Short showHistory of Phrases
Dive into the fascinating etymology behind the sayings and expressions we use every day. Discover the surprising historical events that shaped our vocabulary and understand the literal meaning behind what you speak. This show is essential listening for language lovers and trivia buffs who want to master their daily conversation.
Latest drops:
The Stubborn Origin of the Word Boycott
How an Irish community invented a powerful protest
Beat Around the Bush
The medieval hunting tactic that shaped our language
The Origin of Eavesdropping
How medieval architecture shaped a common word
Give the Cold Shoulder
How a chilly meal became a social snub.
Lick into shape
The wild, mistaken belief behind this popular idiom.
Caught Red-Handed
The bloody legal history of a common expression.
Paint the Town Red
How a drunken aristocrat inspired a famous saying.
Mind Your Ps and Qs
This common phrase has a boozy, literary past.
Take It With a Grain of Salt
How an ancient poison remedy became modern advice.
Break the Ice
Its origins are more forceful than you think.