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PODCAST

Mr. & Mrs. English

Mr. & Ms. English

Welcome to our English language channel.We"re your one-stop destination for English language learners, now mostly in podcast form! Did you know the word "etymology" itself comes from the Greek word "etymon," meaning "true sense"?We’re all about the fascinating world of English, covering everything from rhetorical figures and the rich history of the language to the origins of your favorite words (etymology), grammar tips, idioms, and even those tricky "false friends."Each podcast episode covers a new

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All Episodes

20:28

"Once Upon A Time" & Its Essence

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Today we're discussing the common fairytale phrase "Once upon a time," tracing its history and usage across numerous languages. We're looking at this Wikipedia article:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_upon_a_timeIt details the phrase's evolution from at least 1380, highlighting its role in establishing narrative context in folk tales and children's stories. The article also examines variations of the opening and closing lines used across diverse cultures, demonstrating its widespread presence in

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13:03

Etymology of "Aesthetic"

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

The word "aesthetic" has undergone a shift in meaning since its origins, moving from a focus on sensory perception to an association with the appreciation of beauty and art.Here's a breakdown of its evolution:• Ancient Greek Roots: The word stems from the Greek "aisthetikos," which means "of or for perception by the senses" or "perceptive." It's related to "aisthanesthai," meaning "to perceive (by the senses or by the mind), to feel".• Early Usage: Initially, the term was used in a classical sense

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14:55

"A" and "The": The Origin of Articles

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Let's explore the English articles "a" and "the", tracing their origins from Old English and Proto-Indo-European roots. Their grammatical function in marking definiteness and indefiniteness is explained, showcasing how they facilitate shared understanding in communication. The text we're looking at also contrasts the English system with those of other languages, highlighting the diversity in how definiteness is expressed. Finally, it examines the linguistic significance of articles, particularly

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17:01

Etymology of "California"

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Today we're looking at the etymology of "California," examining various theories about its origin. The most widely accepted theory links the name to Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo's 16th-century novel, Las sergas de Esplandián, which features a fictional island called California. Alternative hypotheses, including derivations from Arabic, Greek, and indigenous languages, are also discussed but considered less plausible. The article we're citing traces the application of the name from the Baja California

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23:01

Etymology of "Panic"

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Where did the word "panic" come from? Well, turns out it all goes back to Greek God Pan.Let's explore the etymology and cultural significance of the word "panic". Pan's name is the origin of the word, and his association with sudden, overwhelming fear. We're tracing the word's development through different parts of speech and meanings in English, along with its connection to Pan's mythological character.#etymology #linguistics #englishlanguage ____The word "panic" originates from the Greek god Pan

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12:12

Where Did The Word "Salary" Come From?

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Today we explore the etymology of the word "salary," tracing its origins from the Latin word salarium, meaning "salt money," a payment given to Roman soldiers. We'll look at how the word's meaning evolved to encompass periodic compensation for services. Then we'll also examine related words like "wage," highlighting distinctions in their historical usage and connotations. Finally, we'll look into the broader Proto-Indo-European root sal, illustrating its connection to numerous words related to

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13:16

"To Do" Etymology

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Let's explore the grammatical function of the auxiliary verb "do" in English, like its use in forming questions and negative sentences, or its role in subject-auxiliary inversion and negation. We'll also trace the etymological history of "do," highlighting its evolution from a main verb to an auxiliary verb and its appearance in various idioms and phrases. Then we'll discuss the origins of the "do"-support construction, proposing that its presence in modern English might stem from influences of

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21:14

Etymology of "Inspiration"

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Today we're looking at the etymology of the words "inspiration" and "spirit," tracing their origins from the Latin inspirare ("to breathe into") and spiritus ("breath"). It details how the meanings evolved, moving from literal breathing to figurative senses of divine influence and animating force. The etymological analysis reveals connections between these words and concepts of life, divine power, and even alcoholic beverages. We will also examine related terms and their historical usage across

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10:08

Alliteration

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Today's episode is all about alliteration.Alliteration is a literary device whereby the repetition of consonant sounds in a series of words in close proximity creates a rhythmic effect and enhances the memorability of text. This technique is prevalent in poetry, prose, music lyrics, and advertisements, and even in everyday speech, with examples ranging from Shakespearean sonnets to popular brand names such as "Coca-Cola". The repetition of sounds, however, is not merely an ornament; it can be used

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6:45

Irony

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of irony and its various forms in language and literature. We'll break down the three common types of irony—verbal, dramatic, and situational—exploring how each functions to add depth and complexity to communication. From historical examples like Socratic irony to everyday use in sarcasm, we'll uncover how irony shapes our conversations and the stories we tell. Whether you're a literature lover or just curious about the subtleties of language, this

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5:33

Heteronyms

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

In this episode, we're looking at heteronyms—words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently, each with a unique meaning. Be prepared for some nice examples!#englishpodcast #heteronyms #englishlanguage With real-world examples, we'll break down the types of heteronyms and their impact on communication, showcasing how a single word can shift meaning depending on how it’s spoken. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or simply curious about words, this episode will open your eyes to the

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7:41

"Okay" Etymology

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

Where did the word "okay" (aka "OK") come from? In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and etymology of the word "OK." Ever wondered what "OK" actually stands for? We delve into its origins, tracing the expression back to its surprising roots. From its first recorded uses to its evolution into one of the most universally recognized terms, we uncover the layers of meaning behind this simple yet powerful word. Join us as we examine the definition of "OK," its cultural significance, and

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10:53

Ghost Words

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

In this new episode, we're looking at the mysterious world of ghost words— those elusive terms that somehow find their way into dictionaries despite not being real. Join us as we delve into the origins of these linguistic anomalies, exploring how misprints, misinterpretations, and even misspellings give birth to words that never truly existed. We’ll provide fascinating examples and highlight the difference between ghost words and those formed through back-formation. Whether you're a language

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13:11

Business English

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

In this episode, we explore the essentials of business English for professional communication in the workplace. From mastering email etiquette to using appropriate salutations, introductions, and closing remarks, we guide you through the key elements of crafting polished and effective messages. We also dive into the nuances of language and tone, helping you understand the difference between casual, blunt, and professional phrasing. Here's the handout we're referring to in this

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6:04

"Nice" Etymology

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2025/08/24

In today's episode of our English language podcast we're discussing the long and detailed history of the word "nice" and its evolution from its original Latin meaning of "ignorant" to its current, often overused, sense of "pleasant". Our sources examine the social and cultural shifts that influenced the word's meaning, including its association with luxury, coy behaviour, and refinement. The sources also explore the irony of how "nice" has become a less valuable term in contemporary language,

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5:21

Onomatopoeia

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/07

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of onomatopoeia, a literary device where words mimic the sounds they describe. We’ll explore the origins of the term and how it varies across cultures and languages, from comics to advertising. You’ll learn how onomatopoeia enhances writing by making it more immersive, helping readers experience sounds like "crash," "woosh," and "zip" as they unfold in the story.We’ll also discuss how onomatopoeia builds atmosphere, whether it’s creating chaos with

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13:02

Verb Tenses

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/07

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history and usage of verb tenses in English. From the 12 major tenses to their evolving roles in grammar, we'll break down each tense with simple examples to help you understand their structure and application. We’ll dive into the historical development of grammar from the 16th century, tracing how verb tenses have been classified and refined through time. Whether you're new to the concept or a language enthusiast, tune in for a journey through the past,

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9:54

Poetry

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/07

In this episode, we explore the timeless art of poetry through different lenses. We begin with a historical and philosophical overview, discussing the origins and functions of poetry, from imitation to aesthetic pleasure. Delve into how poets idealize the world around them, while also tackling the concept of poetic insincerity. We then shift to poetry as a sociohistorical record, illustrating how it captures both factual events and deep emotional experiences. Lastly, we showcase the diverse styles

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6:54

Contronyms

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/07

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing world of contronyms — words with two opposite meanings. Known as Janus words, named after the two-faced Roman god, these fascinating terms often slip into everyday language unnoticed. We'll break down how words like "cleave" can mean both "to split" and "to adhere," or how "sanction" can mean "to authorize" and "to penalize." Tune in as we explore more examples of these contradictory words and challenge you with a fun quiz to test your knowledge!***Words

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12:12

Surnames

Mr. & Mrs. English ·

2024/10/07

In this episode of our English language podcast we’re dealing with the history and origins of names in English-speaking cultures. We look at sources that discuss how names developed from simple mononyms, such as those used in pre-Norman England, to the more complex systems of given names, middle names, and surnames that we use today. The sources explain the various types of surnames, such as patronymics, locatives, occupational, and descriptive names, and provide examples of how these types of names

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