Etymoleon - Word History, etymology Leon Bailey-Green

In this episode, we get into the history of the Full English Breakfast, a dish that took shape around the 18th century. Explore the etymological origins of its essential components such as sausages, eggs, bacon, black pudding and baked beans. Uncover the intriguing story of why tomatoes were once known as 'love apples'. Additionally, discover the connection between the uses of term 'toast', and why it's associated not only with bread, but also with the raising of glasses in celebration.

In this episode, we delve into the world of phobias, uncovering the etymological origins behind words associated with deep-seated fears. Explore the roots of well-known phobias like arachnophobia, acrophobia and claustrophobia, as well as the lesser-known oenophobia, the fear of wine. Additionally, we explore the linguistic origins of glossophobia, an aversion to public speaking, and gymnophobia, associated with nudity-related fears. Trace the earlier versions of everyday expressions such as 'fear', 'fright' and 'afraid', alongside the modern acronym 'FOMO', the fear of missing out.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of family member terminology, unravelling the origins of words such as mother, brother, nephew and cousin in English. Many of these familial designations have undergone significant changes over time; for instance, the term "niece" once referred to a granddaughter. Discover when terms like "co-parent", "glam-ma" (glamorous grandma) and "removed" first appeared. Furthermore, learn about the revival of the Old English term "sibb" in the early 20th century and how the word 'family' hasn't always referred to blood relatives.

This time, we're delving into the origins of famous cocktail drinks and uncovering the intriguing stories behind their names. The Bloody Mary, for instance, is rumoured to be named after a theatre production, while the name Mai Tai is thought to translate to 'good' or 'best'. The term "cocktail" itself has a mysterious origin, with some speculating a connection to horses. Additionally, we explore the significance of the word 'colada' in Pina Colada, which means 'strained' in Spanish and shares its root with the kitchen utensil, the colander. Plus, listen for the histories behind terms like Whisky, Tequila and Old Fashioned.

This episode looks at words of the spring season. The month of March is named after the Roman god of war Mars, and the month of May was once known as 'the month of three milks'. As for the term 'spring clean', various theories exist to explain why this season is so connected to tidying. Delve into the etymological roots of springtime British vegetables like kale and asparagus, as well as the names Heath, Hyacinth and Daisy, which evoke the essence of spring.

This episode uncovers the linguistic roots behind words associated with pregnancy and childbirth. For some generations the word pregnant is considered taboo which is why phrases like 'with child' and 'in the family way' emerged. Discover how the placenta's name harks back to an ancient cake, and how the umbilical cord derives its name from the Latin word for 'navel'. We also get into the surprising origins of the word 'gestation', originally more aligned with equine activity than pregnancy. Additionally, we delve into the meanings behind terms like Braxton Hicks, labour and midwife.