Surprising Etymologies

There are words and phrases we use that have the most unexpected origins. On this Harklist, we’ll look at the most amazing etymologies of everyday words.

There are words and phrases we use that have the most unexpected origins. On this Harkl... more

Hosted byHelen Zaltzman

Curated byAdrian Sherling, Hark Editor

9 CLIPS25 MINS

Clip 1 of 9

Spanish Flu Did Not Come from Spain

This is the origin of Spanish Flu... and it did not come from Spain. From the Science Diction podcast.

Science Diction

5 MINS

Clip 2 of 9

The Amazing Origin of “Stealing My Thunder”

The phrase “stealing my thunder” has a remarkable story behind it.

The Amazing Origin of “Stealing My Thunder”

The Allusionist

2 MINS

Clip 3 of 9

‘Dude’ Originally Meant Something Very Different

The first meaning of ‘Dude’ was very different to what we mean today.

‘Dude’ Originally Meant Something Very Different

Slate Debates

3 MINS

Clip 4 of 9

Why Do We Say It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?

Why do we say the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs”?

Why Do We Say It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?

A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

1 MIN

Clip 5 of 9

The Word ‘Avocado’ Comes From Where...?!

The Allusionist podcast host Helen Zaltzman and Ologies host Alie Ward talk etymology. You might see avocados in a new light after they share where the word came from.

The Word ‘Avocado’ Comes From Where...?!

Ologies with Alie Ward

1 MIN

Clip 6 of 9

Turkeys Have Nothing to Do with Turkey

The Turkey we eat at Thanksgiving has (virtually) nothing to do with the country Turkey.

Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast

4 MINS

Clip 7 of 9

The Very Gruesome Origin of Everyday Words

Etymologist Susie Dent shares the macabre origins of everyday English words like sarcasm, mayhem and bless.

The Very Gruesome Origin of Everyday Words

Something Rhymes with Purple

00HR 00MINS

Clip 8 of 9

The Literal Meaning of “To Pop Your Clogs”

To 'pop your clogs' means to die, but where does it come from?

The Literal Meaning of “To Pop Your Clogs”

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

1 MIN

Clip 9 of 9

The Surprising Origin of the Word “Vaccine”

We’re all talking about vaccines at the moment, but do you know where the word comes from? Law professor Wendy Parmet explained the surprising origin of the word.

The Surprising Origin of the Word “Vaccine”

The Experiment

1 MIN

Hosted by

Helen Zaltzman

Curated byAdrian Sherling

9 CLIPS25 MINS

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Surprising Etymologies

Spanish Flu Did Not Come from Spain

Science Diction

The Amazing Origin of “Stealing My Thunder”

The Allusionist

‘Dude’ Originally Meant Something Very Different

Slate Debates

Why Do We Say It’s Raining Cats and Dogs?

A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over

The Word ‘Avocado’ Comes From Where...?!

Ologies with Alie Ward

Turkeys Have Nothing to Do with Turkey

Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast

The Very Gruesome Origin of Everyday Words

Something Rhymes with Purple

The Literal Meaning of “To Pop Your Clogs”

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

The Surprising Origin of the Word “Vaccine”

The Experiment

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