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Words for Granted - An etymology and linguistics podcast

Ray Belli
English Language
Proto-Indo-European
Ancient Egypt
Accents
Oxford Comma
Phoenician Alphabet
Greek Alphabet
William Jones
American Dialects
Grammar
Latin Alphabet
Style Guides

Words for Granted is a podcast that looks at how words change over time. Host Ray Belli uses linguistic evolution as a way of understanding larger historical and cultural changes.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes130Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Language LearningEducation

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Artwork for Words for Granted

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Ray and Jay discuss the question first raised by the 2000s indie rock band, Vampire Weekend: Who gives a f*** about an Oxford comma ? Their conversation covers the history, usage, and widespread cultural obsession surrounding the mos... more

We all know English spelling is inconsistent, but some people have actually tried to change it. In this episode, Gabe Henry, author of Enough is Enuf, explores the historical crusade to make English spelling more "rational." The conversation highligh... more

In this episode, Ray chats with author Laura Spinney about Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral language of hundreds of modern languages spoken by billions today ranging from Western Europe to India. They explore how linguists reconstruct this unwritte... more

In this episode, Ray talks with linguist Valerie Friedland about accents—what they are, where they come from, and why everyone has one. They explore how accents begin in early childhood, how regional speech patterns change over time, and why certain ... more

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Recent Guests

Jay Stookesbery
Writer and editor
Author of Oxford Mania
Episode: The Oxford Comma Debate: Interview with Jay Stookesbery
Gabe Henry
Writer and humorist
Author of Enough is Enuf, Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell
Episode: The Simplified Spelling Movement: Interview with Gabe Henry
Laura Spinney
Author and journalist
Author of Proto
Episode: The Proto-Indo-European Puzzle: Interview with Laura Spinney
Valerie Fridland
Linguist, author of Why We Talk Funny
Author/Professor
Episode: The Science and History of English Accents: Interview with Valerie Fridland
Danny Bate
Linguist, author, and podcaster
Linguist, author, and podcaster
Episode: The History of the Alphabet: Interview with Danny Bate

Host

Ray Belli
Host of Words for Granted, focuses on linguistic evolution as a lens on history and culture

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 501 ratings
  • Excellent

    Just excellent! I hope he will release an episode here and there even though he has slowed down (understandably after so many years).

    Thank you for the very valuable archives.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Just1thought
    Canada2 years ago
  • Interesting Topics

    Cool topics!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    user04071985user
    United States3 years ago
  • Excellent resource for those interested in language

    It has a good level of depth without losing people in the detail.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    new ti club
    Netherlands3 years ago
  • Thank you

    Very useful. Thanks for the great podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    نرمین میری
    United States4 years ago
  • Fascinating podcast brings words to life

    Ray presents this wonderful podcast so well. The research is clearly excellent and he weaves it into a narrative that is easy to follow and makes for many “aha” moments. I’ve never understood why etymology is so niche - it’s endlessly fascinating. Thanks Ray for making it easy to learn more about it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @uktechlawyer
    United Kingdom4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners note pacing or depth may vary by topic but consistently high quality.
Episodes are informative without being overly academic, great for word nerds.
Celebrated for weaving thousands of years of language history into approachable stories.
Listeners praise the host's clear, engaging delivery and deep research.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Oxford Comma Debate: Interview with Jay Stookesbery
Q: What's the role of internet culture in the Oxford Comma debate?
Memes and online discourse amplified passionate, sometimes misleading arguments, turning a grammar topic into a broader cultural identity issue for some groups.
The Oxford Comma Debate: Interview with Jay Stookesbery
Q: How did the term 'Oxford Comma' originate?
The origin is debated, but the term arose in the 1970s from discussions around Horace Hart and other editors; the Oxford connection is more about association with Oxford-style guides than a formal invention by Oxford itself.
The Oxford Comma Debate: Interview with Jay Stookesbery
Q: What is the Oxford Comma and why does it matter?
It is the comma that appears before the conjunction in a list, and proponents argue it provides clarity and rhythm, while opponents see it as optional, with style guides offering nuanced guidance rather than hard rules.
The History of the Alphabet: Interview with Danny Bate
Q: How did the Q sound survive into the Latin and English alphabets?
Q survived because Romans viewed certain sounds as distinct and used Q with U to spell that specific Latin sound, a pattern inherited and adapted into English spelling conventions after the Norman influence.
The History of the Alphabet: Interview with Danny Bate
Q: Why is English spelling not purely phonetic, and why does reform repeatedly fail to replace it?
Spelling preserves meaning chunks and historical layers; it reflects sound changes over centuries and relies on a single standard that helps unite diverse English varieties, making reforms disruptive and risky.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Words for Granted

What is Words for Granted about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, accessible exploration of how words evolve over time, tying etymology to broader cultural and historical shifts. Episodes blend history, linguistics, and real-world examples (from spelling reforms to punctuation debates) to illuminate how language shapes society. The show often features linguists, historians, and writers who bring deep expertise with engaging storytelling, making it appealing to word nerds and lifelong learners alike. Noteworthy is the host's ability to connect arcane topics to everyday language, creating a lively, curiosity-driven listening experience.

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How many episodes of Words for Granted are there?

Words for Granted launched 10 years ago and published 130 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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What guests have appeared on Words for Granted?

Recent guests on Words for Granted include:

1. Jay Stookesbery
2. Gabe Henry
3. Laura Spinney
4. Valerie Fridland
5. Danny Bate

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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