Your New Favorite Word
Episode 1.03
Jamis navigates the twisty little passages of the etymology of the word “maze”, and the lexically frolicsome Tessa explores one type of false etymology, known as a “backronym”.
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(4.66M, 16m 48s)
(4.66M, 16m 48s)
Highlights
- 01:20 — Colossal Cave Adventure
- 01:37 — Etymology of “maze”, and early cognates in other languages
- 04:50 — Etymology of “labyrinth”
- 06:44 — Tessa introduces false etymologies
- 07:25 — A false etymology of “bistro”
- 09:16 — Tessa’s actual new favorite word, “backronym”
- 10:02 — Portmanteau words & Lewis Carroll
- 10:45 — First meaning of “backronym” (APGAR, AMBER, etc.)
- 12:50 — Second meaning of “backronym” (SOS, POSH, etc.)