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Category Archives: English
Is this a rhetorical question? | RHETORIC & LITERARY DEVICES
Who wants to learn how to talk pretty? In this episode, Rob and Jess explore the clever tricks used by poets, novelists and speechwriters to surprise, move and persuade us. Join them as they discuss rhetoric and literary devices. 😉 … Continue reading
How did our naughty bits get their names? | BODY ETYMOLOGY
[…] Let’s discuss the etymology of the body from “head” to “toe”. Join Rob and Jess on an adventure through anatomical word origins. 👅 Why is tongue spelt that way? 🍎 What did we originally call our Adam’s apple? 🍆 … Continue reading
The Dark Histories Behind Your Favorite Scary Words (Interview with Jess Zafarris)
24 Oct 2023 Grammar Girl Podcast, Full Episodes What’s the difference between terror and horror? Why was the word for “bear” so scary that it is lost to history? Jess Zafarris, author of “Words from Hell,” goes through these stories … Continue reading
What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle? | MUSIC WORDS
Let this episode be music to your ears as Rob Watts and Jess Zafarris explore the melodic origins of all manner of musical words. 👦 Which instrument used to be called a “ho boy”? 🎤 What does “karaoke” literally mean? … Continue reading
Did the Mormons invent a better alphabet?
[…] Did you know the Mormons invented their own alphabet? As did Benjamin Franklin. Many people have tried and failed to end the fiasco that is English spelling. In this video I explore five such attempts. 👕COOL TSHIRTS: https://robwords.com/shop ⭐️PATREON … Continue reading
Did Shakespeare invent as many words as people claim?
Let’s explode some Shakespeare myths! And “zounds”: The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: https://skl.sh/robwords11241 William Shakespeare is arguably the most significant cultural figure of all time. But has his … Continue reading
Who was the first to “paint the town red”? | IDIOM ORIGINS
n this episode, Rob and Jess debunk some myths about the origins of common sayings and present the even more fascinating true stories behind the idioms we use day-to-day. 🔴 Who was the first to “paint the town red”? 🌩️ … Continue reading
What did a “sin-eater” do? | JOB ETYMOLOGY
Let’s explore our words for jobs, professions and trades. 🪵What did carpenters originally make? 🐐Which animal did butchers originally butcher? 💩Where did a “gong farmer” actually farm? 🛒What is so gross about a grocer? These questions answered and many more … Continue reading
