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PODCAST

Lexiconned

Lexiconned is the podcast that unpacks the hidden histories and wild myths behind the words and phrases we use every day. With humor, curiosity, and a touch of irreverence, we separate fact from folklore to tell the stories behind everyday words.#Etymology #WordNerd, #LanguageLovers

education language learning

All Episodes

23:30

Par for the Word Course - Ep. 15 (Master's Weekend...

Lexiconned ·

2025/04/11

From Augusta’s fairways to your next metaphorical mulligan, the language of golf has reached far beyond the course. In this witty and word-rich episode of Lexiconned, we explore the origins, myths, and double meanings behind 18 iconic golf terms—from par and birdie to duff, shank, and mulligan. Whether you're a scratch golfer or a vocabulary duffer, this episode tees up the surprising ways golf talk has made its way into everyday speech—and culture at large. Warning: May cause spontaneous whi...

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6:50

Amazon: Warriors, Rivers, and Retail Empires - Ep. 14

Lexiconned ·

2025/04/05

From mythological warrior women to the largest rainforest on Earth to the global e-commerce empire that changed how we shop, the word Amazon has carried power and mystery across millennia. In this episode of Lexiconned, we explore the Greek origins of the word, the colonial rebranding of a mighty river, and how a small online bookstore became an economic titan. Was the Amazon River really named after fierce female warriors? Did ancient Amazons actually exist? And what does Jeff Bezos have to ...

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6:51

Constitution: The Word That Built Nations - Ep. 13

Lexiconned ·

2025/03/29

What makes a constitution? In this episode of Lexiconned, we unravel the history, evolution, and deeper meanings of the word ‘Constitution.’ From its Latin origins in ancient Rome to its transformation into the guiding principles of nations, we explore how this word has adapted over centuries—much like the U.S. Constitution itself. Whether you’re a history buff, a language lover, or just someone who enjoys a good etymology deep dive, this episode has something for you. Stay curious, sta...

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7:57

Measles: A Deadly Word, A Deadlier Disease - Ep. 12

Lexiconned ·

2025/03/22

In this episode we dive into the history of measles, a word that originated from Latin misellus, meaning "little miserable". Through a first-hand narrative set in 1912, we witness the devastating impact of measles in a world before vaccines. We explore its linguistic origins, its historical outbreaks, its devastating role in global pandemics, and its surprising influence on everyday language. We also examine the groundbreaking development of the measles vaccine and the modern resurgence...

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8:29

Hope: The Word That Keeps Us Going - Ep.11

Lexiconned ·

2025/03/15

Hope is a powerful, universal concept—so much so that it has been woven into our language for centuries. But where does the word actually come from? Has it always meant what we think it does? From Old English roots to its evolution into modern optimism, we’ll unravel the history of ‘hope,’ its surprising etymology, and the ways it has been wielded both as inspiration and as manipulation. What makes you hopeful? This episode is a special listener request. Sources: Oxford English Dictiona...

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5:53

Ep 10 - An Arm, A Leg, and a Price to Pay

Lexiconned ·

2025/03/08

Have you ever walked out of a store feeling like you just made a deal with the devil? That moment when a price tag makes you question whether you really need both of your limbs? In this episode of Lexiconned, we dive into the origins of the phrase ‘cost an arm and a leg.’ From debunking myths about portrait painters to tracing its rise in post-World War II America, we explore how this vivid expression became a go-to way to complain about high prices. Plus, we look at its pop culture influence...

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6:04

Ep. 9 - Robot: A Word Engineered for the Future

Lexiconned ·

2025/03/01

What do factory workers, sci-fi nightmares, and your Roomba all have in common? They all owe their existence to the word robot. In this episode of Lexiconned, we explore the origins of robot, from its creation in a Czech play to its modern implications in AI, automation, and ethics. Join TJ as he dissects how a simple word became one of the most futuristic—and unsettling—concepts of our time. [SOURCES] R.U.R.—Rossum’s Universal Robots by Karel ČapekI, Robot by Isaac AsimovVarious academic p...

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6:15

Ep 8 - The Curious Case of Curfew

Lexiconned ·

2025/02/22

What do medieval fire safety laws, teenage rebellion, and government lockdowns have in common? The word curfew! In this episode of Lexiconned, we trace the fiery origins of curfew back to its Old French roots (couvre-feu), explore how William the Conqueror used it to control England, and uncover how it evolved into a tool for social order (and teenage frustration). From historical edicts to modern-day riots, curfew has always been about control—whether it’s over fire, unrest, or late-night mi...

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5:50

Ep. 7 - Love (Valentine's Day Special)

Lexiconned ·

2025/02/15

Love—it’s a word that carries more baggage than a bad breakup. But where does it come from, and how did it become the catch-all term for everything from deep friendship to obsessive romance? In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Lexiconned, we dive into the origins of love, tracing it from Old English lufu to Shakespeare’s poetry and beyond. We’ll explore love’s many linguistic forms, its role in history and literature, and some of the strangest love-related idioms in the English l...

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8:06

Ep. 6 - The History of Whiskey

Lexiconned ·

2025/02/08

Whiskey: The Water of Life and the Spirit of History" In this episode of Lexiconned, TJ pours into the rich, complex history of whiskey, the storied spirit that has warmed hearts and sparked debates for centuries. From its Gaelic roots as "uisce beatha"—the "water of life"—to its pivotal role in America’s Whiskey Rebellion, this episode explores whiskey’s journey across continents and centuries. Discover the differences between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey, the rise of bourbon as a uniquel...

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5:22

Ep.5 - The History of Spam

Lexiconned ·

2025/02/01

"Spam: From Mystery Meat to Digital Junk" This week on Lexiconned, we’re diving into the meaty origins of a word that’s been clogging inboxes and fueling breakfast tables alike—spam. Where did it come from? Why did it stick? And how did a canned meat product go from wartime ration to internet annoyance? We’ll explore its humble beginnings, its unlikely role in comedy history, and the tech twist that gave it a second life as the nemesis of email users everywhere. Tune in for a slice of languag...

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4:55

Ep.4 - The Origin of Raining Cats & Dogs

Lexiconned ·

2025/01/25

Ever heard someone say it’s "raining cats and dogs" and imagined a furry storm? In this episode, we dive into the origins of this bizarre idiom. Is it rooted in Norse mythology, medieval sanitation, or just a wild misinterpretation? We’ll unravel the truth behind this phrase, debunk some persistent myths, and explore how language evolves in unexpected ways. Tune in for a shower of history, a drizzle of humor, and maybe even a downpour of surprising facts. No umbrellas required! Sou...

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4:33

Ep.3 - The Origin of Meme

Lexiconned ·

2025/01/18

What exactly is a meme? In this episode of Lexiconned, we dive into the fascinating origin story of the word that dominates our internet culture. From its surprising beginnings as a concept in evolutionary biology, coined by Richard Dawkins in the 1970s, to its rapid evolution into a language of its own online, we uncover how "meme" transformed from cultural genes to viral sensations. Along the way, we explore what makes a meme truly meme-worthy, revisit some classic internet moments (Dancing...

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4:34

The History of "Nice"

Lexiconned ·

2025/01/12

In this week’s episode of Lexiconned, we explore the surprisingly unkind history of a word we use every day: nice. Did you know that this seemingly harmless compliment started its life as a Latin insult ? From Chaucer's sly use of the word to its modern overuse, “nice” has had a rollercoaster journey through the centuries. Join me as we uncover how this word evolved from foolish to friendly, why its vagueness makes it so versatile, and how you can wield it. Stay curious, stay kind—and m...

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8:36

The History of "Shit" - Ep.1

Lexiconned ·

2025/01/11

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Lexiconned! We’re diving into the muck—literally—with one of the most versatile and misunderstood words in the English language: “shit.”Where does "shit" come from? Join host TJ Martin as he debunks a popular myth and takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of the word. From its Old English roots to its evolution as profanity, slang, and even cultural icon, this episode reveals how “shit” went from medical texts to late-night cable TV.Di...

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35 results

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