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Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris

Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Etymology
Language
English Language
Egg Corns
Malapropisms
Fossil Words
Mondegreens
Nautical Terms
Old English
Linguistics
Contronyms
Medical Terms
Idioms
Myths About Language
Collective Nouns
Prefixes and Suffixes
Lost Words
Treasure Island
Piracy
Color Terminology

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes60Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Self-ImprovementEducationSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Words Unravelled

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Jess and Rob 'spill the beans' about all manner of food-related idioms.

🍌 Why does 'going bananas' mean going mad?

☕️ Who is the Joe in a 'cup of Joe'?

🍏 What did we compare apples to before oranges?

🧅 What does it really me... more

YouTube

In this episode, Rob and Jess take a right royal romp through the etymologies of eminent titles. They discuss the origins of words like "lord", "emperor", "queen" and a whole host of others:

🏛️ How did Caesar become a title all over Europe?

𓁏 W... more

YouTube

We’re digging into prehistoric word origins. In this episode, Jess and Rob unearth the literal meanings behind the names of the dinosaurs.

🦖 What does Tyrannosaurus rex really mean?

🦕 Why is Stegosaurus called the “roof lizard”?

🐦 Are dinosau... more

We're taking a world tour of word origins. In this episode, Jess and Rob discuss how a multitude of countries got their names.

🇺🇸 Where was the original "America"?

🇬🇧 Why is Britain called "Great"?

🇨🇦 What does "Canada" mean?

🇩🇪 Why do ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Mignon Fogarty
Author, podcaster, educator, and known as Grammar Girl
Grammar Girl
Episode: Exposing grammar myths and mistakes with Grammar Girl

Hosts

Rob Watts
Host of Words Unravelled and creator of the YouTube channel RobWords, Rob Watts brings his passion for etymology and language to the forefront of every episode, ensuring engaging discussions.
Jess Zafarris
Co-host of Words Unravelled and author of various etymology books, Jess Zafarris is passionate about language education, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for all.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 281 ratings
  • The best review for the best podcast, as should be.

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Danny Koles with a K.
    Israel2 months ago
  • Every episode is fascinating!

    Each episode packed full of fascinating linguistic trivia, served up beautifully and engagingly. Wish I could remember it all each time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    daftapp
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Possibly the perfect podcast for my niche interests

    Exactly what my linguistics nerd self needs in a podcast! I recommend this show to everyone I know who’s into words. I love learning about word origins, but my favorite thing is actually when they debunk folk etymologies and expose specious backstories. (I’d love a whole episode dedicated to the worst offenders among fake-word origins). As an American Anglophile, I also really enjoy the transatlantic representation and repartee between the hosts, who, by the way have great chemistry and just a r... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Barkers1993
    United States3 months ago
  • Awesome

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Mike Breytenbach
    4 months ago
  • Breathing in language

    A great duo discussing their passion: words and languages - entertaining, casual, while teaching listeners without being boring or arrogant -love it

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mo Sena
    Brazil4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Episodes are noted for their ability to delve into complex topics while remaining accessible and entertaining.
The engaging dynamic between the hosts is frequently praised, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.
Listeners appreciate the blend of humor and education in the discussions, making learning about language enjoyable.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Did Shakespeare write all his plays? | THE BARD
Q: So do you think Shakespeare wrote all of his plays?
The hosts discuss their belief that while he likely collaborated with others, he should still receive credit as the main author of the works.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Words Unravelled

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

Focused on the fascinating histories and cultural significances of language, the conversations provide listeners with an engaging combination of humor and education. The hosts explore etymology, examining the origins of various words, idioms, and phrases from a multitude of contexts such as religion, fashion, military terminology, and even anatomy. By weaving personal anecdotes and cultural insights throughout their discussions, the hosts create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to anyone interested in language and its influence on society.

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How many episodes of Words Unravelled are there?

Words Unravelled launched 2 years ago and published 60 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 Unravelled?

Recent guests on Words Unravelled include:

1. Mignon Fogarty

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