Short showHidden History of Phrases

Dive into the fascinating etymology behind the sayings and expressions we use every day. Discover the surprising historical events that shaped our vocabulary and understand the literal meaning behind what you speak. This show is essential listening for language lovers and trivia buffs who want to master their daily conversation.

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Latest drops:

The Origin of the Double-Cross

The Origin of the Double-Cross

How a ledger mark became a death sentence

3:10
Daylight Robbery

Daylight Robbery

Why landlords used to brick up their buildings

3:23
Blue Blood

Blue Blood

The visual test that defined nobility

3:02
The Free Lance

The Free Lance

Knights who sold their swords for gold

3:02
The Devil's Advocate

The Devil's Advocate

The sacred duty behind a common annoying habit

3:46
The Invention of Jaywalking

The Invention of Jaywalking

How the auto industry criminalized walking

2:53
The Origin of the Word Ostracize

The Origin of the Word Ostracize

Banishment votes were cast on smashed kitchenware

2:39
Cut to the Chase

Cut to the Chase

How bored producers edited our language

2:57
The Gross Origin of Slush Funds

The Gross Origin of Slush Funds

The naval history of off-the-books accounting

3:21
Put a Sock in It

Put a Sock in It

The mechanical origin of a rude command

3:25