Show Notes
This episode takes a look at terms and phrases that trace back to biblical roots. To "wash your hands of something/someone" has origins linked to the crucifixion, while a commonly misquoted phrase about money also comes from the Bible. Ancient towns mentioned in biblical texts have given rise to modern English terms (one of which remains controversial), and a queen's name has become a label for an immoral woman. The word missionary refers to spreading the word of God, and its more adult meani...
More from Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.
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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...
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...
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 - ...
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...