New episode daily

Every word
has a why

A daily etymology podcast in two minutes

Uncover the hidden histories buried inside the words you use every day. From ancient roots to modern slang, discover the stories language forgot to tell you.

Start Listening Episode Archive
Recent Episodes
View all →
EP. 100 ~2 min
Etymology
Places & People

Discover the surprising origin of the word 'Etymology'

2026-08-21
EP. 099 ~2 min
Goodbye
Places & People

Discover the surprising origin of the word 'Goodbye'

2026-08-20
EP. 098 ~2 min
Fiasco
Places & People

Discover the surprising origin of the word 'Fiasco'

2026-08-19
EP. 097 ~2 min
Atlas
Places & People

Discover the surprising origin of the word 'Atlas'

2026-08-18
EP. 096 ~2 min
Algorithm
Places & People

Discover the surprising origin of the word 'Algorithm'

2026-08-17
EP. 095 ~2 min
Cliche
Dead Metaphors

Discover the surprising origin of the word 'Cliche'

2026-08-14

What word keeps you up at night?

Suggest a word and we'll dig into its history. The best suggestions become future episodes -- credited to you.

Submit a Word
Your suggestion
Serendipity
Persian fairy tale -- "The Three Princes of Serendip"
Queued
Quarantine
Italian quaranta giorni -- "forty days"
Queued
Clue
Greek mythology -- Theseus's ball of thread