
Word History is a weekly 15 minute etymology podcast by Etymoleon, dedicated to uncovering the history behind words and names. Each episode unveils the journey of words and their connections to various languages such as Old English, Ancient Greek, Latin, Old French, Proto-Germanic and many more. Episodes also highlight historical events related to the topic and terms explored.
Earlier episodes we... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 101 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | History | |||

This podcast returns mid-November 2025.
This time we're looking into the etymologies of vegan related terms, beginning with the history of the Vegan Society and the roots of other dietary labels such as pescetarian and the more recent reducetarian. ... more
This episode looks at the differences between varieties of English across the Anglosphere, examining the origins of words that vary from place to place. Learn where the words trousers and pants come from, why thongs might refer to footwear or underwe... more
This time we're tracing the etymology of words tied to lies and deceit, beginning with research into how children learn, or fail, to tell untruths, and a look at words of honesty such as blunt and authentic, the latter etymologically meaning 'self do... more
This episode looks at surname origins through the lens of television soap operas, beginning with why these dramas are called soaps and how the conglomerate P&G remains involved in producing them. Some familiar family names point back to professions, ... more
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Come on. Use a real person please.
Easy to engage with, fascinating content, bite-sized chunks. Great insights into etymology.
Hi. Your podcast is so great! I only discovered it a few days ago. I have to keep stopping play so I can soak everything in! So much information! It's amazing. I love etymology!
I came to this podcast hoping for an interesting take on the origins of the words we use. I left it looking for my slippers and wishing I owned a hammock. Tracing where our words came from is indeed an interesting prospect, but this particular presentation of said topic, delivered in an all-too-familiar British sing-song style, as if the presenter was reading an ingredient label, left me wanting less. Much less. In fact, I’m sure the attendant on my last domestic flight delivered the obligatory ... more
I’ve always enjoyed the study of history through word origins, or at hemology. This podcast is a real treat for anyone who enjoys the history of the English language as I do. It’s fun, and just the right length.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #132 |
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
| Household Income | Social Media Reach | ||||
This podcast offers a concise weekly look into the fascinating world of etymology, focusing on the origins and historical context of various words and names. Each 15-minute episode explores a different topic, drawing connections to languages such as Old English, Ancient Greek, and Latin, while also integrating cultural narratives and significant historical events related to the terms discussed. Noteworthy aspects include the emphasis on the evolution of language and its socio-cultural implications, making it an engaging listen for anyone interested in how words have shaped our understanding of the world.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Etymoleon:
1. Whole 9 Yards: Idioms, Etymology, & Origins
2. History That Doesn't Suck
3. Ologies with Alie Ward
4. History Dispatches
5. The Constant: A History of Getting Things Wrong
Etymoleon launched 2 years ago and published 101 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Etymoleon include:
1. Gabrielle Burczak
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