
Jess Zafarris and Rob Watts unravel the stories behind everyday words. Want to watch our episodes too? Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UC8R3ZnESMdsuTevq4ib9CvA
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 72 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Self-ImprovementEducationSociety & Culture | |||

Rob and Jess are talking tech! In this episode, they explore the linguistic origins of terms from technology, Sci-fi and the internet.
🧌 Who was the first internet troll?
🤖 What does 'robot' literally mean?
🔫 Does Jedi actually mean something?
⌨️ ... more
Rob and Jess are taking a surgical look at words from the world of medicine.
💊 What is the Nocebo Effect?
🩺 Are doctors named after leeches (or the other way round)?
🚑 What does "ambulance" literally mean?
These questions answered, and many more, ... more
Jess and Rob are exploring the etymological origins of mythical beasts and cryptids.
🐺 What does "Chupacabra" mean?
🦑 Why are we getting the name "Kraken" wrong?
🐉 What animal was the original "dragon"?
These questions answered – and many more bes... more
In this episode, Rob and Jess explore the stories behind a host of common sayings.
🪓 Does anyone actually 'bury the hatchet'?
😈 Was there ever a 'devil's advocate'?
🔫 What is a 'son of a gun'?
🪶 Why would you have a 'feather in your cap'?
... more
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I want to like this show more than I do, but I find I can’t listen to it. I love listening to Rob, both on the podcast and his YouTube videos. However, I find the addition of his co-host to ruin the whole thing for me. She sounds like a teenage girl at a girl’s slumber party, prattling and giggling throughout the whole show. I couldn’t tolerate her so I was unfortunately forced to remove this podcast from my list. I’ll keep up with Rob on YouTube—cohost free.
I look forward to each show and will try to listen to them as soon as they are released. Keep up the great work!
My go to podcast for travelling and walking the dog. Very easygoing gentle listening and also quick moving so always something of interest every minute. A genuine dynamic from the hosts shines through. Cannot recommend this podcast or their YouTube channel enough
They say in the future AI will use data collected on us to deliver us niche targeted custom tailored ads. This is the podcast equivalent to that, in the best possible sense. Ever since I was but a lad I was fascinated by etymology. This podcast is like prying into my bizarre little mind and see what you could find. It was a revelation, possibly a paradigm shift in my life, to find other likeminded people who’re too, fascinated by the world of etymology. I now divide my life into two unequal part... more
Each episode packed full of fascinating linguistic trivia, served up beautifully and engagingly. Wish I could remember it all each time.
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 | #177 | |
Apple Podcasts | #204 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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A focus on the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of words and phrases shapes the content. Episodes often explore idioms, language quirks, and the evolution of terms across various contexts, appealing to those with a fascination for etymology. The hosts balance humor and education, making complex linguistic ideas accessible and engaging, while also sharing personal anecdotes that enhance their dynamic. Unique topics, such as the etymology of names, slang, and cultural expressions, are regularly featured, fostering a lighthearted atmosphere for both casual listeners and language enthusiasts alike.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Words Unravelled:
1. Lingthusiasm - A podcast that's enthusiastic about linguistics
2. The History of English Podcast
3. A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
4. Lexicon Valley
5. The Allusionist
Words Unravelled launched 2 years ago and published 72 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 Words Unravelled include:
1. Joshua Blackburn
2. Mignon Fogarty
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