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Get the Word! with Mike Butler

Get the Word! with Mike Butler

By Get the Word!

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe From the creator of The English Sessions comes Get the Word! An etymology podcast for word nerds. Join Mike as he picks apart words and phrases in English and lets you peek into his Fact Cabinet. More information and audio transcripts are available at https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/ If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: https://anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)
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Bon Voyage Mon Amour

Get the Word! with Mike ButlerSep 11, 2021

00:00
17:06
Often (AD FREE BONUS CONTENT FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Often (AD FREE BONUS CONTENT FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

This is a bonus episode for all of you subscribers out there! Thanks! It's an oldie but goodie, from when Get the Word! was part of The English Sessions. Learn about the interesting history of 'often' and how its pronunciation has been shaped over time! Full transcript here: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/2020/12/get-word-etymology-of-often.html

Dec 01, 202111:50
Nostalgia Is the Most Morrissey Impulse (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Nostalgia Is the Most Morrissey Impulse (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

This is a special episode. The word we'll be picking apart today is  'nostalgia'. But this isn't your typical Get the Word! episode. It's an  interview with the great Naomi Carmack of the Dope Nostalgia podcast. We  discuss the origin and history of the word 'nostalgia', as well as what  it means to us, and how it has shaped us and culture in general. We  also discuss the music artist Morrissey quite a bit, as that is the  tie-in to her podcast, Dope Nostalgia, about 90's music and culture.  Find links below to Naomi's podcast, as well as the version of the  interview on her end, which includes some Morrissey tunes. Sorry, there  is no audio transcript for this episode.

Links:

Dope Nostalgia

Interview

Show Notes

Nov 25, 202101:17:08
Nostalgia Is the Most Morrissey Impulse
Nov 25, 202101:18:56
Come Eat the Rich with Get the Word! (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Come Eat the Rich with Get the Word! (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Hey everyone! Mike here about to tell everyone to go eat the rich. Now before you go on assuming that this podcast has totally just gone off the rails and has turned into my soapbox for spewing my views on oligarchy within an ever growing destructive, unjust and immoral global system of capitalism, well… BEFORE you assume that, consider this: 


There is an interesting history to this phrase that dates all the way back to the French Revolution. It’s still an etymology episode.


But yes, I will admit, I’ve been thinking a lot about this phrase and inequality in recent weeks, after seeing headlines about billionaires launching their rockets in space for what amounts to little more than cosmic joyrides...

The full audio transcript is now available exclusively to Patreon supporters of The English Sessions: www.patreon.com/theenglishsessions or emailed to Anchor subscribers. Reach out if you'd like the full transcript: getthewordpodcast@gmail.com

Sep 18, 202114:44
Come Eat the Rich with Get the Word!
Sep 18, 202116:50
Bon Voyage Mon Amour (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Bon Voyage Mon Amour (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Bonjour fellow word nerds. It’s Mike. I apologize already to any of my French listeners. Bonjour and Bon Voyage will be pretty much the only French words I speak today. I also apologize for starting right off the bat with the most stereotypical French music I could find. In all reality, I love French culture, French films and I love the influence that French has had on the English language. 

In English we see many words that have derived from French throughout the centuries, of course, but we also sometimes use words and expressions when speaking English that are taken directly from French. Déjà vu comes to my mind right away. This term appears in English dictionaries, and is taken directly from French meaning ‘already seen’. Déjà vu comes to my mind right away. This term appears in English dictionaries, and is taken directly from French meaning ‘already seen’.

For the full audio transcript, head on over to the Patreon page for the English Sessions and become a member for only $1(USD) per month! www.patreon.com/theenglishsessions

Sep 11, 202115:00
Bon Voyage Mon Amour
Sep 11, 202117:06
Fate or Destiny? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Fate or Destiny? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Greetings nerds. It’s Mike, host of Get the Word! Don’t worry, I’m a nerd too so… I mean it as a term of endearment. I’ve always been a nerd. I guess it was just my fate. Or was it my destiny? Hmmm. In this episode we’ll dive into both words to figure out the best word to choose. 

In a recent session with a student of mine, I was asked the question: “What is the difference between fate and destiny?”. I didn’t have a good answer! I felt as dumb as a computer terminal with no independent processing capability. 

I felt as dumb as the contestants on the great trivia podcast Go Fact Yourself during their What’s the Difference round. Big thanks to Helen Hong and J. Keith van Straaten over at Go Fact Yourself for plugging Get the Word! in a recent episode. I paid them to, but either way much appreciated.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/2021/09/get-word-podcast-episode-fate-or-destiny.html

Sep 05, 202116:20
Fate or Destiny?
Sep 05, 202117:40
Another Skaturday Night (and I Ain't Got No Trilby) (SPOTIFY ONLY VERSION)
Sep 03, 202101:17:44
Homeopathic Not Home Remedy

Homeopathic Not Home Remedy

Greetings friends. This is Get the Word! with Mike Butler. An etymology podcast for word nerds. I am your host, Mike Butler. Today we’re talking about a word that’s often misused, and misunderstood. Homeopathy. I want to start off by saying that this term ‘homeopathy’ or ‘homeopathic’, which is its related adjective, is not just another way to say ’natural’ or ‘alternative’ medicine. It’s something very specific. Yes, it is a form of alternative medicine, but it is not itself a synonym for alternative medicine.
Today we’ll get into the history of how this term came to be, and of course we’ll pick apart the word syllable by syllable. We’ll also discuss homeopathy a bit to try to clear up any confusion around it.
Aug 28, 202116:34
Homeopathic Not Home Remedy (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Homeopathic Not Home Remedy (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Greetings friends. This is Get the Word! with Mike Butler. An etymology podcast for word nerds. I am your host, Mike Butler. Today we’re talking about a word that’s often misused, and misunderstood. Homeopathy. I want to start off by saying that this term ‘homeopathy’ or ‘homeopathic’, which is its related adjective, is not just another way to say ’natural’ or ‘alternative’ medicine. It’s something very specific. Yes, it is a form of alternative medicine, but it is not itself a synonym for alternative medicine.
Today we’ll get into the history of how this term came to be, and of course we’ll pick apart the word syllable by syllable. We’ll also discuss homeopathy a bit to try to clear up any confusion around it.
Aug 28, 202113:32
Gaslighting
Aug 22, 202120:00
Gaslighting (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Gaslighting (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Hi, everyone. It’s Mike. I’m going to talk today about the word gaslight. The term, as a verb, as an action, is no laughing matter, so I’m not going to joke around much in today’s episode. Gaslighting is very real and many have gone through it. Unfortunately, it’s often hard to know that it is happening to you. It is a form of manipulation through psychological means whereby the abuser convinces the victim into questioning their own sanity. Its motivation often centers around harmful and unethical power dynamics and is a means of controlling another human being.

Many have heard this term before, but did you know that the term comes from a popular work of fiction from not that long ago in the grand scheme of things?  An audio transcript of today's episode can be found on the website, at www.englishsessionswithmike.com

Aug 21, 202117:24
Grandfathered In (AD FREE BONUS EPISODE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Grandfathered In (AD FREE BONUS EPISODE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Hi everyone! Mike here. As a way to celebrate the launch of our subscriber page through Anchor, I'm throwing in a bonus episode of Get the Word! that has been a very popular one over on The English Sessions. Learn the sad and f***ed up history of the term 'Grandfathered In'! Make sure to go to https://anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe to sign up for ad free episodes, show your support of content creators (let's slowly create an ad free world!) and enjoy the occasional bonus episode like this one. Much love! - Mike

Aug 21, 202117:52
Good Podcast, Gumshoe
Aug 15, 202120:24
Good Podcast, Gumshoe (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Good Podcast, Gumshoe (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

It’s Mike. I was just gabbing recently about how I should probably start  covering words and phrases that are trending right now in popular  media. “What a great way to get the word out about Get the Word!”, I  thought to myself. People are already hearing a word or phrase being  used all the time right now, so they will be more interested in learning  about the origin and history of that word or phrase specifically. A  great idea indeed. It would be a great thing to do, sure...

Instead, I’m going to talk about a word that I never really hear anybody  say anymore. Gumshoe. Just as popular today as saying moving picture  for ‘movie’ or putting a hyphen between the words ‘to’ and ‘morrow’.

Audio transcript on the website, www.englishsessionswithmike.com

Aug 14, 202117:48
Two Ships that Pass in the Night
Aug 08, 202118:09
Two Ships that Pass in the Night (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Two Ships that Pass in the Night (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Ahoy there all my nerdy friends. It’s Mike. Fancy spotting you here in  the endless podcast sea. Today we’re talking about an idiom, or  idiomatic expression. What’s that? It’s a phrase with a meaning that is  not clear just looking at the individual words, or by its literal  meaning. My Two Cents was another episode about an idiomatic expression.  Today since we’re here floating on the waters of the sea of etymology, I  thought it would be appropriate to talk about the origin of the phrase  ‘ships passing in the night’.

Make sure to go over to the website. I have included a video from the National Park Service: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/2021/08/get-word-podcast-episode-two-ships-that.html

Aug 07, 202116:48
Feelin' Groovy with Get the Word!
Aug 01, 202118:01
Feelin' Groovy with Get the Word! (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Feelin' Groovy with Get the Word! (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Hi everyone, it’s Mike. Today we’re talking about a word that most would  argue is definitely past its peak popularity. Groovy. We’ll look at the  interesting origin of this word and also why we have seen a resurgence  in popularity of the word groovy over recent decades.

Let’s start with the definition. The most common uses of groovy are  standing in for words like excellent, enjoyable, exciting…. There are about a million synonyms for groovy, but I’ll narrow it down to just  some of my favorites: awesome; dynamite; cool; primo; radical; righteous; stellar. You get the idea...

Make sure to go to the website, ( www.englishsessionswithmike.com ) for some embedded videos of songs mentioned in the podcast today, and for the audio transcript, as always.

Jul 31, 202116:40
Have You Been ben the Ben of a But 'n' Ben?
Jul 24, 202110:34
Have You Been ben the Ben of a But 'n' Ben? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Have You Been ben the Ben of a But 'n' Ben? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus  content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe  (only $0.99 per month!)

Hello everyone. It’s Mike, your host of Get the Word! an etymology  podcast for word nerds. I’m also an ESL teacher. I guide people through  their journey of learning the English language. On a regular basis, I  end up being the one learning new words from my students. Today’s word  for our podcast episode is one of those words that I learned from a  student of mine. Ben.

Transcript: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/2021/07/get-word-podcast-episode-have-you-been.html

Jul 24, 202109:14
Are You a Nuisance with Your Two Cents?
Jul 17, 202124:13
Are You a Nuisance with Your Two Cents? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Are You a Nuisance with Your Two Cents? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)

Welcome  everyone to another episode of Get the Word! I am your host Mike  Butler. In a recent episode I used the phrase My Two Cents in a joke  about the four penny coffins mentioned in the hangover episode. It got  me thinkin’, how far back can I trace the use of this phrase, ‘my two  cents’? So that’s what we’re going to dive into today.

Let’s start with what it means. My Two Cents is a phrase that some  people say when they want to give their opinion on something, often when  it’s not asked for. Here, I’ll use it in a sentence: "I’m always  putting in my two cents, even though no one ever asks for my opinion".

Audio transcript at: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/

Jul 17, 202122:07
Another Skaturday Night (and I Ain't Got No Trilby)
Jul 11, 202119:53
Another Skaturday Night (and I Ain't Got No Trilby) (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Another Skaturday Night (and I Ain't Got No Trilby) (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)

Welcome to another episode of Get the Word! everyone. This one’s for all you skins and rudies out there. It’s about the origin of the word ‘ska’.

Ska is a type of music with a very danceable beat. Some of the distinctive elements of the ska rhythm are a walking bass line, an uptempo speed and a strong offbeat which you can hear in the background of this episode today.

Let’s get a little background first before we try to pinpoint who coined this term.

Before we begin our journey, I highly recommend that you head on over to the English Sessions website for the transcript of this episode, where I  will be sprinkling in many different video clips as we explore ska today: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/2021/07/get-word-podcast-episode-another.html

Jul 10, 202118:33
(Hopefully) Better than Lodging at the Twopenny Hangover

(Hopefully) Better than Lodging at the Twopenny Hangover

Hello everyone. It’s Mike, your host of Get the Word! It’s July 3rd and that means it’s a holiday weekend here in the United States, celebrating our independence from Britain. That’s not what I want to talk about today though. Rather I’m going to talk about the word ‘hangover’, in anticipation of a potential hangover this weekend from having a bit too much fun watching all the fireworks and cookin’ up some tofu wieners...

For the full transcript of this audio, please go to the English Sessions website: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/

Jul 03, 202114:40
(Hopefully) Better than Lodging at the Twopenny Hangover (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

(Hopefully) Better than Lodging at the Twopenny Hangover (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)

Hello everyone. It’s Mike, your host of Get the Word! It’s July 3rd and that means it’s a holiday weekend here in the United States, celebrating our  independence from Britain. That’s not what I want to talk about today  though. Rather I’m going to talk about the word ‘hangover’, in anticipation of a potential hangover this weekend from having a bit too much fun watching all the fireworks and cookin’ up some tofu wieners...

For the full transcript of this audio, please go to the English Sessions website: https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/

Jul 03, 202113:19
Opening up the Fact Cabinet with a Rooster Bar
Jun 27, 202115:57
Opening up the Fact Cabinet with a Rooster Bar (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Opening up the Fact Cabinet with a Rooster Bar (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)

This week we’re looking at the word ‘crow’. We’ll start with the word crow and its different meanings, and then talk about a few terms, phrases and other words in which we see crow appear. Words like crowbar. Terms like Jim Crow. We’ll discuss how the word ‘crow’ became associated with the Apsáaloke tribe and talk about the Crow language and the people who are keeping it alive.

An audio transcript of this episode can be found on https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/

Jun 26, 202114:37
Is That Resting Bitch Face or Are You Just Unhappy to See Me?
Jun 19, 202120:49
Is That Resting Bitch Face or Are You Just Unhappy to See Me? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

Is That Resting Bitch Face or Are You Just Unhappy to See Me? (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus  content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe  (only $0.99 per month!)

-- STRONG LANGUAGE WARNING --

Hello everyone it’s Mike, your host of Get the Word! an etymology podcast for word nerds. This week I couldn’t stop reflecting on a phrase we talked about last week in our episode on antidisestablishmentarianism. It’s the phrase Resting Bitch Face...

Go to https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/ for an audio transcript of this episode.

Jun 19, 202119:29
That Time I Spray-painted Antidisestablishmentarianism on the Side of My Van
Jun 12, 202121:19
That Time I Spray-painted Antidisestablishmentarianism on the Side of My Van (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

That Time I Spray-painted Antidisestablishmentarianism on the Side of My Van (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)

Welcome everyone. I’m your host and fellow word nerd, Mike Butler. This week’s episode features a word often included in lists of the longest words in English. Antidisestablishmentarianism...

Audio transcript on the website, https://www.englishsessionswithmike.com/

Jun 12, 202119:13
A Perfectly Cromulent Podcast Launch
Jun 05, 202117:22
A Perfectly Cromulent Podcast Launch (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

A Perfectly Cromulent Podcast Launch (AD FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS)

If you are interested in ad-free episodes as well as occasional bonus content, you can show your love by subscribing to the podcast here: anchor.fm/get-the-word/subscribe (only $0.99 per month!)

Welcome to the first episode of Get the Word! An etymology podcast for word nerds. We’ll talk about the history and origin of words in English. If you’re coming over from The English Sessions, well, then I’ll give you even bigger welcome, loyal listener. The English Sessions is the podcast I’ve been doing for a while now, for English learners, and is where Get the Word! was first conceived.

I decided to make Get the Word! its own podcast, since I started to realize I was making content more for native English speakers with these etymology episodes, which seemed to warrant its own feed. Don’t worry though, for those of you who are English learners, there will still be transcripts of the episodes on the website. Look for details in the show notes.

… and I wanted to start off with a fun one, focusing on a word that perhaps you’ve never heard before. Cromulent.

SHOW NOTES @ www.englishsessionswithmike.com

Jun 05, 202116:01
Get the Word! Trailer
May 30, 202101:10