Show Notes
This episode uncovers the surprising histories of fragrant words. Many, including perfume, incense and bakhoor, trace back to roots connected with smoke and fumes. Eau de toilette may seem like an odd name for something sprayed on the body, but the history of the word toilet makes it clearer. Equally unexpected is potpourri, which goes back to a term meaning rotten pot. Find out why the number 5 became the name of the century's most iconic fragrance and the story behind the naming of the Marc...
More from Etymoleon - Word History, the etymology podcast.
Three years and over 120 episodes in, this podcast will be taking an extended break until the end of the year. Please leave a rating or review in your podcast app and stay subscribed for future episodes. Get in touch: https://etymoleon.com.
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...