Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchWhy do we mind our Ps and Qs? | PRINTING TERMS
Episode 38
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 diffe…
Published on 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Where the f*** do swear words come from?
Episode 37
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 …
Published on 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Which flower makes you wet the bed? | FLOWER NAME ORIGINS
Episode 36
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…
Published on 5 months, 4 weeks ago
Is this a rhetorical question? | RHETORIC & LITERARY DEVICES
Episode 35
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 …
Published on 6 months ago
How did our naughty bits get their names? | BODY ETYMOLOGY
Episode 34
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…
Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago
What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? | MUSIC WORDS
Episode 33
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 "karaok…
Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Who invented zero? | MATH & NUMBERS
Episode 32
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 do…
Published on 6 months, 4 weeks ago
Who was the original "goodfella"? | CRIME WORDS
Episode 30
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.
🏴☠️…
Published on 7 months ago
Who was the first to "paint the town red"? | IDIOM ORIGINS
Episode 31
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 "pa…
Published on 7 months, 1 week ago
Is he Santa Claus or Father Christmas? | FESTIVE ETYMOLOGY
Episode 29
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" …
Published on 8 months, 3 weeks ago