled.👀WATCH THIS EPISODE👀 https://youtu.be/DLBBiY5w8qM
Is corporate jargon a synergistic value-add? | JARGON
Time to bust some jargon in another Words Unravelled. In this episode, Rob and Jess wade their way through the sea of business speak and legalese.🦍Which joke created the "800-pound gorilla"🪶Is all jargon a modern invention?🏛️What do legal Latin phrases literally mean?These questions answered and many more in another wordy nerdy episode of Words Unravelled.🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE 🎥 https://youtu.be/Zq
Who is the Jack in a deck of cards? | GAME WORDS
In this playful episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess dive into the fascinating world of fun and games. Ever wondered why we call it "chess" or how "poker" got its name? From the origins of classic card games to the strategic world of board games, our hosts uncover the surprising stories behind the words we use for play.♠️ Who is the Jack in a pack of cards?♟️ What exactly is a pawn?🌍 How did
Which cocktail's name means "moist little thing"? | BOOZY WORDS
❗️HEADS UP❗️ This episode includes much alcohol talk 🍻 Rob and Jess are getting a round in at the bar in this episode crammed with boozy etymology. Let's explore the origins of our words for beers, wines and spirits, and delve into the stories behind the names of cocktails.🍺 Where does the word "beer" come from?🍹 How did the "negroni" get its name?🥴 How many words for "drunk" to Brits actually hav
How can "tree" and "truth" be related? | WOODLAND WORDS
In this episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess explore woodland words. Join us to to uncover the extraordinary origins of names for forest flora and fauna.📕 Which trees are books named after?🦔 Which animal is the "hedgehog of the sea"?🦡 What does it actually mean to be "badgered"?These questions answered, and many more, in another Words Unravelled.🎥 WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/gUlIcVkW
What's the true meaning of 'happiness'? | EMOTION ETYMOLOGY
🤔 Where do our emotions come from? In this episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess dive deep into the fascinating origins of the words we use to express how we feel! From the familiar words like "sad," "mad," and "glad," to the more complex emotions of feeling "mortified" or "envious," we explore the linguistic history that shaped these terms and how their meanings evolved over time.Join us as w
What's the 'were' in werewolf? | SPOOKY ETYMOLOGY
In this episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess dig into the spooky origins of Halloween words. From 'ghosts' and 'ghouls' to 'warlocks' and 'witches', they uncover the hauntingly fascinating roots of supernatural lingo. 🐺 What is the 'were' in werewolf?🧌 Why is there a 'monster' in 'demonstrate'?🦇 What does 'vampire' literally mean?These creepy questions answered and many more. Join us... if yo
Why does oxygen have the wrong name? | ELEMENTS
In this episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess explore the fascinating stories behind the names of the elements of the periodic table. From gods and mythological creatures to places and famous scientists, discover how history, language, and culture have shaped the names we use in chemistry today.💨Why does oxygen have the wrong name?🧌Which element is named after a mischievous mythological figure
What does antidisestablishmentarianism mean? | LONG WORDS
In this pulchritudinous episode of Words Unravelled, Rob and Jess discuss the longest words in English and beyond: from antidisestablishmentarianism to opadotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimhypotrimmatosilphiokarabomelitokatakechymenokichlepikossyphophattoperisteralektryonoptekephalliokigklopeleiolagoiosiraiobaphetraganopterygon.❓What does floccinaucinihilipilificat
Why are you such a nincompoop? | INSULTS
In this episode, Jess and Rob sling some mud as they explore the etymology of insults.🐳 Does "dork" mean what people say it means?🤬 Which was Shakespeare's rudest character?🍆 What exactly is a "plonker"?These dastardly questions answered - and many more - in another Words Unravelled!🎥WATCH THIS EPISODE: https://youtu.be/60VKgSd3wM0📕JESS'S BOOK: https://tr.ee/Ghw8DYkqBh👕 ROB'S MERCH: https://robwor
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