Akimbo. Throes. Tizzy.
Some words only appear in limited contexts. But what do they mean? The fascinating histories of these words can tell us more about how English works — and language in general.
We’re in tatters — or is that smithereens? — on this episode of Talk the Talk.
Listen to this episode
You can listen to all the episodes of Talk the Talk by pasting this URL into your podlistener.
http://danielmidgley.com/talkthetalk/talk_classic.xmlPromo
Daniel talks to Teri ahead of the show, and drops a bonus fossil word: petard. What does it mean if you’re hoisted by one, and why is it always your own?
Content warning: etymological farts
Also at https://www.patreon.com/posts/27374055
Patreon supporters
Talk the Talk is supported by our amazing patrons. Here are some now.
- Carolin
- Chris
- dcctor woh
- Jerry
- Lyssa
- Nicki
- Termy
- Ann
- Elías
- Helen
- Jack
- Matt
- Michael
- Sabrina
Huge thanks to everyone who supports the show.
We’re Because Language now, and you can become a Patreon supporter!
Depending on your level, you can get bonus episodes, mailouts, shoutouts, come to live episodes, and of course have membership in our Discord community.
Show notes
Tizzy | The Word Detective
http://www.word-detective.com/2010/10/tizzy/
World Wide Words: Lizzie Tish (or Tizzy Lish)
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-liz1.htm
Smithereens: a word in bits and pieces | Macmillan Dictionary Blog
http://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/smithereens
How A Napron Became An Apron | Grammar Girl
https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/how-a-napron-became-an-apron
World Wide Words: Dint
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-din1.htm
Transcript
We’re working our way back through the archives. If you think we should prioritise a transcript of this episode, let us know!
17 July 2019 at 4:40 am
It’s neat that “oxbow” is itself an oxbow: as far as I’m aware, it’s currently only used in the expression “oxbow lake”.
17 July 2019 at 12:31 pm
Yay, another autonym!
— D